Kimmswick, MO

Kimmswick, MO

Get back to the things you enjoy with tailored vertigo treatment in St. Louis.

Vertigo treatment in Kimmswick, MO. The condition known as vertigo goes beyond 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 Kimmswick, 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 Kimmswick, MO therapists collaborate with your healthcare provider to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To help you regain balance and resume the activities you love, free from vertigo.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Kimmswick, MO because of a years-long condition or if symptoms arose suddenly, you can trust in Axes. Reach out to the closest Axes location, contact us online, or request an appointment to start getting your best you back 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. 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 associated with various ailments affecting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain that manages sensory information essential for controlling balance and eye movements. Listed 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 head and body movements relative to gravity. BPPV alters these signals, causing vertigo.
  • 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. This inflammation disrupts the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, resulting in vertigo and issues with balance.
  • Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people with migraines suffer from 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: Harm 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 condition affecting the brain (such as a stroke or brain tumor), certain medications that cause ear damage, or age-related degeneration of the inner ear structures.

Understanding the cause of vertigo is a pivotal step in managing the condition, as it allows our Kimmswick, MO physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions that directly address the underlying issue of imbalance. With a focus on the underlying cause, patients can experience more effective and lasting relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Treatment in Kimmswick, MO | Vestibular Therapy | Physical Therapy for Vertigo Near Kimmswick

Vertigo Symptoms

Vertigo can also come with several other symptoms besides dizziness, showing significant variation in severity from person to person. Common other symptoms include:

  • Nausea or Vomiting: The confusing sensations of vertigo frequently cause nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
  • Balance Problems: Challenges in keeping balance, increasing the risk of falls, particularly in elderly persons.
  • Tinnitus: Ringing or additional noises in one or both ears, which can occur alongside vertigo episodes.
  • Hearing Loss: In instances related to 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 physical exertion or temperature.
  • Nystagmus: Unusual or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might unintentionally drift and then realign themselves.
  • Sensitivity to Motion: Challenges with motion, such as quick movements, which can intensify vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Kimmswick, MO. It often involves a comprehensive examination, which often includes hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Kimmswick, MO physical therapists, expert in vestibular rehabilitation, play a significant role in diagnosing vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor personalized treatment plans for you, alongside your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Kimmswick, 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.

Kimmswick, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Kimmswick, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. Several vertigo treatment techniques help directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Kimmswick, MO physical therapists will develop a personalized treatment plan for your particular 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 Kimmswick, MO might feature:

  • Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized treatment method designed 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 interpret and process signals from the vestibular system more efficiently. Exercises include:
    • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are designed to better 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 focus on a small target at eye level. As you hold your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly move your head from side to side or up and down. This helps training 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 enhancing steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. Such activities often begin with simple tasks like balancing on a single leg or taking heel-to-toe steps 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 from self-motion or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve repeated exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, with the goal of reducing the brain’s sensitivity to 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 procedure that seeks to reposition the dislodged crystals inside the inner ear to their correct location, thereby relieving vertigo associated with this condition. This maneuver entails precise head movements under the guidance of a professional, designed to relocate these crystals and offer relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

For safe and effective vertigo treatment, it’s most advisable to consult our Kimmswick, MO physical therapists first, who can show you what exercises are safe for you to do at home.

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

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

  • Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of expert Kimmswick, 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 tailored to your particular needs and conditions.
  • Comprehensive Care: From the initial assessment to the creation of a personalized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in Kimmswick, MO. We employ a variety of therapeutic techniques designed to reducing symptoms, improving balance, reestablishing 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 Kimmswick, MO patients are the center of everything we do. Acknowledging the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we aim to create a caring environment where patients feel understood, appreciated, and supported.
  • Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Kimmswick, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is accessible for anyone seeking help.

For anyone experiencing vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems, reaching out to Axes Physical Therapy can be a crucial step toward recovery.

Other services we offer in Kimmswick, MO include:

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Kimmswick, 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 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 suffering from 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 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.

Services Offered

Services Offered
  • Physical Therapy
    • Pre/Post Surgical Rehabilitation
    • Acute Injury Management
    • Chronic Injury Management
  • Work Conditioning/Hardening
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations
  • Sports Physical Therapy
  • Vestibular Therapy and Post-Concussion Rehabilitation
  • Pediatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Geriatric Physical Therapy
  • Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
  • Spine Specialty – Certified Manual Therapy
  • Free Injury Screenings
  • Kinesio Taping®
  • Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

Our Team

Stephen Brunjes
OTR/L, CEAS
Greg Nicholas
Clinic Director, MPT, CMPT
Grace Gualtieri
Physical Therapist
Shawna Morrow
Front Office

Locations

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