Vertigo treatment in Glen Carbon, IL. Vertigo goes beyond a brief moment of 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 Glen Carbon, IL, 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 Glen Carbon, IL physical and occupational 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, free from vertigo.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Glen Carbon, IL because of a years-long condition or if symptoms arose suddenly, Axes is here to help. Call the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment to start getting your best you back today.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is often described as a spinning sensation, 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. Those who have experienced vertigo can attest it’s much worse than just light-headedness. It’s a specific kind of dizziness that’s typically triggered 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 conditions influencing the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain involved in processing information about our position in the world around us. Below are a few of the most common causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is the foremost 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 how we’re positioned and where we’re moving. BPPV alters these signals, causing dizziness and a spinning sensation.
• 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 leads to pressure changes, impacting hearing and balance.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder involves inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain. Such swelling disrupts the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, leading to vertigo and issues with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people who suffer from migraines suffer from episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even without having a severe headache. These episodes can influence balance and cause motion sickness.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Trauma to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may develop shortly or long after the injury.
• Other Causes: More rarely, vertigo can be a symptom of a more serious condition affecting the brain (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.

Identifying the cause of vertigo is a crucial step in managing the condition, as it allows our Glen Carbon, IL physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions aimed specifically at the root cause of what’s affecting you. With a focus on the underlying cause, patients can experience more lasting and profound relief from their symptoms.

Symptoms of Vertigo

This condition can also present several other symptoms besides dizziness, varying greatly in severity from person to person. Common other symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The disorienting sensations of vertigo often lead to nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Difficulty in maintaining balance, heightening the chances for falls, particularly in elderly people.
• Tinnitus: Humming or additional noises in one or both ears, which may occur concurrently with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In instances associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear issues, hearing loss is often a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo may cause sudden sweating, unrelated to physical exertion or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Abnormal or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might unintentionally drift and then adjust themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Problems with motion, such as rapid changes in posture, which can intensify vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Glen Carbon, IL. It usually involves a thorough examination, which often includes hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Glen Carbon, IL physical therapists, expert in vestibular rehabilitation, play a significant role in diagnosing vertigo. We’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 Glen Carbon, IL 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.

Glen Carbon, IL Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Glen Carbon, IL, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Several vertigo treatment techniques aid in repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Glen Carbon, IL physical therapists will develop a unique treatment plan for your particular circumstances. That could encompass 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 Glen Carbon, IL may include:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized treatment method designed to alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of personalized exercises aimed to retrain the brain to recognize and process signals from the vestibular system more efficiently. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are intended to 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 fix your gaze on a small target at eye level. As you keep your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly move your head from side to side or up and down. This helps training your brain to maintain focus on an object even with movements.
  • Balance Training: Exercises focused on balance training play a vital role for people with vertigo, as they aid in enhancing steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. These exercises often begin with simple activities like balancing on a single leg or taking heel-to-toe steps and advance to more complex tasks that involve moving while turning the head or on uneven surfaces.
  • Habituation Exercises: Exercises for habituation are intended for those who experience dizziness from their own movement or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve repeated exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, with the objective of diminishing the brain’s sensitivity of these triggers over time. An example is 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 procedure that seeks to move the dislodged crystals within the inner ear to their correct location, thereby relieving the dizzy spells associated with this disorder. This maneuver entails precise head movements with the guidance of a professional, aiming to relocate these crystals and offer relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

For effective and safe vertigo treatment, it’s best to consult our Glen Carbon, IL physical therapists first, who can show you what exercises are appropriate to do at home.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Glen Carbon, IL

Selecting the right provider is essential when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy is a premier choice for Glen Carbon, IL individuals suffering from vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of expert Glen Carbon, IL physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. We understand the complexities of vertigo and are dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your specific 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 Glen Carbon, IL. We employ a variety of therapeutic techniques designed to reducing symptoms, improving balance, restoring normal function, getting you back to the things you enjoy doing most, and having you feeling great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Glen Carbon, IL 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 Glen Carbon, IL, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is accessible for those in need.

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

Other services we offer in Glen Carbon, IL include:

• 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
• Hip Replacement Physical Therapy

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Glen Carbon, IL 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 experts like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a vital role in treating vertigo by tackling the underlying issues and helping patients regain their balance and self-assuredness.

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.