Vertigo treatment in High Ridge, 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, heavily affecting your daily life. At Axes Physical Therapy in High Ridge, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment goes beyond temporary fixes. We attack the underlying causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of High Ridge, MO 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, without the constraints of vertigo.

If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in High Ridge, MO, regardless of whether your condition has been ongoing for years or if it’s a recent development, 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.

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 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 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 disorders affecting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain that manages sensory information crucial for controlling balance and eye movements. Here are some 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) 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 disrupts these signals, causing dizziness and a spinning sensation.
• Meniere’s Disease: This disorder of the inner ear often causes 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 involves inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves linking the inner ear to the brain. Such swelling disrupts the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, resulting in vertigo and problems 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 affect balance and cause nausea.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Injuries 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 the wear and tear of inner ear structures due to age.

Recognizing the cause of vertigo is a crucial step in treatment, as it allows our High Ridge, MO physical and occupational therapists to personalize interventions aimed specifically at the specific source of imbalance. Concentrating on the underlying cause, patients can realize more effective and lasting relief from their symptoms.

Symptoms of Vertigo

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

• Nausea or Vomiting: The unsettling sensations of vertigo frequently cause nausea and, in serious cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Difficulty in maintaining balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, especially in elderly individuals.
• Tinnitus: Humming or additional noises in one or both ears, which can occur simultaneously with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In instances associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear conditions, hearing loss is often a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo may cause sudden sweating, independent of your activity level or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Irregular or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may drift without control and then adjust themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Difficulty with changes in position, such as standing up quickly, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in High Ridge, MO. It often involves a thorough examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our High Ridge, MO physical therapists, specialized in vestibular rehabilitation, are trained to diagnose 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 High Ridge, MO and throughout Missouri to seek physical therapy without a prescription, you can visit Axes for a free injury screening for your initial diagnosis and treatment.

High Ridge, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in High Ridge, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. A number of vertigo treatment techniques help repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our High Ridge, MO physical therapists will develop a customized treatment plan for your particular circumstances. 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 High Ridge, MO may include:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a focused treatment method intended to alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of customized exercises aimed to retrain the brain to process and recognize signals from the vestibular system more effectively. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are aimed at better vision and the ability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. A common technique is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you concentrate on a small target at eye level. As you keep your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly rotate 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 are crucial for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in improving steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. Such activities may start with simple tasks 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 suffer from dizziness from their own movement or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve repeated exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, with the goal of diminishing the brain’s sensitivity to these triggers over time. An example is moving the head from side to side at a steady speed for a set 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 reposition the misplaced crystals inside the inner ear to where they’re supposed to be, thereby relieving vertigo that are characteristic of this condition. This maneuver entails specific head positions under the guidance of a specialist, aiming to relocate these crystals and provide relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.

For effective and safe vertigo treatment, it’s best to consult our High Ridge, MO physical therapists initially, who can teach you what exercises are appropriate to do at home.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in High Ridge, MO

Selecting the right provider is crucial when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy stands out as a premier choice for High Ridge, MO individuals suffering from vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of expert High Ridge, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team of occupational and physical therapists understands the complexities of vertigo and commit to providing personalized 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 High Ridge, MO. We employ a range of therapeutic techniques designed to alleviating symptoms, improving balance, restoring normal function, returning you to the things you enjoy doing most, and making you feel great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our High Ridge, MO patients are at the heart of everything we do. Acknowledging the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we aim to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, appreciated, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around High Ridge, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is accessible for anyone seeking help.

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

Other services we offer in High Ridge, MO include:

• 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 | High Ridge, 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 specialized providers like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a vital 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 harmonious and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.