Vertigo treatment in Matson, MO. The condition known as vertigo is more than just a brief moment of dizziness; it’s a complex condition that can make you lose your sense of being in the world, heavily affecting your ability to perform basic tasks. At Axes Physical Therapy in Matson, 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 Matson, 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, free from vertigo.

If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in Matson, MO, regardless of whether your condition has been ongoing for years or if it’s a recent development, 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.

Vertigo: Causes, Symptoms, & Diagnosis

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 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 associated with various ailments influencing the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain involved in processing information about our position in the world around us. Below are a few of the most typical causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo and occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) move into the wrong position in the inner ear. The inner ear transmits information to the brain about how we’re positioned and where we’re moving. BPPV alters these signals, causing dizziness and a spinning sensation.
• Meniere’s Disease: This condition 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, impacting hearing and balance.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder involves swelling of the inner ear or the nerves that send signals from the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation interferes with the transfer 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 in the absence of an actual migraine. These episodes can affect balance and cause nausea.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Harm to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may appear shortly or long after the injury.
• Other Causes: Less commonly, 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 age-related degeneration of the inner ear structures.

Identifying the cause of vertigo is a crucial step in treatment, as it allows our Matson, MO physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions aimed specifically at the underlying issue of what’s affecting you. Concentrating on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more lasting and profound relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

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

• Nausea or Vomiting: The unsettling sensations of vertigo commonly result in nausea and, in extreme cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Difficulty in maintaining balance, increasing the risk of falls, particularly in elderly persons.
• Tinnitus: Humming or other noises in one or both ears, which may occur simultaneously 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 can lead to sudden sweating, unrelated to physical exertion or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Unusual or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may unintentionally drift and then correct themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Challenges 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 vertigo treatment in Matson, MO. It usually involves a thorough examination, which often includes hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Matson, MO physical therapists, skilled in vestibular therapy, are trained to diagnose vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor personalized treatment plans for you, together with your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Matson, 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.

Matson, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Matson, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. A number of vertigo treatment techniques assist in directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Matson, MO physical therapists will develop a customized treatment plan for your particular 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 Matson, 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 aimed to retrain the brain to recognize and process signals from the vestibular system more effectively. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are designed to improve 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 focus on a small target at eye level. As you hold your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly move your head from side to side or up and down. This aids in teaching your brain to maintain focus on an object despite movements.
  • Balance Training: Exercises focused on balance training are crucial for people with vertigo, as they help improving steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. These exercises may start with simple tasks like balancing on a single leg or taking heel-to-toe steps and progress to more complex tasks that involve moving while turning the head 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. Such activities involve continuous exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the objective of diminishing the sensitivity of these triggers over time. For instance, moving the head from side to side at a steady speed for a specified number of repetitions.
• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a gentle procedure that seeks to move the dislodged crystals inside the inner ear to where they’re supposed to be, thereby relieving the dizzy spells associated with this condition. It entails specific head positions with the guidance of a professional, 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 Matson, MO physical therapists initially, who can teach you what exercises are safe for you to do at home.

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

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of skilled Matson, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team of occupational and physical therapists understands the complexities of vertigo and commit to providing personalized care designed for your specific needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: From the initial assessment to the development of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Matson, MO. Our team uses a variety of therapeutic techniques designed to alleviating symptoms, enhancing balance, restoring normal function, getting you back to the activities you love, and having you feeling great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Matson, MO patients are the center of everything we do. Acknowledging the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we aim to create a caring environment where patients feel understood, valued, and cared for.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Matson, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is within reach for those in need.

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

Other services we offer in Matson, MO include:

• Pain Management Services
• TMJ Treatment
• Herniated Disc Treatment
• Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
• Running Injury
• MCL Tear
• ACL Rehabilitation
• Functional Capacity Evaluation
• Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Matson, 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 turning around feel challenging. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by specialized providers 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. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to learn more about how their vestibular therapy services can assist you in managing the complexities of vertigo and get back to living a harmonious and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.