Vertigo treatment in Lake Tekawitha, MO. Vertigo is more than just simply experiencing dizziness; it’s a complex condition that can cause you to lose your sense of being in the world, heavily affecting your ability to perform basic tasks. At Axes Physical Therapy in Lake Tekawitha, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment extends beyond temporary fixes. We target the underlying causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Lake Tekawitha, MO therapists work with you and your doctor to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To assist you in regaining balance and resume the activities you love, without the constraints of vertigo.

If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in Lake Tekawitha, 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 initiate your path to recovery today.

What Is 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 often a symptom of various ailments impacting the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain that processes information about our position in the world around us. Below are a few of the most typical causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo and occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) clump up in canals of the inner ear. The inner ear sends signals to the brain about how we’re positioned and where we’re moving. BPPV disrupts 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 causes pressure changes, affecting hearing and balance.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder involves swelling of the inner ear or the nerves linking the inner ear to the brain. Such swelling disrupts 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 suffer from episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even without having a severe headache. These episodes can affect 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: 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 age-related degeneration of the inner ear structures.

Identifying the cause of vertigo is an essential step in treatment, as it allows our Lake Tekawitha, MO physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions aimed specifically at the underlying issue of imbalance. With a focus on the underlying cause, patients can experience more profound and durable relief from their symptoms.

Symptoms of Vertigo

Vertigo can also present several additional symptoms beyond dizziness, showing significant variation in severity from one individual to another. Common additional symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The unsettling sensations of vertigo commonly result in nausea and, in serious cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Trouble in keeping balance, increasing the risk of falls, particularly in elderly people.
• Tinnitus: Buzzing or additional noises in either ears, which can occur concurrently with 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 can lead to sudden sweating, independent of physical exertion or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Unusual or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might unintentionally drift and then adjust themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Difficulty with motion, such as standing up quickly, which can intensify vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Lake Tekawitha, MO. It often involves a thorough examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Lake Tekawitha, 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, together with your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Lake Tekawitha, MO and throughout Missouri to seek physical therapy without a prescription, you can approach Axes for a free injury screening for your initial diagnosis and treatment.

Lake Tekawitha, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Lake Tekawitha, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. Various vertigo treatment techniques aid in repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Lake Tekawitha, MO physical therapists will develop a unique treatment plan for your specific 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 Lake Tekawitha, MO may include:

• 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 interpret and process signals from the vestibular system more efficiently. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are aimed at enhance 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 concentrate 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 assists conditioning your brain to maintain focus on an object regardless of movements.
  • Balance Training: Exercises focused on balance training play a vital role for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in improving steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. Such activities often begin with simple tasks like standing on one foot 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 meant 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 trigger dizziness, with the goal of diminishing the brain’s sensitivity of these triggers over time. For instance, moving the head from side to side at a steady speed for a set number of repetitions.
• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a gentle procedure that seeks to reposition the misplaced crystals inside the inner ear to where they’re supposed to be, effectively reducing the dizzy spells that are characteristic of this disorder. This maneuver entails precise head movements under the guidance of a professional, aiming to relocate these crystals and provide relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.

For safe and effective vertigo treatment, it’s best to meet with our Lake Tekawitha, MO physical therapists initially, who can show you what exercises are safe for you to do at home.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Lake Tekawitha, MO

Choosing the right provider is crucial when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy is a top choice for Lake Tekawitha, MO individuals suffering from vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of skilled Lake Tekawitha, 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 tailored to your particular needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: From the initial assessment to the development of a personalized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Lake Tekawitha, MO. We employ a variety of therapeutic techniques designed to reducing symptoms, improving balance, reestablishing normal function, getting you back to the things you enjoy doing most, and making you feel great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Lake Tekawitha, MO patients are at the heart of everything we do. Acknowledging the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we strive to create a caring environment where patients feel understood, valued, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Lake Tekawitha, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is accessible 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 Lake Tekawitha, MO include:

• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Hip Replacement Physical Therapy
• Workers Comp' Physical Therapy
• Migraine Relief
• Sprain and Strain Treatment
• Geriatric Physical Therapy
• Injury Rehabilitation
• Pain Management Services
• TMJ Treatment
• Herniated Disc Treatment

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Lake Tekawitha, 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 crucial role in treating vertigo by addressing the root causes and helping patients regain their balance and confidence.

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 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.