Vertigo treatment in Kinloch, MO. Vertigo is more than just a brief moment of dizziness; it’s a complex condition that can cause you to lose your sense of presence in the world, heavily affecting your daily life. At Axes Physical Therapy in Kinloch, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment goes beyond temporary fixes. We target root causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Kinloch, MO 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 Kinloch, 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 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 often associated with various ailments influencing the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain that manages 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 tiny calcium particles (canaliths) clump up in canals of the inner ear. The inner ear communicates to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. BPPV alters these signals, causing dizziness and a spinning sensation.
• Meniere’s Disease: This condition of the inner ear may result in dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In Meniere’s disease, fluid accumulation in the inner ear causes pressure changes, affecting hearing and balance.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition entails inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves that send signals from the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation interferes with the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, leading to vertigo and problems with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people with migraines undergo episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even in the absence of an actual migraine. These episodes can impact 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 neurological problem (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.

Recognizing the cause of vertigo is an essential step in treatment, as it allows our Kinloch, MO physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions targeting the underlying issue of what’s affecting you. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can experience more effective and lasting relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

This condition can also come with several additional symptoms beyond dizziness, differing widely in severity from one individual to another. Common other symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The confusing sensations of vertigo frequently cause nausea and, in serious cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Challenges in maintaining balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, especially in elderly persons.
• Tinnitus: Humming or other noises in one or both ears, which can occur alongside vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In instances associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear conditions, hearing loss may be a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo might trigger sudden sweating, independent of your activity level or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Abnormal 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 intensify vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting a professional diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Kinloch, MO. It often involves a thorough examination, which can involve hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Kinloch, MO physical therapists, skilled in vestibular rehabilitation, have years of experience diagnosing vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor customized treatment plans for you, in tandem with your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Kinloch, 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.

Kinloch, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

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

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a targeted form of therapy aimed at alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of personalized exercises designed to retrain the brain to recognize and process signals from the vestibular system more efficiently. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are intended to enhance vision and the ability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. An example is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you focus 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 helps teaching your brain to maintain focus on an object even with movements.
  • Balance Training: Balance training exercises play a vital role for people with vertigo, as they help improving steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. These exercises often begin with simple activities like standing on one foot or taking heel-to-toe steps and advance to more complex tasks that involve moving while turning the head or on uneven surfaces.
  • Habituation Exercises: Exercises for habituation are intended for those who suffer from dizziness due to self-motion or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve repeated exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the objective of reducing the brain’s sensitivity to these triggers over time. For instance, 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 is recognized as a safe method that aims to reposition the dislodged crystals inside the inner ear back to their original location, thereby relieving the dizzy spells associated with this condition. This maneuver entails precise head movements under the guidance of a specialist, aiming to shift these crystals and offer relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.

For effective and safe vertigo treatment, it’s most advisable to meet with our Kinloch, MO physical therapists initially, who can teach you what exercises are safe for you to do at home.

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

Choosing the right provider is crucial when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy stands out as a top choice for Kinloch, MO individuals experiencing vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of expert Kinloch, MO physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. We understand the complexities of vertigo and commit to providing personalized care designed for your particular needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: Starting with your first evaluation to the development of a personalized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in Kinloch, MO. We employ a range of therapeutic techniques aimed at alleviating symptoms, improving balance, restoring 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 Kinloch, MO patients are the center of everything they do. Recognizing the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we strive to create a supportive environment where patients feel understood, valued, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Kinloch, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is within reach for anyone seeking help.

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

Other services we offer in Kinloch, 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 | Kinloch, 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 seem daunting. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by specialized providers like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a vital role in treating vertigo by tackling the underlying issues and helping patients restore their balance and self-assuredness.

If you’re experiencing 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 assist you in managing the complexities of vertigo and return to living a balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.