Vertigo treatment in Manchester, MO. The condition known as vertigo is more than just a brief moment of dizziness; living with symptoms that are largely “in your head” can be particularly challenging as others aren’t able to see the outward signs of an injury. At Axes Physical Therapy in Manchester, 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 Manchester, MO physical and occupational therapists collaborate with your healthcare provider to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To assist you in regaining balance and resume the activities you love, free from vertigo.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Manchester, 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.

Understanding 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. 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 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 usually a symptom of various ailments impacting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain that processes sensory information crucial for controlling balance and eye movements. Below are some of the most typical causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is the foremost cause of vertigo and occurs when small 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 disrupts these signals, causing dizziness and a spinning sensation.
• 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 results in pressure changes, affecting balance and hearing.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition involves inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain. Such swelling disrupts 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 in the absence of an actual migraine. These episodes can impact 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: Less commonly, 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.

Recognizing the cause of vertigo is an essential step in managing the condition, as it enables our Manchester, MO physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions targeting the root cause of imbalance. Concentrating on the underlying cause, patients can realize more effective and lasting relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

This condition can also be accompanied by several other symptoms besides dizziness, differing widely in severity from one individual to another. Common additional symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The confusing sensations of vertigo often lead to nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Difficulty in achieving balance, increasing the risk of falls, especially in elderly persons.
• Tinnitus: Ringing or additional noises in one or both ears, which can occur concurrently with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In instances related to Meniere’s disease or other inner ear conditions, hearing loss may be a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo can lead to sudden sweating, independent of physical exertion or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Irregular or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may drift without control and then correct themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Difficulty with changes in position, such as rapid changes in posture, which can worsen vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting a professional diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Manchester, MO. It usually involves a comprehensive examination, which often includes hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Manchester, MO physical therapists, specialized in vestibular therapy, are trained to diagnose vertigo. They’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 Manchester, 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.

Manchester, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Manchester, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. A number of vertigo treatment techniques aid in directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Manchester, 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 Manchester, MO may include:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a focused form of therapy designed to alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of tailored exercises designed to retrain the brain to interpret and process signals from the vestibular system more effectively. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are designed to enhance vision and the ability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. A common technique 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 turn 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: Exercises focused on balance training play a vital role for individuals with vertigo, as they help enhancing steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. These exercises often begin with simple activities like balancing on a single leg or walking heel-to-toe and progress to more complex tasks that involve moving while turning the head or on uneven surfaces.
  • Habituation Exercises: Habituation exercises are intended for those who experience dizziness from their own movement or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve continuous exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the objective of reducing the brain’s sensitivity to these triggers over time. An example is 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 safe method that aims to reposition the dislodged crystals inside the inner ear to their original position, thus alleviating the dizzy spells that are characteristic of this disorder. This maneuver entails specific head positions with the guidance of a specialist, aiming to shift these crystals and offer relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.

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

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

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of expert Manchester, 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 personalized care tailored to your specific needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: Starting with your first evaluation to the development of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in Manchester, MO. We employ a variety of therapeutic techniques designed to alleviating symptoms, improving balance, reestablishing normal function, getting you back to the things you enjoy doing most, and having you feeling great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Manchester, MO patients are at the heart of everything we do. Acknowledging the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we aim to create a caring environment where patients feel heard, appreciated, and cared for.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Manchester, 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 significant step toward recovery.

Other services we offer in Manchester, MO include:

• Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
• Running Injury
• MCL Tear
• ACL Rehabilitation
• Functional Capacity Evaluation
• Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy
• Vestibular Therapy
• Concussion Treatment
• Soft Tissue Mobilization

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Manchester, 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 feel challenging. 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 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 assist you in managing the complexities of vertigo and return to living a harmonious and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.