Vertigo treatment in Huntleigh, MO. Vertigo goes beyond a brief moment of 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 Huntleigh, 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 Huntleigh, 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 Huntleigh, MO because of a years-long condition or if symptoms arose suddenly, you can trust in Axes. Call the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment to begin the journey to reclaim your best self today.

Understanding Vertigo

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. 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 a symptom of various ailments affecting the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain involved in processing sensory information essential for controlling balance and eye movements. Here 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) move into the wrong position in 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 condition of the inner ear often causes 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 condition entails swelling of the inner ear or the nerves linking the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation disrupts the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, causing vertigo and issues 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 nausea.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Injuries to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may appear immediately or sometime after the injury.
• Other Causes: Less commonly, 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 an essential step in managing the condition, as it enables our Huntleigh, MO physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions targeting the specific source of imbalance. With a focus 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 beyond dizziness, varying greatly in severity from person to person. Common additional symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The confusing sensations of vertigo frequently cause nausea and, in serious cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Trouble in keeping balance, increasing the risk of falls, especially in elderly persons.
• Tinnitus: Humming or additional noises in one or both ears, which can occur concurrently with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In cases associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear conditions, hearing loss is often a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo might trigger sudden sweating, unrelated to your activity level or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Abnormal or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may drift without control and then correct themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Problems with motion, such as quick movements, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Huntleigh, MO. It often involves a thorough examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Huntleigh, MO physical therapists, specialized in vestibular therapy, play a significant role in diagnosing vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor specific treatment plans for you, in tandem with your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Huntleigh, 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.

Huntleigh, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Huntleigh, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. Various vertigo treatment techniques help directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Huntleigh, MO physical therapists will develop a unique treatment plan for your unique disorder. 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 Huntleigh, MO could involve:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a focused form of therapy aimed at alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of personalized exercises aimed to retrain the brain to recognize and process signals from the vestibular system more effectively. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are designed to enhance vision and the ability 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 maintain your focus fixed on the target, you slowly turn your head from side to side or up and down. This assists conditioning your brain to maintain focus on an object even with 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. 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 moving while turning the head or on uneven surfaces.
  • Habituation Exercises: Habituation exercises are meant for those who experience dizziness due to their own movement or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve continuous exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, with the objective of diminishing the brain’s sensitivity of these triggers over time. For instance, moving the head from side to side at a controlled speed for a specified 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 move the dislodged crystals inside the inner ear to where they’re supposed to be, thus alleviating vertigo that are characteristic of this condition. This maneuver involves specific head movements under the guidance of a specialist, aiming 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 Huntleigh, 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 Huntleigh, MO

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of expert Huntleigh, MO physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team of occupational and physical therapists understands the complexities of vertigo and are dedicated to providing personalized care designed for your specific needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: From the initial assessment to the development of a personalized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in Huntleigh, MO. We employ a variety of therapeutic techniques aimed at reducing symptoms, improving balance, reestablishing normal function, getting you back to the activities you love, and making you feel great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Huntleigh, MO patients are at the heart of everything we do. Recognizing the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we strive to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, valued, and cared for.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Huntleigh, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is within reach 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 Huntleigh, MO include:

• Neck Pain Treatment
• 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

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Huntleigh, 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 experts 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 suffering from 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 get back to living a harmonious and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.