Vertigo treatment in Moscow Mills, 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 Moscow Mills, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment targets the underlying causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Moscow Mills, 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 resume the activities you love, without the constraints of vertigo.
If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in Moscow Mills, 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 initiate your path to recovery 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. 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 commonly associated with various ailments affecting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain that manages information about our position in the world around us. Below are several 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) clump up in canals of the inner ear. The inner ear sends signals to the brain about how we’re positioned and where we’re moving. BPPV disrupts 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, impacting hearing and balance.
- Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder entails swelling of the inner ear or the nerves linking the inner ear to the brain. Such swelling disrupts the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain, leading to vertigo and problems with balance.
- Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people with migraines experience episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even without having a severe headache. These episodes can affect balance and cause motion sickness.
- Head or Neck Injuries: Injuries to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may manifest shortly or long after the injury.
- Other Causes: In fewer cases, 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 age-related degeneration of the inner ear structures.
Recognizing the cause of vertigo is an essential step in managing the condition, as it enables our Moscow Mills, MO physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions that directly address the underlying issue of what’s affecting you. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can realize more effective and lasting relief from their symptoms.
Vertigo Symptoms
Vertigo can also be accompanied by several other symptoms beyond dizziness, showing significant variation in severity from one individual to another. Common additional symptoms include:
- Nausea or Vomiting: The disorienting sensations of vertigo often lead to nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
- Balance Problems: Challenges in maintaining balance, heightening the chances for falls, especially in elderly persons.
- Tinnitus: Buzzing or other noises in one or both ears, which may occur simultaneously with vertigo episodes.
- Hearing Loss: In instances 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 physical exertion or temperature.
- Nystagmus: Irregular or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might drift without control and then correct themselves.
- Sensitivity to Motion: Difficulty with motion, such as quick movements, which can worsen vertigo symptoms.
Diagnosis of Vertigo
Getting a professional diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Moscow Mills, MO. It typically involves a thorough examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Moscow Mills, 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, a new law which allows patients in Moscow Mills, 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.
Moscow Mills, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment
Therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Moscow Mills, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Various vertigo treatment techniques help directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Moscow Mills, MO physical therapists will develop a personalized treatment plan for your particular circumstances. 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 Moscow Mills, MO could involve:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized form of therapy intended to alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of customized exercises intended to retrain the brain to interpret and process signals from the vestibular system more effectively. Exercises include:
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are intended to better 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 maintain your focus fixed on the target, you slowly move 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: Exercises focused on balance training play a vital role for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in enhancing steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. These exercises often begin with simple activities 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 experience dizziness due to self-motion or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve repeated exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, with the goal of diminishing the sensitivity of these triggers over time. An example is moving the head from side to side at a controlled speed for a specified number of repetitions.
- The Canalith Repositioning Technique (Epley Maneuver): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a safe method that seeks to move the dislodged crystals inside the inner ear back to their correct position, effectively reducing the dizzy spells associated with this condition. It involves specific head positions with the guidance of a professional, designed to relocate these crystals and offer relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.
For effective and safe vertigo treatment, it’s best to meet with our Moscow Mills, MO physical therapists initially, who can show you what exercises are appropriate to do at home.
Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Moscow Mills, MO
Choosing the right provider is essential when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy stands out as a premier choice for Moscow Mills, MO individuals experiencing vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:
- Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of expert Moscow Mills, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team comprehends the complexities of vertigo and commit to providing individualized care tailored to your particular needs and conditions.
- Comprehensive Care: From the initial assessment to the development of a personalized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in Moscow Mills, MO. We employ a range of therapeutic techniques designed to reducing symptoms, improving balance, reestablishing normal function, getting you back to the activities you love, and making you feel great in your daily life.
- Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Moscow Mills, MO patients are at the heart of everything they do. Acknowledging the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we strive to create a caring environment where patients feel heard, appreciated, and cared for.
- Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Moscow Mills, 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 significant step toward recovery.
Other services we offer in Moscow Mills, MO include:
- Geriatric Physical Therapy
- Injury Rehabilitation
- 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 | Moscow Mills, 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 seem daunting. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by specialized providers like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a vital 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. Contact Axes Physical Therapy today to learn more about how their vestibular therapy services can help you navigate the complexities of vertigo and get back to living a balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.