Vertigo treatment in Owensville, MO. Vertigo goes beyond a brief moment of dizziness; it’s complex and can cause you to lose your sense of presence in the world, heavily affecting your ability to perform basic tasks. At Axes Physical Therapy in Owensville, 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 Owensville, 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, free from vertigo.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Owensville, MO because of a years-long condition or if symptoms arose suddenly, Axes is here to help. 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 a symptom of various disorders influencing the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain that manages sensory information vital for controlling balance and eye movements. Here are some 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 communicates to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. BPPV alters these signals, causing vertigo.
• Meniere’s Disease: This disorder 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 leads to pressure changes, affecting hearing and balance.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition involves inflammation 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 experience 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 soon after or long following 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 cause ear damage, or the wear and tear of inner ear structures due to age.

Identifying the cause of vertigo is a pivotal step in treatment, as it enables our Owensville, MO physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions that directly address the underlying issue of imbalance. With a focus on the underlying cause, patients can realize more effective and lasting relief from their symptoms.

Symptoms of Vertigo

This condition can also be accompanied by several other symptoms beyond dizziness, varying greatly in severity from one individual to another. Common additional symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The disorienting sensations of vertigo frequently cause nausea and, in extreme cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Trouble in keeping balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, especially in elderly individuals.
• Tinnitus: Humming or additional noises in one or both ears, which may occur simultaneously with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In cases related to Meniere’s disease or other inner ear problems, hearing loss can be a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo may cause sudden sweating, unrelated to physical exertion or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Unusual or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may unintentionally drift and then realign themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Problems with motion, such as quick movements, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

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

Owensville, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Owensville, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. A number of vertigo treatment techniques assist in repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Owensville, MO physical therapists will develop a personalized treatment plan for your particular situation. 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 Owensville, MO may include:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a targeted treatment method designed to alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of personalized 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 better vision and the ability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. A common technique 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 turn 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: Balance training exercises play a vital role for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in improving steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. These exercises often begin with simple tasks like standing on one foot or taking heel-to-toe steps and progress to more complex tasks that involve walking with head movements or on uneven surfaces.
  • Habituation Exercises: Exercises for habituation are intended for those who suffer from dizziness from self-motion or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve repeated exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, with the objective of reducing 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): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a safe method that seeks to reposition the misplaced crystals within the inner ear to where they’re supposed to be, effectively reducing the dizzy spells 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 uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.

For effective and safe vertigo treatment, it’s most advisable to consult our Owensville, 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 Owensville, MO

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of expert Owensville, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. We understand the complexities of vertigo and are dedicated to providing personalized care designed for your particular needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: Starting with your first evaluation to the development of a personalized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Owensville, MO. We employ a variety of therapeutic techniques designed to reducing symptoms, improving balance, restoring normal function, getting you back to the things you enjoy doing most, and making you feel great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Owensville, 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, appreciated, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Owensville, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is accessible for anyone seeking help.

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 Owensville, 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 | Owensville, 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 standing up from a chair feel challenging. 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 self-assuredness.

If you’re suffering from 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 return to living a balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.