Vertigo treatment in Hazelwood, MO. Vertigo is more than just 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 Hazelwood, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment extends beyond temporary fixes. We target the underlying causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, 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 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 usually associated with various ailments affecting the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain responsible for managing information about our position in the world around us. Listed are several of the most common causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo and occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) clump up in canals of the inner ear. The inner ear communicates to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. BPPV alters these signals, causing vertigo.
• 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 leads to pressure changes, affecting hearing and balance.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition entails inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves linking the inner ear to the brain. Such swelling disrupts the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain, causing vertigo and issues with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people who suffer from migraines experience episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even in the absence of an actual migraine. These episodes can influence 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 affect the inner ear, or age-related degeneration of the inner ear structures.

Identifying the cause of vertigo is a pivotal step in managing the condition, as it enables our Hazelwood, MO physical and occupational therapists to personalize interventions aimed specifically at the underlying issue of what’s affecting you. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more profound and durable relief from their symptoms.

Symptoms of Vertigo

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

• Nausea or Vomiting: The confusing 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 persons.
• Tinnitus: Ringing or additional noises in one or both ears, which may occur simultaneously with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In instances related to Meniere’s disease or other inner ear conditions, hearing loss may be 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 drift without control and then realign themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Challenges with changes in position, such as quick movements, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Hazelwood, MO. It typically involves a thorough examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Hazelwood, MO physical therapists, specialized in vestibular therapy, have years of experience diagnosing vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor customized treatment plans for you, together with your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Hazelwood, 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.

Hazelwood, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Hazelwood, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. Various vertigo treatment techniques help repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Hazelwood, MO physical therapists will develop a personalized treatment plan for your specific disorder. 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 Hazelwood, MO could involve:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a focused treatment method aimed at alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of customized 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 designed to enhance 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 keep 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 regardless of movements.
  • Balance Training: Balance training exercises play a vital role for people with vertigo, as they aid in improving steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. These exercises often begin 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: Habituation exercises are intended for those who suffer from dizziness due to self-motion or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve repeated exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the objective of diminishing the 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.
• The Canalith Repositioning Technique (Epley Maneuver): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a gentle method that aims to move the misplaced crystals inside the inner ear back to where they’re supposed to be, thereby relieving the dizzy spells that are characteristic of this condition. This maneuver entails precise head movements with the guidance of a professional, aiming to shift these crystals and offer relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

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

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

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of skilled Hazelwood, MO physical therapists with specializations 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 customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Hazelwood, MO. Our team uses a variety of therapeutic techniques designed to reducing symptoms, improving balance, reestablishing normal function, returning you to the activities you love, and having you feeling great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Hazelwood, MO patients are at the heart of everything they do. Acknowledging the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we strive to create a supportive environment where patients feel understood, valued, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Hazelwood, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is accessible for those in need.

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

Other services we offer in Hazelwood, 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 | Hazelwood, 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 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 regain 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 help you navigate the complexities of vertigo and return to living a balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.