Vertigo treatment in Herculaneum, MO. The condition known as vertigo is more than just simply experiencing dizziness; it’s complex and can cause you to lose your sense of being in the world, severely impacting your daily life. At Axes Physical Therapy in Herculaneum, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment goes beyond temporary fixes. We attack root causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Herculaneum, 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, free from vertigo.
Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Herculaneum, MO 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 begin the journey to reclaim your best self 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 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 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 a symptom of various ailments influencing the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain that manages sensory information essential for controlling balance and eye movements. Listed 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 sends signals 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 can lead to dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In Meniere’s disease, fluid accumulation in the inner ear causes pressure changes, impacting hearing and balance.
- Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder involves swelling of the inner ear or the nerves that send signals from the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation disrupts the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain, causing vertigo and problems with balance.
- Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people who suffer from migraines undergo episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even when they’re not having a severe headache. These episodes can influence balance and cause motion sickness.
- Head or Neck Injuries: Injuries to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may manifest soon after or long following 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.
Understanding the cause of vertigo is a pivotal step in managing the condition, as it allows our Herculaneum, MO physical and occupational therapists to personalize interventions that directly address the specific source of imbalance. By focusing 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, differing widely in severity from person to person. Common additional symptoms include:
- Nausea or Vomiting: The confusing sensations of vertigo commonly result in nausea and, in serious cases, vomiting.
- Balance Problems: Difficulty in keeping balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, particularly in elderly people.
- Tinnitus: Ringing 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 can be a symptom.
- Sweating: An episode of vertigo can lead to sudden sweating, not related to your activity level or temperature.
- Nystagmus: Unusual or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may unintentionally drift and then correct themselves.
- Sensitivity to Motion: Difficulty with motion, such as standing up quickly, which can intensify vertigo symptoms.
Diagnosis of Vertigo
Diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Herculaneum, MO. It often involves a comprehensive examination, which can involve hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Herculaneum, MO physical therapists, expert in vestibular rehabilitation, are trained to diagnose vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor specific treatment plans for you, together with your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Herculaneum, 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.
Herculaneum, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment
Therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Herculaneum, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. Various vertigo treatment techniques aid in repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Herculaneum, MO physical therapists will develop a unique treatment plan for your unique 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 Herculaneum, MO could involve:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized form of therapy aimed at alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of customized exercises intended to retrain the brain to interpret and process signals from the vestibular system more efficiently. Exercises include:
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are aimed at improve vision and the ability 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 aids in conditioning your brain to maintain focus on an object regardless of movements.
- Balance Training: Exercises focused on balance training are crucial for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in improving steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. These exercises may start with simple tasks like balancing on a single leg or walking heel-to-toe and advance to more complex tasks that involve walking with head movements or on uneven surfaces.
- Habituation Exercises: Habituation exercises are intended for those who suffer from dizziness from self-motion or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve continuous exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that induce 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): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a gentle method that aims to reposition the dislodged crystals within the inner ear back to their correct location, thus alleviating the dizzy spells associated with this disorder. It involves precise head positions under the guidance of a specialist, designed to shift these crystals and offer relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.
For safe and effective vertigo treatment, it’s best to consult our Herculaneum, MO physical therapists first, who can teach you what exercises are safe for you to do at home.
Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Herculaneum, MO
Choosing the right provider is crucial when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy is a top choice for Herculaneum, MO people suffering from vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:
- Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of skilled Herculaneum, 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 are dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your specific needs and conditions.
- Comprehensive Care: From the initial assessment to the development of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in Herculaneum, MO. We employ a range of therapeutic techniques designed to reducing symptoms, enhancing balance, restoring normal function, getting you back to the things you enjoy doing most, and making you feel great in your daily life.
- Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Herculaneum, MO patients are at the heart of everything they do. Recognizing the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we strive to create a supportive environment where patients feel understood, appreciated, and cared for.
- Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Herculaneum, 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 significant step toward recovery.
Other services we offer in Herculaneum, 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 | Herculaneum, 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 walking up the stairs feel challenging. 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 regain their balance and confidence.
If you’re experiencing 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.