Vertigo treatment in Maryville, IL. The condition known as vertigo is more than just simply experiencing dizziness; it’s complex and can make you lose your sense of presence in the world, heavily affecting your ability to perform basic tasks. At Axes Physical Therapy in Maryville, IL, our approach to vertigo treatment targets root causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Maryville, IL physical and occupational therapists work with you and your doctor to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To help you regain balance and return to the activities you love, without the constraints of vertigo.
Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Maryville, IL because of a years-long condition or if symptoms arose suddenly, Axes is here to help. Call the Axes location nearest you, 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 either you feel like you’re moving when you’re not, or it seems like the world 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 commonly a symptom of various conditions affecting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain that manages sensory information crucial for controlling balance and eye movements. Listed are some 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 head and body movements relative to gravity. BPPV disrupts these signals, causing dizziness and a spinning sensation.
- 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 causes pressure changes, affecting hearing and balance.
- Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder involves inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves that send signals from the inner ear to the brain. Such swelling obstructs the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, causing vertigo and problems with balance.
- Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people who suffer from migraines experience episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even when they’re not having a severe headache. These episodes can impact balance and cause nausea.
- Head or Neck Injuries: Trauma to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may appear shortly or long after the injury.
- Other Causes: More rarely, 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 pivotal step in managing the condition, as it enables our Maryville, IL physical and occupational therapists to personalize interventions that directly address the root cause of what’s affecting you. With a focus on the underlying cause, patients can experience more lasting and profound relief from their symptoms.
Symptoms of Vertigo
Vertigo can also come with several additional symptoms beyond dizziness, differing widely in severity from one individual to another. Common other symptoms include:
- Nausea or Vomiting: The disorienting sensations of vertigo often lead to nausea and, in serious cases, vomiting.
- Balance Problems: Trouble in achieving balance, heightening the chances for falls, especially in elderly individuals.
- Tinnitus: Humming or other noises in either ears, which can occur simultaneously with vertigo episodes.
- Hearing Loss: In instances associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear conditions, hearing loss may be a symptom.
- Sweating: An episode of vertigo may cause sudden sweating, not related to physical exertion or temperature.
- Nystagmus: Irregular or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might unintentionally drift and then adjust themselves.
- Sensitivity to Motion: Challenges with motion, such as rapid changes in posture, which can intensify vertigo symptoms.
Diagnosis of Vertigo
Diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Maryville, IL. 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 Maryville, IL physical therapists, skilled in vestibular rehabilitation, play a significant role in diagnosing vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor specific treatment plans for you, alongside your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Maryville, IL 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.
Maryville, IL Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment
Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Maryville, IL, 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 Maryville, IL physical therapists will develop a unique 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 Maryville, IL might feature:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized treatment method intended to alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of tailored exercises aimed to retrain the brain to process and recognize signals from the vestibular system more effectively. Exercises include:
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are aimed at improve vision and the ability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. An example is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you concentrate 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 aids in teaching your brain to maintain focus on an object even with movements.
- Balance Training: Balance training exercises play a vital role for people with vertigo, as they aid in improving steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. These exercises often begin 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. Such activities involve repeated exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, with the goal of reducing the sensitivity to these triggers over time. An example is moving the head from side to side at a steady speed for a specified number of repetitions.
- The Canalith Repositioning Technique (Epley Maneuver): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a safe method that seeks to reposition the dislodged crystals inside the inner ear back to their original location, thereby relieving vertigo associated with this disorder. This maneuver involves precise head positions under the guidance of a professional, aiming to shift these crystals and provide relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.
For safe and effective vertigo treatment, it’s best to meet with our Maryville, IL physical therapists first, who can show you what exercises are safe for you to do at home.
Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Maryville, IL
Choosing the right provider is crucial when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy is a premier choice for Maryville, IL individuals experiencing vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:
- Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of skilled Maryville, IL physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team comprehends the nuances of vertigo and are dedicated to providing personalized care designed for your specific 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 Maryville, IL. Our team uses a variety of therapeutic techniques designed to reducing symptoms, improving balance, restoring normal function, returning you to the activities you love, and having you feeling great in your daily life.
- Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Maryville, IL patients are at the heart of everything they do. Recognizing the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we aim to create a supportive environment where patients feel understood, appreciated, and supported.
- Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Maryville, IL, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is accessible for anyone seeking help.
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 Maryville, IL include:
- Pain Management Services
- TMJ Treatment
- Herniated Disc Treatment
- Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
- Running Injury
- MCL Tear
- ACL Rehabilitation
- Functional Capacity Evaluation
Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Maryville, IL Physical Therapy
Vertigo can significantly impact your quality of life, keeping you from doing the things you love most, and even making simple tasks like turning around 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 restore their balance and self-assuredness.
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 assist you in managing the complexities of vertigo and return to living a balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.