Vertigo treatment in Lake St. Louis, MO. 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 Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO physical and occupational therapists work with you and your doctor to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To assist you in regaining balance and return to the activities you love, without the constraints of vertigo.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Lake St. Louis, MO because of a years-long condition or if symptoms arose suddenly, Axes is here to help. Call the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment to initiate your path to recovery today.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is often described as a spinning sensation, 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 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 a symptom of various ailments affecting the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain that processes information about our position in the world around us. Listed are several 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 how we’re positioned and where we’re moving. BPPV disrupts these signals, causing vertigo.
• Meniere’s Disease: This condition of the inner ear can lead to 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 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, resulting in vertigo and problems with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people with migraines undergo episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even when they’re not having a severe headache. These episodes can affect balance and cause motion sickness.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Injuries to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may appear immediately or sometime after the injury.
• Other Causes: More rarely, 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 managing the condition, as it enables our Lake St. Louis, MO physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions aimed specifically at the specific source of what’s affecting you. With a focus on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more lasting and profound relief from their symptoms.

Symptoms of Vertigo

Vertigo can also present several additional symptoms besides dizziness, differing widely in severity from person to person. Common other symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The unsettling sensations of vertigo frequently cause nausea and, in extreme cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Challenges in achieving balance, increasing the risk of falls, especially in elderly individuals.
• Tinnitus: Buzzing 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 conditions, hearing loss is often a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo can lead to sudden sweating, not related to physical exertion or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Abnormal or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might drift without control and then adjust themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Challenges with motion, such as rapid changes in posture, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Lake St. Louis, MO. It typically involves a thorough examination, which often includes hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Lake St. Louis, MO physical therapists, specialized in vestibular rehabilitation, have years of experience diagnosing 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 Lake St. Louis, 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.

Lake St. Louis, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Lake St. Louis, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Several vertigo treatment techniques aid in directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Lake St. Louis, MO physical therapists will develop a unique treatment plan for your unique 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 Lake St. Louis, MO could involve:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a focused treatment modality intended to alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of tailored exercises intended 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 improve 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 hold your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly move your head from side to side or up and down. This helps conditioning 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 help 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 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 from their own movement or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve continuous exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the objective of reducing the sensitivity of these triggers over time. An example is moving the head from side to side at a controlled speed for a specified number of repetitions.
• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a safe method that aims to move the misplaced crystals within the inner ear to their original position, effectively reducing vertigo associated with this disorder. It involves specific head positions under the guidance of a professional, aiming to shift these crystals and offer relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.

For effective and safe vertigo treatment, it’s best to meet with our Lake St. Louis, 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 Lake St. Louis, MO

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of skilled Lake St. Louis, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. We understand the nuances of vertigo and are dedicated to providing personalized care designed for your specific 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 Lake St. Louis, MO. We employ a range of therapeutic techniques designed to reducing symptoms, improving balance, restoring normal function, getting you back to the activities you love, and having you feeling great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Lake St. Louis, MO patients are the center of everything we do. Acknowledging the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we strive to create a caring environment where patients feel heard, valued, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Lake St. Louis, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is within reach for anyone seeking help.

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

Other services we offer in Lake St. Louis, 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 | Lake St. Louis, 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 walking up the stairs feel challenging. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by experts like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a vital role in treating vertigo by tackling the underlying issues and helping patients restore 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 help you navigate the complexities of vertigo and get back to living a balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.