Vertigo treatment in Lemay, MO. The condition known as vertigo is more than just 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 Lemay, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment goes beyond temporary fixes. We attack root causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Lemay, 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, free from vertigo.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Lemay, MO because of a years-long condition or if symptoms arose suddenly, 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 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 often a symptom of various disorders affecting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain responsible for processing information about our position in the world around us. Below are some of the most common causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is the foremost cause of vertigo and occurs when small calcium particles (canaliths) clump up in canals of the inner ear. The inner ear sends signals to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. BPPV disrupts 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, a buildup of fluid in the inner ear causes pressure changes, affecting balance and hearing.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition entails inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain. Such swelling disrupts the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain, causing vertigo and issues with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people who suffer from migraines suffer from episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even in the absence of an actual migraine. These episodes can affect balance and cause nausea.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Trauma to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may manifest shortly or long after 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 affect the inner ear, or the wear and tear of inner ear structures due to age.

Understanding the cause of vertigo is a pivotal step in treatment, as it allows our Lemay, MO physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions targeting the underlying issue of what’s affecting you. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more lasting and profound relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

This condition can also be accompanied by several other symptoms beyond dizziness, varying greatly in severity from one individual to another. Common other symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The unsettling sensations of vertigo frequently cause nausea and, in extreme cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Trouble in keeping balance, increasing the risk of falls, especially in elderly individuals.
• Tinnitus: Buzzing or additional noises in one or both ears, which can occur concurrently with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In cases related to Meniere’s disease or other inner ear problems, hearing loss can be a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo can lead to sudden sweating, not related 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: Challenges with changes in position, such as quick movements, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Lemay, MO. It often involves a comprehensive examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Lemay, MO physical therapists, skilled in vestibular therapy, play a significant role in diagnosing vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor customized treatment plans for you, together with your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Lemay, 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.

Lemay, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

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

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a targeted treatment modality designed to alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of customized exercises intended to retrain the brain to interpret and process signals from the vestibular system more effectively. 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 helps training your brain to maintain focus on an object despite movements.
  • Balance Training: Balance training exercises play a vital role for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in enhancing steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. These exercises may start with simple activities like balancing on a single leg 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: Habituation exercises are meant for those who experience dizziness from their own movement or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve repeated exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, with the objective of reducing the sensitivity to 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): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a safe method that aims to move the dislodged crystals inside the inner ear to where they’re supposed to be, effectively reducing the dizzy spells that are characteristic of this condition. This maneuver entails specific head positions with the guidance of a professional, aiming to relocate these crystals and provide relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.

For effective and safe vertigo treatment, it’s best to consult our Lemay, 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 Lemay, MO

Selecting the right provider is essential when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy stands out as a top choice for Lemay, MO people suffering from vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of skilled Lemay, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. We understand the nuances of vertigo and commit to providing personalized 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 Lemay, 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 Lemay, MO patients are the center of everything we do. Recognizing the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we strive to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, appreciated, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Lemay, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is within reach for anyone seeking help.

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

Other services we offer in Lemay, 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 | Lemay, 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 experts like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a crucial role in treating vertigo by tackling the underlying issues and helping patients regain their balance and self-assuredness.

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.