Vertigo treatment in Festus, MO. Vertigo is more than just simply experiencing dizziness; living with symptoms that are largely “in your head” can be particularly challenging as others aren’t able to see the outward signs of an injury. At Axes Physical Therapy in Festus, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment targets the underlying causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Festus, MO physical and occupational therapists work with you and your doctor 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.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Festus, MO because of a years-long condition or if symptoms arose suddenly, you can trust in Axes. Call the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment to initiate your path to recovery today.

What Is Vertigo?

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 environment around you is moving. Anyone who’s suffered from vertigo will tell you it’s much more than just being light-headed. 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 affecting the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain that processes information about our position in the world around us. Here are several of the most typical 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 transmits information to the brain about how we’re positioned and where we’re moving. BPPV interferes with these signals, causing vertigo.
• Meniere’s Disease: This condition of the inner ear often causes dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In Meniere’s disease, fluid accumulation in the inner ear results in pressure changes, impacting hearing and balance.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition involves inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain. Such swelling obstructs the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain, causing vertigo and issues with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people with migraines experience episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even in the absence of an actual migraine. These episodes can impact balance and cause motion sickness.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Trauma to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may manifest immediately or sometime after the injury.
• Other Causes: In fewer cases, 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 crucial step in treatment, as it enables our Festus, MO physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions aimed specifically at the specific source of what’s affecting you. Concentrating on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more effective and lasting relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

Vertigo can also come with several other symptoms besides dizziness, varying greatly in severity from one individual to another. Common other symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The disorienting sensations of vertigo frequently cause nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Trouble in achieving balance, heightening the chances for falls, particularly in elderly individuals.
• Tinnitus: Humming or additional noises in one or both ears, which can occur alongside vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In cases associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear problems, hearing loss may be a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo can lead to sudden sweating, unrelated to your activity level or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Unusual or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may unintentionally drift and then adjust themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Problems with changes in position, such as rapid changes in posture, which can worsen vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting a professional diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Festus, MO. It typically involves a comprehensive examination, which can involve hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Festus, MO physical therapists, specialized in vestibular rehabilitation, are trained to diagnose vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor customized treatment plans for you, together with your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Festus, MO and throughout Missouri to seek physical therapy without a prescription, you can come to Axes for a free injury screening for your initial diagnosis and treatment.

Festus, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Festus, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. A number of vertigo treatment techniques help directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Festus, MO physical therapists will develop a unique treatment plan for your unique disorder. 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 Festus, MO may include:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a targeted treatment modality designed to alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of customized exercises designed to retrain the brain to process and recognize signals from the vestibular system more efficiently. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are aimed at improve vision and the capability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. An example is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you concentrate on a small target at eye level. As you hold your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly move your head from side to side or up and down. This helps teaching 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 improving steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. These exercises may start with simple tasks like standing on one foot or walking heel-to-toe and advance 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 self-motion or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve continuous 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 specified number of repetitions.
• The Canalith Repositioning Technique (Epley Maneuver): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a safe procedure that aims to move the dislodged crystals within the inner ear to their original location, thus alleviating the dizzy spells associated with this condition. It entails specific head positions with the guidance of a specialist, designed to relocate these crystals and provide relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

For safe and effective vertigo treatment, it’s best to meet with our Festus, MO physical therapists first, who can show you what exercises are safe for you to do at home.

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

Selecting the right provider is essential when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy stands out as a premier choice for Festus, MO people experiencing vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of expert Festus, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. We understand the nuances of vertigo and are dedicated to providing individualized care designed for your specific needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: Starting with your first evaluation to the development of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Festus, MO. We employ a range of therapeutic techniques aimed at reducing symptoms, enhancing balance, reestablishing 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 Festus, MO patients are at the heart of everything we do. Recognizing the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we strive to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, valued, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Festus, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is accessible for those in need.

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 Festus, MO include:

• Neck Pain Treatment
• Physical Therapy Clinic
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
• Sciatica Treatment
• Sports Medicine
• Hand Pain Physical Therapy
• Foot & Ankle Pain Treatment
• Hip Pain Treatment
• Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
• Stroke Rehabilitation

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Festus, 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 seem daunting. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by experts like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a vital role in treating vertigo by tackling the underlying issues and helping patients restore their balance and self-assuredness.

If you’re suffering from 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 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.