Vertigo treatment in Pevely, MO. Vertigo goes beyond simply experiencing dizziness; it’s complex and can cause you to lose your sense of being in the world, heavily affecting your daily life. At Axes Physical Therapy in Pevely, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment extends beyond temporary fixes. We target root causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Pevely, MO therapists work with you and your doctor to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To assist you in regaining balance and return to the activities you love, without the constraints of vertigo.
If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in Pevely, 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.
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. 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 conditions impacting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain that manages information about our position in the world around us. Here are several of the most common 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 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 often causes 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. This inflammation interferes with the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, causing vertigo and issues with balance.
- Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people with migraines suffer from episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even in the absence of an actual migraine. These episodes can impact balance and cause nausea.
- Head or Neck Injuries: Harm to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may develop immediately or sometime after 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.
Recognizing the cause of vertigo is an essential step in treatment, as it allows our Pevely, MO physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions aimed specifically at the root cause of imbalance. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can realize more effective and lasting relief from their symptoms.
Vertigo Symptoms
This condition can also present several other symptoms beyond dizziness, showing significant variation in severity from person to person. Common additional symptoms include:
- Nausea or Vomiting: The unsettling sensations of vertigo often lead to nausea and, in serious cases, vomiting.
- Balance Problems: Challenges in maintaining balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, particularly in elderly persons.
- Tinnitus: Humming or additional noises in one or both ears, which can occur concurrently with vertigo episodes.
- Hearing Loss: In cases related to Meniere’s disease or other inner ear conditions, hearing loss is often a symptom.
- Sweating: An episode of vertigo may cause sudden sweating, independent of physical exertion or temperature.
- Nystagmus: Unusual or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might unintentionally drift and then correct themselves.
- Sensitivity to Motion: Difficulty with changes in position, such as rapid changes in posture, which can worsen vertigo symptoms.
Diagnosis of Vertigo
Diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Pevely, MO. It usually involves a comprehensive examination, which can involve hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Pevely, 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, together with your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Pevely, MO and throughout Missouri to seek physical therapy without a prescription, you can visit Axes for a free injury screening for your initial diagnosis and treatment.
Pevely, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment
Therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Pevely, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. A number of vertigo treatment techniques help directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Pevely, MO physical therapists will develop a unique 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 Pevely, MO might feature:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized form of therapy designed to alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of tailored exercises intended to retrain the brain to interpret and process signals from the vestibular system more efficiently. Exercises include:
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are intended to improve 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 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 training your brain to maintain focus on an object regardless of movements.
- Balance Training: Exercises focused on balance training play a vital role for people with vertigo, as they aid in enhancing steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. Such activities often begin with simple activities like balancing on a single leg or walking heel-to-toe and advance to more complex tasks that involve moving while turning the head or on uneven surfaces.
- Habituation Exercises: Habituation exercises 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 induce dizziness, with the goal of reducing 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 is recognized as a safe procedure that seeks to reposition the dislodged crystals within the inner ear back to their original position, effectively reducing vertigo associated with this condition. This maneuver involves precise head movements under the guidance of a specialist, aiming to relocate these crystals and offer relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.
For effective and safe vertigo treatment, it’s most advisable to consult our Pevely, MO physical therapists initially, who can guide you on what exercises are safe for you to do at home.
Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Pevely, MO
Choosing the right provider is crucial when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy is a premier choice for Pevely, MO people suffering from vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:
- Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of expert Pevely, MO physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team of occupational and physical therapists understands the nuances of vertigo and are dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to 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 comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in Pevely, MO. We employ a range of therapeutic techniques aimed at alleviating symptoms, enhancing balance, reestablishing normal function, returning you to the things you enjoy doing most, and having you feeling great in your daily life.
- Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Pevely, MO patients are at the heart of everything we do. Recognizing the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we aim to create a caring environment where patients feel heard, appreciated, and supported.
- Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Pevely, 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 Pevely, 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 | Pevely, 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 walking up the stairs seem daunting. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by specialized providers like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a crucial role in treating vertigo by addressing the root causes and helping patients regain 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 assist you in managing the complexities of vertigo and return to living a harmonious and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.