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

Vertigo treatment in Glendale, MO. The condition known as vertigo goes beyond 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 Glendale, 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 Glendale, MO therapists work with you and your doctor to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To help you regain balance and return to the activities you love, without the constraints of vertigo.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Glendale, MO because of a years-long condition or if symptoms arose suddenly, Axes is here to help. Reach out to the closest Axes location, contact us online, or request an appointment to begin the journey to reclaim your best self today.

Vertigo: Causes, Symptoms, & Diagnosis

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. 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 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 commonly associated with various conditions impacting the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain involved in managing information about our position in the world around us. Below are several 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) 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 vertigo.
Meniere’s Disease: This condition of the inner ear can lead to dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In Meniere’s disease, a buildup of fluid in the inner ear results in pressure changes, impacting balance and hearing.
Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder entails inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation obstructs the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain, leading to 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 when they’re not having a severe headache. These episodes can affect 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 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.

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

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

Vertigo Symptoms

Vertigo can also be accompanied by several additional symptoms besides dizziness, varying greatly in severity from person to person. Common additional symptoms include:

Nausea or Vomiting: The confusing sensations of vertigo often lead to nausea and, in extreme cases, vomiting.
Balance Problems: Challenges in achieving balance, heightening the chances for falls, particularly in elderly persons.
Tinnitus: Humming or additional noises in either ears, which can occur concurrently with vertigo episodes.
Hearing Loss: In instances 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: Irregular or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might unintentionally drift and then correct themselves.
Sensitivity to Motion: Challenges with motion, such as rapid changes in posture, which can worsen vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Glendale, MO. It often involves a thorough examination, which often includes hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Glendale, MO physical therapists, expert in vestibular therapy, are trained to diagnose vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor specific treatment plans for you, alongside your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Glendale, 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.

Glendale, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Glendale, 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 Glendale, MO physical therapists will develop a unique treatment plan for your particular disorder. 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 Glendale, MO could involve:

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized form of therapy intended 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 interpret and process signals from the vestibular system more effectively. Exercises include:
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are intended to better vision and the capability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. An example is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you focus on a small target at eye level. As you maintain your focus fixed on the target, you slowly turn your head from side to side or up and down. This aids in training your brain to maintain focus on an object despite 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. Such activities may start with simple activities like balancing on a single leg or walking heel-to-toe and progress to more complex tasks that involve walking with head movements or on uneven surfaces.
- Habituation Exercises: Habituation exercises are intended for those who experience dizziness from self-motion or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve repeated exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the goal of diminishing the sensitivity to these triggers over time. An example is moving the head from side to side at a controlled speed for a set number of repetitions.
Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a safe procedure that seeks to move the dislodged crystals inside the inner ear back to their correct location, thus alleviating vertigo associated with this disorder. This maneuver involves precise head positions under the guidance of a professional, designed to shift these crystals and provide relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

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

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

Choosing the right provider is crucial when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy is a top choice for Glendale, MO individuals experiencing vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:

Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of expert Glendale, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team comprehends the complexities of vertigo and commit to providing individualized care tailored to your particular needs and conditions.
Comprehensive Care: Starting with your first evaluation to the creation of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in Glendale, MO. We employ a range of therapeutic techniques aimed at alleviating 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 Glendale, MO patients are the center of everything they do. Recognizing the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we aim to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, valued, and cared for.
Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Glendale, 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 Glendale, MO include:

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Glendale, 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 specialized providers like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a crucial role in treating vertigo by tackling the underlying issues and helping patients regain 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 assist you in managing the complexities of vertigo and get back to living a balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.

Glendale, MO