Vertigo treatment in Maplewood, 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 Maplewood, 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 Maplewood, 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.

If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in Maplewood, MO, regardless of whether your condition has been ongoing for years or if it’s a recent development, you can trust in Axes. Call the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment to begin the journey to reclaim your best self today.

What Is Vertigo?

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. 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 usually associated with various disorders influencing the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain responsible for managing sensory information crucial for maintaining balance and eye movements. Here are several of the most common causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo and occurs when small calcium particles (canaliths) clump up in canals of the inner ear. The inner ear transmits information to the brain about how we’re positioned and where we’re moving. BPPV interferes with 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 leads to pressure changes, impacting balance and hearing.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition entails swelling of the inner ear or the nerves linking the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation disrupts the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, leading to vertigo and issues 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 influence balance and cause motion sickness.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Injuries to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may appear soon after or long following 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 cause ear damage, or the wear and tear of inner ear structures due to age.

Identifying the cause of vertigo is a crucial step in treatment, as it allows our Maplewood, MO physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions targeting the underlying issue of imbalance. Concentrating on the underlying cause, patients can experience more effective and lasting relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

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

• Nausea or Vomiting: The disorienting sensations of vertigo frequently cause nausea and, in serious cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Challenges in maintaining balance, increasing the risk of falls, particularly in elderly persons.
• Tinnitus: Humming or other noises in either ears, which can occur concurrently with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In instances associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear problems, hearing loss may be a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo may cause sudden sweating, not related to your activity level or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Unusual or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may unintentionally drift and then realign themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Difficulty with motion, such as rapid changes in posture, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Maplewood, MO. It typically involves a comprehensive examination, which often includes hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Maplewood, 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, alongside your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Maplewood, 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.

Maplewood, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Maplewood, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Several vertigo treatment techniques help directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Maplewood, MO physical therapists will develop a customized treatment plan for your specific situation. That could encompass 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 Maplewood, MO could involve:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a targeted form of therapy designed to alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of personalized exercises aimed to retrain the brain to interpret 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. One such exercise 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 assists teaching your brain to maintain focus on an object regardless of movements.
  • Balance Training: Balance training exercises are crucial for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in improving steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. Such activities often begin with simple activities like balancing on a single leg or taking heel-to-toe steps and progress to more complex tasks that involve walking with head movements or on uneven surfaces.
  • Habituation Exercises: Exercises for habituation are meant for those who experience dizziness due to 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. For instance, moving the head from side to side at a controlled speed for a set number of repetitions.
• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a safe procedure that seeks to reposition the dislodged crystals inside the inner ear to where they’re supposed to be, effectively reducing the dizzy spells associated with this disorder. This maneuver entails precise head positions under the guidance of a specialist, designed to relocate these crystals and offer relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.

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

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

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of expert Maplewood, MO physical therapists specialized 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: Starting with your first evaluation to the development of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in Maplewood, MO. We employ a variety of therapeutic techniques aimed at 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 Maplewood, MO patients are the center of everything they do. Acknowledging the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we aim to create a supportive environment where patients feel understood, valued, and cared for.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Maplewood, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is accessible for those in need.

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

Other services we offer in Maplewood, MO include:

• Neck Pain Treatment
• 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

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Maplewood, 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 addressing the root causes 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.