Vertigo Treatment in Farmington, MO | Vestibular Therapy | Physical Therapy for Vertigo Near Farmington

Vertigo treatment in Farmington, MO. Vertigo is more than just a brief moment of dizziness; it’s a complex condition that can make you lose your sense of being in the world, heavily affecting your daily life. At Axes Physical Therapy in Farmington, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment extends beyond temporary fixes. We target root causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Farmington, MO physical and occupational therapists collaborate with your healthcare provider to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To assist you in regaining balance and return to the activities you love, free from vertigo.

If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in Farmington, MO, regardless of whether your condition has been ongoing for years or if it’s a recent development, you can trust in Axes. Call the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment to start getting your best you back today.

Vertigo: Causes, Symptoms, & Diagnosis

Vertigo typically presents as a sensation of spinning, where you might feel as though you’re moving when in fact you’re stationary, or it seems like the world around you is moving. Those who have experienced vertigo can attest it’s much worse than just light-headedness. It’s a specific kind of dizziness often induced by changes in the position of your head, inner ear problems, stroke, a brain tumor, or other conditions affecting the brain.

What Causes Vertigo?

Vertigo is often associated with various disorders impacting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain involved in processing sensory information vital for maintaining balance and eye movements. Below are a few of the most typical causes of vertigo:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is a primary cause of vertigo and occurs when small calcium particles (canaliths) move into the wrong position in the inner ear. The inner ear transmits information to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. BPPV interferes with these signals, causing vertigo.
Meniere’s Disease: This disorder of the inner ear can lead to dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In Meniere’s disease, fluid accumulation in the inner ear causes pressure changes, affecting hearing and balance.
Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder involves inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves that send signals from the inner ear to the brain. Such swelling interferes with the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, resulting in vertigo and issues with balance.
Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people with migraines undergo episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even in the absence of an actual migraine. These episodes can affect balance and cause motion sickness.
Head or Neck Injuries: Injuries to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may develop immediately or sometime after the injury.
Other Causes: Less commonly, vertigo can be a symptom of a more serious condition affecting the brain (such as a stroke or brain tumor), certain medications that cause ear damage, or the wear and tear of inner ear structures due to age.

Recognizing the cause of vertigo is a pivotal step in managing the condition, as it allows our Farmington, MO physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions that directly address the root cause of what’s affecting you. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more lasting and profound relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Treatment in Farmington, MO | Vestibular Therapy | Physical Therapy for Vertigo Near Farmington

Vertigo Symptoms

Vertigo can also come with several other symptoms beyond dizziness, differing widely in severity from one individual to another. Common additional symptoms include:

Nausea or Vomiting: The disorienting sensations of vertigo frequently cause nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
Balance Problems: Difficulty in achieving balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, particularly in elderly people.
Tinnitus: Ringing or additional noises in one or both ears, which can occur concurrently with vertigo episodes.
Hearing Loss: In cases related to Meniere’s disease or other inner ear issues, hearing loss may be a symptom.
Sweating: An episode of vertigo can lead to sudden sweating, unrelated to physical exertion or temperature.
Nystagmus: Unusual or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might drift without control and then realign themselves.
Sensitivity to Motion: Problems with changes in position, such as rapid changes in posture, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Farmington, MO. It typically involves a comprehensive examination, which can involve hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Farmington, MO physical therapists, skilled in vestibular rehabilitation, have years of experience diagnosing vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor personalized treatment plans for you, in tandem with your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Farmington, MO and throughout Missouri to seek physical therapy without a prescription, you can approach Axes for a free injury screening for your initial diagnosis and treatment.

Farmington, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Farmington, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Various vertigo treatment techniques help repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Farmington, MO physical therapists will develop a personalized treatment plan for your unique situation. That may include the treatment of acute conditions such as BPPV, as well as ongoing management of chronic conditions such as dizziness, imbalance, and vestibular hypofunction.

Your vertigo treatment plan in Farmington, MO could involve:

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized form of therapy designed to alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of personalized exercises intended to retrain the brain to interpret and process signals from the vestibular system more effectively. Exercises include:
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are intended to enhance vision and the capability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. An example is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you fix your gaze on a small target at eye level. As you keep your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly rotate your head from side to side or up and down. This aids in teaching your brain to maintain focus on an object even with movements.
- Balance Training: Balance training exercises play a vital role for people with vertigo, as they help improving steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. These exercises often begin with simple tasks like standing on one foot or walking heel-to-toe and progress to more complex tasks that involve moving while turning the head or on uneven surfaces.
- Habituation Exercises: Exercises for habituation are meant for those who experience dizziness from their own movement or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve continuous exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the goal of reducing the sensitivity to these triggers over time. For instance, moving the head from side to side at a controlled speed for a specified number of repetitions.
Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a safe method that seeks to move the dislodged crystals within the inner ear back to their original position, thus alleviating the dizzy spells associated with this disorder. This maneuver involves specific head positions with the guidance of a specialist, designed to shift these crystals and offer relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.

For safe and effective vertigo treatment, it’s most advisable to consult our Farmington, MO physical therapists initially, who can teach you what exercises are safe for you to do at home.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Farmington, MO

Selecting the right provider is essential when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy is a top choice for Farmington, MO people suffering from vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:

Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of expert Farmington, MO physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team of occupational and physical therapists understands the nuances of vertigo and commit to providing individualized care designed for your particular needs and conditions.
Comprehensive Care: Starting with your first evaluation to the creation of a personalized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Farmington, MO. Our team uses a variety of therapeutic techniques aimed at reducing symptoms, enhancing balance, restoring normal function, returning you to the activities you love, and making you feel great in your daily life.
Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Farmington, MO patients are the center of everything we do. Acknowledging the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we strive to create a caring environment where patients feel heard, valued, and supported.
Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Farmington, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is within reach for anyone seeking help.

For anyone struggling with vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems, reaching out to Axes Physical Therapy can be a crucial step toward recovery.

Other services we offer in Farmington, MO include:

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Farmington, MO Physical Therapy

Vertigo can drastically affect your quality of life, keeping you from doing the things you love most, and even making simple tasks like turning around feel challenging. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by specialized providers like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a crucial role in treating vertigo by addressing the root causes and helping patients restore their balance and self-assuredness.

If you’re suffering from vertigo or related symptoms, remember that you’re not alone. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy today to learn more about how their vestibular therapy services can help you navigate the complexities of vertigo and get back to living a harmonious and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.