Vertigo treatment in Mehlville, MO. The condition known as vertigo goes beyond simply experiencing 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 Mehlville, 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 Mehlville, 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 return to the activities you love, free from vertigo.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Mehlville, 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.

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 often a symptom of various conditions influencing the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain that processes sensory information vital for controlling balance and eye movements. Here are a few 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) move into the wrong position in the inner ear. The inner ear communicates to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. 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 results in pressure changes, affecting balance and hearing.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition entails inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves that send signals from the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation obstructs the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, resulting in vertigo and issues with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people who suffer from migraines experience 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: Trauma to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may appear immediately or sometime after the injury.
• Other Causes: More rarely, vertigo can be a symptom of a more serious neurological problem (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.

Identifying the cause of vertigo is a pivotal step in managing the condition, as it allows our Mehlville, MO physical and occupational therapists to personalize interventions that directly address the underlying issue of imbalance. Concentrating on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more lasting and profound relief from their symptoms.

Symptoms of Vertigo

Vertigo can also come with several other symptoms beyond dizziness, differing widely in severity from person to person. Common other symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The confusing sensations of vertigo commonly result in nausea and, in serious cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Difficulty in maintaining balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, particularly in elderly people.
• Tinnitus: Buzzing or additional noises in one or both ears, which can occur simultaneously with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In cases related to Meniere’s disease or other inner ear issues, hearing loss may be a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo can lead to sudden sweating, independent of your activity level or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Irregular or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may unintentionally drift and then correct themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Challenges with changes in position, such as quick movements, which can worsen vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Mehlville, MO. It often involves a comprehensive examination, which can involve hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Mehlville, MO physical therapists, skilled in vestibular therapy, are trained to diagnose vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor customized treatment plans for you, together with your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Mehlville, 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.

Mehlville, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Mehlville, 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 Mehlville, MO physical therapists will develop a customized treatment plan for your unique situation. That might involve 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 Mehlville, MO could involve:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a focused form of therapy intended to alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of customized exercises intended to retrain the brain to process and recognize signals from the vestibular system more efficiently. 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 fix your gaze on a small target at eye level. As you keep your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly rotate your head from side to side or up and down. This assists training your brain to maintain focus on an object regardless of movements.
  • Balance Training: Balance training exercises play a vital role for people with vertigo, as they aid in enhancing 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: Habituation exercises are meant for those who experience dizziness from their own movement or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve repeated exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that trigger 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 set number of repetitions.
• The Canalith Repositioning Technique (Epley Maneuver): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a safe method that seeks to move the misplaced crystals within the inner ear back to their original position, thereby relieving the dizzy spells associated with this condition. It entails precise head positions under the guidance of a professional, aiming to relocate these crystals and offer relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

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

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

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of skilled Mehlville, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. We understand the complexities of vertigo and commit to providing individualized care designed for your particular needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: From the initial assessment to the development of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in Mehlville, MO. Our team uses a range of therapeutic techniques aimed at alleviating symptoms, improving balance, reestablishing normal function, returning you to the activities you love, and making you feel great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Mehlville, MO patients are the center of everything we do. Acknowledging the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we aim to create a caring environment where patients feel heard, valued, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Mehlville, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is accessible for those in need.

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

Other services we offer in Mehlville, MO include:

• 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
• Hip Replacement Physical Therapy

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Mehlville, MO 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 feel challenging. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by experts like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a vital role in treating vertigo by tackling the underlying issues and helping patients regain their balance and self-assuredness.

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 get back to living a balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.