Vertigo treatment in Murphy, MO. Vertigo goes beyond a brief moment of 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 Murphy, 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 Murphy, MO physical and occupational therapists collaborate with your healthcare provider to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To help you regain balance and return to the activities you love, free from vertigo.

If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in Murphy, MO, regardless of whether your condition has been ongoing for years or if it’s a recent development, you can trust in Axes. Call the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment to begin the journey to reclaim your best self today.

Understanding Vertigo

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 world 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 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 disorders affecting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain that processes information about our position in the world around us. Listed are several of the most typical causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is a primary 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 may result in dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In Meniere’s disease, a buildup of fluid in the inner ear causes pressure changes, impacting balance and hearing.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder entails swelling of the inner ear or the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation interferes with the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, resulting in vertigo and problems with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people who suffer from migraines undergo episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even without having a severe headache. These episodes can affect balance and cause nausea.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Trauma 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 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.

Identifying the cause of vertigo is a crucial step in managing the condition, as it enables our Murphy, MO physical and occupational therapists to personalize interventions aimed specifically at the specific source of what’s affecting you. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more profound and durable relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

Vertigo can also be accompanied by several other symptoms besides dizziness, showing significant variation in severity from one individual to another. Common other symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The confusing sensations of vertigo often lead to nausea and, in extreme cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Challenges in maintaining balance, increasing the risk of falls, particularly in elderly individuals.
• Tinnitus: Buzzing or other noises in either ears, which may occur simultaneously with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In instances related to Meniere’s disease or other inner ear issues, hearing loss is often a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo might trigger sudden sweating, independent of your activity level or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Irregular or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might unintentionally drift and then realign themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Challenges with changes in position, such as standing up quickly, which can worsen vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Murphy, MO. It often involves a comprehensive examination, which often includes hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Murphy, MO physical therapists, skilled in vestibular therapy, have years of experience diagnosing vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor personalized treatment plans for you, in tandem with your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Murphy, MO and throughout Missouri to seek physical therapy without a prescription, you can come to Axes for a free injury screening for your initial diagnosis and treatment.

Murphy, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Murphy, 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 Murphy, MO physical therapists will develop a customized treatment plan for your unique 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 Murphy, MO might feature:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized form of therapy aimed at alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of customized exercises aimed 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. An example is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you focus on a small target at eye level. As you keep 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 even with movements.
  • Balance Training: Exercises focused on balance training are crucial for people with vertigo, as they aid in improving steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. Such activities often begin with simple tasks like standing on one foot or walking heel-to-toe and advance to more complex tasks that involve walking with head movements or on uneven surfaces.
  • Habituation Exercises: Exercises for habituation are meant for those who suffer from dizziness due to their own movement or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve repeated exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, with the goal of reducing the sensitivity of these triggers over time. For instance, moving the head from side to side at a controlled speed for a specified number of repetitions.
• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a safe procedure that seeks to reposition the misplaced crystals within the inner ear back to where they’re supposed to be, thus alleviating vertigo associated with this condition. It involves specific head positions under the guidance of a specialist, aiming to shift these crystals and provide relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

For effective and safe vertigo treatment, it’s best to consult our Murphy, MO physical therapists initially, who can guide you on what exercises are appropriate to do at home.

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

Selecting the right provider is crucial when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy is a top choice for Murphy, MO people suffering from vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of expert Murphy, MO physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. We understand the nuances of vertigo and commit to providing individualized care tailored to your particular 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 Murphy, MO. We employ a range of therapeutic techniques designed to reducing symptoms, enhancing balance, reestablishing normal function, returning you to the things you enjoy doing most, and making you feel great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Murphy, MO patients are at the heart of everything we do. Acknowledging the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we strive to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, valued, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Murphy, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is accessible for anyone seeking help.

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

Other services we offer in Murphy, MO include:

• Neck Pain Treatment
• 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

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Murphy, 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 experts 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 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 help you navigate the complexities of vertigo and get back to living a harmonious and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.