Vertigo treatment in Pacific, MO. The condition known as vertigo is more than just a brief moment of 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 Pacific, 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 Pacific, MO 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.

If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in Pacific, MO, regardless of whether your condition has been ongoing for years or if it’s a recent development, Axes is here to help. Reach out to the closest Axes location, contact us online, or request an appointment to initiate your path to recovery 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 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 associated with various disorders impacting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain that processes sensory information crucial for controlling balance and eye movements. Here are a few of the most frequent causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is the foremost cause of vertigo and occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) move into the wrong position in the inner ear. The inner ear transmits information 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 causes pressure changes, affecting 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. Such swelling interferes with the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain, causing 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 influence 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: 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 an essential step in managing the condition, as it allows our Pacific, MO physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions aimed specifically at the underlying issue of imbalance. Concentrating on the underlying cause, patients can realize more lasting and profound 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 other symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The disorienting sensations of vertigo frequently cause nausea and, in extreme cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Difficulty in keeping balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, particularly in elderly persons.
• Tinnitus: Humming or additional noises in either ears, which can occur simultaneously with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In cases associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear problems, 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 might unintentionally drift and then realign themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Challenges with changes in position, such as quick movements, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting a professional diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Pacific, MO. It typically involves a comprehensive examination, which often includes hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Pacific, MO physical therapists, skilled in vestibular rehabilitation, have years of experience diagnosing vertigo. They’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 Pacific, 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.

Pacific, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Pacific, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. Several vertigo treatment techniques aid in repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Pacific, MO physical therapists will develop a customized treatment plan for your particular 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 Pacific, 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 personalized exercises intended to retrain the brain to recognize and process signals from the vestibular system more effectively. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are aimed at 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 focus on a small target at eye level. As you maintain your focus fixed on the target, you slowly rotate your head from side to side or up and down. This aids in teaching your brain to maintain focus on an object regardless of movements.
  • Balance Training: Balance training exercises are crucial for people with vertigo, as they help improving steadiness and lowering 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 moving while turning the head or on uneven surfaces.
  • Habituation Exercises: Exercises for habituation are meant for those who suffer from dizziness from their own movement or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve continuous 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 specified number of repetitions.
• The Canalith Repositioning Technique (Epley Maneuver): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a gentle procedure that aims to reposition the misplaced crystals within the inner ear to their correct position, thereby relieving vertigo associated with this disorder. This maneuver involves specific head positions under 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 Pacific, 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 Pacific, MO

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of expert Pacific, MO physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. We understand the nuances of vertigo and are dedicated to providing individualized care designed for your specific needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: From the initial assessment to the creation of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in Pacific, MO. Our team uses a range of therapeutic techniques designed to reducing symptoms, improving balance, reestablishing normal function, returning you to the activities you love, and having you feeling great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Pacific, MO patients are at the heart of everything they do. Acknowledging the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we strive to create a caring environment where patients feel understood, valued, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Pacific, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is within reach 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 Pacific, MO include:

• 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 | Pacific, 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 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 tackling the underlying issues and helping patients regain their balance and confidence.

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