Vertigo treatment in Portage Des Sioux, 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 Portage Des Sioux, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment goes beyond temporary fixes. We attack root causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Portage Des Sioux, MO therapists collaborate with your healthcare provider to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To help you regain balance and resume the activities you love, free from vertigo.

If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in Portage Des Sioux, 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 start getting your best you back 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 environment 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 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 commonly associated with various conditions impacting the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain that processes information about our position in the world around us. Below are several of the most common causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is the foremost cause of vertigo and occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) clump up in canals of the inner ear. The inner ear sends signals to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. BPPV alters these signals, causing vertigo.
• 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 results in pressure changes, impacting hearing and balance.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder 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, leading to 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 influence balance and cause motion sickness.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Harm to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may develop immediately or sometime after the injury.
• Other Causes: In fewer cases, 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 an essential step in managing the condition, as it allows our Portage Des Sioux, MO physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions targeting the specific source of what’s affecting you. With a focus on the underlying cause, patients can experience more effective and lasting relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

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

• Nausea or Vomiting: The disorienting sensations of vertigo commonly result in nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Challenges in maintaining balance, increasing the risk of falls, particularly in elderly people.
• Tinnitus: Humming or additional noises in either ears, which can 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 can lead to sudden sweating, independent of your activity level or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Abnormal or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may unintentionally drift and then adjust themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Problems with changes in position, such as rapid changes in posture, which can intensify vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Portage Des Sioux, MO. It typically involves a comprehensive examination, which can involve hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Portage Des Sioux, MO physical therapists, skilled in vestibular rehabilitation, have years of experience diagnosing vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor personalized treatment plans for you, together with your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Portage Des Sioux, 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.

Portage Des Sioux, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Portage Des Sioux, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. Several vertigo treatment techniques assist in directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Portage Des Sioux, MO physical therapists will develop a customized treatment plan for your unique disorder. 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 Portage Des Sioux, MO may include:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a targeted form of therapy designed to alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of customized exercises designed 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. One such exercise is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you focus 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 training 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 help improving steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. Such activities often begin with simple tasks like balancing on a single leg or taking heel-to-toe steps and progress 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 their own movement or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve continuous exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, with the goal of diminishing the brain’s sensitivity of these triggers over time. For instance, moving the head from side to side at a controlled speed for a set number of repetitions.
• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a safe method that seeks to reposition the dislodged crystals inside the inner ear back to their correct position, effectively reducing vertigo that are characteristic of this condition. This maneuver involves precise head movements under the guidance of a professional, aiming to shift these crystals and provide relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

For effective and safe vertigo treatment, it’s best to meet with our Portage Des Sioux, MO physical therapists first, who can show you what exercises are safe for you to do at home.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Portage Des Sioux, MO

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of expert Portage Des Sioux, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team comprehends the nuances of vertigo and are dedicated to providing individualized care tailored to 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 holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Portage Des Sioux, MO. Our team uses a variety of therapeutic techniques designed to alleviating symptoms, improving balance, reestablishing 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 Portage Des Sioux, MO patients are at the heart of everything they do. Acknowledging the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we strive to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, valued, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Portage Des Sioux, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is accessible for those in need.

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

Other services we offer in Portage Des Sioux, 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 | Portage Des Sioux, 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 seem daunting. 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 restore their balance and self-assuredness.

If you’re experiencing 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 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.