Vertigo treatment in Maryknoll, 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 Maryknoll, 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 Maryknoll, MO 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 Maryknoll, 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 initiate your path to recovery today.

Vertigo: Causes, Symptoms, & Diagnosis

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. 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 conditions affecting the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain responsible for processing information about our position in the world around us. Listed are a few 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) clump up in canals of the inner ear. The inner ear transmits information to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. BPPV interferes with 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, fluid accumulation in the inner ear leads to pressure changes, impacting hearing and balance.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition involves swelling of the inner ear or the nerves that send signals from the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation disrupts the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain, leading to vertigo and issues with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people who suffer from migraines undergo episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even when they’re not having a severe headache. These episodes can influence balance and cause motion sickness.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Harm to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may appear 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 enables our Maryknoll, MO physical and occupational therapists to personalize interventions that directly address the underlying issue of what’s affecting you. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more profound and durable relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

This condition can also come with several other symptoms beyond dizziness, differing widely in severity from one individual to another. Common additional symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The disorienting sensations of vertigo commonly result in nausea and, in extreme cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Difficulty in keeping balance, heightening the chances for falls, particularly in elderly people.
• Tinnitus: Humming or other noises in one or both ears, which can occur concurrently with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In instances associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear issues, hearing loss is often a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo may cause sudden sweating, not related to your activity level or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Abnormal or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might drift without control and then correct themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Problems with motion, such as standing up quickly, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Maryknoll, MO. It typically involves a thorough examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Maryknoll, MO physical therapists, specialized in vestibular therapy, are trained to diagnose vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor personalized treatment plans for you, alongside your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Maryknoll, 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.

Maryknoll, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Maryknoll, 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 Maryknoll, MO physical therapists will develop a customized treatment plan for your unique situation. 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 Maryknoll, MO may include:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a focused treatment method intended to 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 intended to enhance vision and the capability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. An example 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 turn your head from side to side or up and down. This helps teaching 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 help enhancing steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. These exercises may start with simple tasks like standing on one foot or taking heel-to-toe steps and advance to more complex tasks that involve walking with head movements or on uneven surfaces.
  • Habituation Exercises: Habituation exercises are meant for those who suffer from dizziness from self-motion or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve repeated exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the objective of diminishing the brain’s sensitivity of these triggers over time. An example is moving the head from side to side at a steady speed for a specified number of repetitions.
• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a gentle method that aims 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 involves 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 Maryknoll, 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 Maryknoll, MO

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of skilled Maryknoll, MO physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team of occupational and physical therapists understands the complexities of vertigo and commit to providing individualized care designed for 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 Maryknoll, MO. We employ a range of therapeutic techniques designed to alleviating symptoms, improving balance, restoring 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 Maryknoll, MO patients are at the heart of everything we do. Recognizing the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we aim to create a caring environment where patients feel understood, valued, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Maryknoll, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is accessible for those in need.

For anyone experiencing vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems, contacting Axes Physical Therapy can be a crucial step toward recovery.

Other services we offer in Maryknoll, MO include:

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

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Maryknoll, 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 standing up from a chair feel challenging. 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 suffering from 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.