Vertigo treatment in Femme Osage, MO. Vertigo goes beyond simply experiencing dizziness; living with symptoms that are largely “in your head” can be even more frustrating as others aren’t able to see the outward signs of an injury. At Axes Physical Therapy in Femme Osage, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment targets root causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Femme Osage, MO therapists work with you and your doctor to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To help you regain balance and resume the activities you love, without the constraints of vertigo.
Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Femme Osage, MO because of a years-long condition or if symptoms arose suddenly, you can trust in Axes. Reach out to the closest Axes location, contact us online, or request an appointment to initiate your path to recovery today.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is often described as a spinning sensation, where either you feel like you’re moving when you’re not, 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 commonly a symptom of various ailments affecting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain that processes sensory information crucial for maintaining balance and eye movements. Listed are a few of the most frequent causes of vertigo:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo and occurs when small calcium particles (canaliths) clump up in canals of the inner ear. The inner ear communicates to the brain about how we’re positioned and where we’re moving. BPPV disrupts these signals, causing dizziness and a spinning sensation.
- Meniere’s Disease: This disorder of the inner ear may result in dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In Meniere’s disease, a buildup of fluid in the inner ear results in pressure changes, affecting balance and hearing.
- Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition entails swelling 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 problems with balance.
- Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people who suffer from migraines suffer from 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: Trauma to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may appear soon after or long following the injury.
- Other Causes: More rarely, vertigo can be a symptom of a more serious neurological problem (such as a stroke or brain tumor), certain medications that affect the inner ear, or the wear and tear of inner ear structures due to age.
Understanding the cause of vertigo is an essential step in managing the condition, as it allows our Femme Osage, MO physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions that directly address the root cause of imbalance. With a focus on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more effective and lasting relief from their symptoms.
Symptoms of Vertigo
Vertigo can also present several additional symptoms beyond dizziness, varying greatly in severity from one individual to another. Common other symptoms include:
- Nausea or Vomiting: The confusing sensations of vertigo commonly result in nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
- Balance Problems: Difficulty in keeping balance, increasing the risk of falls, especially in elderly individuals.
- Tinnitus: Ringing or additional noises in one or both ears, which may occur alongside vertigo episodes.
- Hearing Loss: In cases related to Meniere’s disease or other inner ear problems, hearing loss can be a symptom.
- Sweating: An episode of vertigo might trigger sudden sweating, not related to physical exertion or temperature.
- Nystagmus: Unusual or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may unintentionally drift and then correct themselves.
- Sensitivity to Motion: Problems with changes in position, such as rapid changes in posture, which can intensify vertigo symptoms.
Diagnosis of Vertigo
Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Femme Osage, MO. It often involves a comprehensive examination, which often includes hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Femme Osage, MO physical therapists, specialized in vestibular rehabilitation, play a significant role in diagnosing vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor customized treatment plans for you, in tandem with your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Femme Osage, MO and throughout Missouri to seek physical therapy without a prescription, you can visit Axes for a free injury screening for your initial diagnosis and treatment.
Femme Osage, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment
Therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Femme Osage, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Several vertigo treatment techniques help repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Femme Osage, MO physical therapists will develop a unique treatment plan for your particular situation. That might involve 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 Femme Osage, MO may include:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized treatment modality aimed at alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of customized exercises intended to retrain the brain to recognize and process signals from the vestibular system more effectively. Exercises include:
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are designed to improve vision and the capability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. One such exercise is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you fix your gaze on a small target at eye level. As you hold your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly rotate your head from side to side or up and down. This helps conditioning your brain to maintain focus on an object despite movements.
- Balance Training: Balance training exercises are crucial for people with vertigo, as they aid in enhancing steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. These exercises may start with simple activities like balancing on a single leg 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 due to self-motion or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve repeated exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, with the goal of reducing the sensitivity to these triggers over time. An example is moving the head from side to side at a steady speed for a set number of repetitions.
- Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a gentle method that seeks to move the misplaced crystals inside the inner ear to their original position, thereby relieving vertigo associated with this condition. This maneuver entails precise head positions under the guidance of a specialist, designed to shift these crystals and provide relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.
For effective and safe vertigo treatment, it’s best to meet with our Femme Osage, MO physical therapists initially, who can show you what exercises are safe for you to do at home.
Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Femme Osage, MO
Selecting the right provider is crucial when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy stands out as a top choice for Femme Osage, MO individuals suffering from vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:
- Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of expert Femme Osage, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team comprehends the nuances of vertigo and are dedicated to providing individualized care designed for your specific needs and conditions.
- Comprehensive Care: From the initial assessment to the creation of a personalized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Femme Osage, MO. Our team uses a range of therapeutic techniques designed to reducing symptoms, improving balance, restoring normal function, getting you back to the activities you love, and making you feel great in your daily life.
- Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Femme Osage, MO patients are the center of everything they do. Acknowledging the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we strive to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, appreciated, and cared for.
- Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Femme Osage, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is within reach for those in need.
For anyone struggling with vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems, contacting Axes Physical Therapy can be a significant step toward recovery.
Other services we offer in Femme Osage, MO include:
- Geriatric Physical Therapy
- Injury Rehabilitation
- Pain Management Services
- TMJ Treatment
- Herniated Disc Treatment
- Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
- Running Injury
- MCL Tear
- ACL Rehabilitation
- Functional Capacity Evaluation
Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Femme Osage, MO Physical Therapy
Vertigo can significantly impact your quality of life, keeping you from doing the things you love most, and even making simple tasks like standing up from a chair seem daunting. 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 confidence.
If you’re experiencing vertigo or related symptoms, remember that you’re not alone. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to learn more about how their vestibular therapy services can assist you in managing the complexities of vertigo and return to living a balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.