Vertigo treatment in Hillsboro, MO. The condition known as vertigo goes beyond a brief moment of 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 Hillsboro, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment targets root causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Hillsboro, 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, free from vertigo.

If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in Hillsboro, MO, regardless of whether your condition has been ongoing for years or if it’s a recent development, 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 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 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 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 a symptom of various conditions influencing the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain involved in managing information about our position in the world around us. Below are some of the most frequent 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 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 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 balance and hearing.
• 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 transfer 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 undergo 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 develop 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 cause ear damage, or the wear and tear of inner ear structures due to age.

Understanding the cause of vertigo is a crucial step in treatment, as it enables our Hillsboro, MO physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions targeting the root cause of imbalance. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can realize more profound and durable relief from their symptoms.

Symptoms of Vertigo

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

• Nausea or Vomiting: The unsettling sensations of vertigo often lead to nausea and, in serious cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Challenges in maintaining balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, especially in elderly people.
• Tinnitus: Humming or additional noises in one or both ears, which may occur alongside vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In instances related to Meniere’s disease or other inner ear problems, hearing loss may be a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo may cause sudden sweating, unrelated to your activity level or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Unusual or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may unintentionally drift and then adjust themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Difficulty with motion, such as rapid changes in posture, which can worsen vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Hillsboro, MO. It usually involves a comprehensive examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Hillsboro, MO physical therapists, specialized in vestibular rehabilitation, have years of experience diagnosing vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor personalized treatment plans for you, together with your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Hillsboro, 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.

Hillsboro, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Hillsboro, 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 Hillsboro, MO physical therapists will develop a personalized treatment plan for your specific situation. 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 Hillsboro, MO may include:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a targeted form of therapy intended to alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of tailored exercises aimed to retrain the brain to interpret and process signals from the vestibular system more effectively. 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. A common technique is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you fix your gaze on a small target at eye level. As you maintain your focus fixed on the target, you slowly rotate 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: 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 may start with simple activities like standing on one foot 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 meant for those who experience dizziness due to self-motion or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve continuous exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, with the goal of diminishing the sensitivity to these triggers over time. For instance, moving the head from side to side at a controlled speed for a set number of repetitions.
• The Canalith Repositioning Technique (Epley Maneuver): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a safe method that seeks to reposition the dislodged crystals within the inner ear back to their correct position, thus alleviating the dizzy spells associated with this condition. It involves specific head movements with the guidance of a professional, aiming to shift these crystals and provide relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.

For effective and safe vertigo treatment, it’s most advisable to consult our Hillsboro, 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 Hillsboro, MO

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of skilled Hillsboro, MO physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team of occupational and physical therapists understands the nuances of vertigo and are dedicated to providing individualized care designed for 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 Hillsboro, MO. Our team uses a range of therapeutic techniques aimed at reducing symptoms, enhancing 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 Hillsboro, MO patients are the center 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 Hillsboro, 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 Hillsboro, MO 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 | Hillsboro, 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 feel challenging. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by experts like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a vital role in treating vertigo by addressing the root causes and helping patients restore their balance and self-assuredness.

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 return to living a harmonious and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.