Vertigo treatment in Murphy, MO. The condition known as vertigo goes beyond simply experiencing dizziness; it’s a complex condition that can cause you to lose your sense of being in the world, heavily affecting your ability to perform basic tasks. At Axes Physical Therapy in Murphy, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment goes beyond temporary fixes. We target 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 assist you in regaining 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. Reach out to the closest Axes location, 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 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 often a symptom of various conditions affecting the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain responsible for managing sensory information vital for controlling balance and eye movements. Below 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 alters 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, fluid accumulation in the inner ear leads to 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 disrupts the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain, resulting in vertigo and problems with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people with migraines undergo episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even without 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 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 cause ear damage, or age-related degeneration of the inner ear structures.

Identifying the cause of vertigo is a crucial step in managing the condition, as it allows our Murphy, MO physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions aimed specifically at the underlying issue of what’s affecting you. Concentrating on the underlying cause, patients can experience more profound and durable relief from their symptoms.

Symptoms of Vertigo

This condition can also be accompanied by several additional symptoms besides dizziness, differing widely in severity from person to person. Common additional symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The unsettling sensations of vertigo frequently cause nausea and, in serious cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Difficulty in maintaining balance, increasing the risk of falls, particularly in elderly people.
• Tinnitus: Humming or other noises in one or both ears, which can 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: Abnormal or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may drift without control and then realign themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Challenges with motion, such as standing up quickly, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Murphy, MO. It typically involves a comprehensive examination, which can involve hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Murphy, MO physical therapists, specialized in vestibular rehabilitation, play a significant role in diagnosing vertigo. They’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 Murphy, 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.

Murphy, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Murphy, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Various vertigo treatment techniques assist in repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Murphy, MO physical therapists will develop a customized treatment plan for your specific disorder. 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 targeted treatment modality aimed at alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of personalized 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 enhance vision and the ability 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 hold your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly rotate your head from side to side or up and down. This aids in conditioning your brain to maintain focus on an object even with movements.
  • Balance Training: Exercises focused on balance training are crucial for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in enhancing steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. Such activities may start 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: Habituation exercises are intended for those who suffer from dizziness due to self-motion or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve repeated exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that induce 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 stands as a safe procedure that aims to move the misplaced crystals within the inner ear back to where they’re supposed to be, thus alleviating vertigo that are characteristic of this disorder. It involves specific head positions with the guidance of a professional, designed to shift these crystals and offer relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

For safe and effective vertigo treatment, it’s most advisable to meet with our Murphy, MO physical therapists first, who can show you what exercises are appropriate to do at home.

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

Selecting the right provider is essential when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy stands out as 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 skilled Murphy, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team of occupational and physical therapists understands the nuances of vertigo and commit to providing personalized care designed for your specific needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: Starting with your first evaluation to the creation of a personalized 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, improving balance, restoring 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 Murphy, 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 understood, appreciated, and cared for.
• 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 struggling with vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems, contacting Axes Physical Therapy can be a significant step toward recovery.

Other services we offer in Murphy, 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 | Murphy, 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 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 help you navigate the complexities of vertigo and return to living a harmonious and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.