Vertigo treatment in Ranken, 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 Ranken, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment targets the underlying causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Ranken, MO physical and occupational 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, free from vertigo.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Ranken, MO because of a years-long condition or if symptoms arose suddenly, 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.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo typically presents as a sensation of spinning, where either you feel like you’re moving when you’re not, 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 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 usually associated with various conditions affecting the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain involved in managing sensory information essential for controlling balance and eye movements. Listed 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 tiny calcium particles (canaliths) clump up in canals of the inner ear. The inner ear transmits information to the brain about how we’re positioned and where we’re moving. BPPV interferes with 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 results in pressure changes, impacting hearing and balance.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition entails inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves that send signals from the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation interferes with the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain, leading to vertigo and problems 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 affect balance and cause nausea.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Harm to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may manifest shortly or long 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 affect the inner ear, or the wear and tear of inner ear structures due to age.

Identifying the cause of vertigo is a crucial step in treatment, as it enables our Ranken, MO physical and occupational therapists to personalize interventions targeting the specific source of imbalance. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more profound and durable relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

This condition can also present several additional symptoms besides dizziness, differing widely in severity from one individual to another. Common other symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The confusing sensations of vertigo commonly result in nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Challenges in achieving balance, increasing the risk of falls, particularly in elderly people.
• Tinnitus: Ringing or additional noises in one or both ears, which can occur concurrently with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In instances 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 your activity level or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Unusual or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might unintentionally drift and then adjust themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Problems with motion, such as standing up quickly, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting a professional diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Ranken, MO. It usually involves a comprehensive examination, which can involve hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Ranken, MO physical therapists, expert in vestibular therapy, have years of experience diagnosing vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor personalized treatment plans for you, together with your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Ranken, 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.

Ranken, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Ranken, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. Various vertigo treatment techniques help directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Ranken, MO physical therapists will develop a unique treatment plan for your unique disorder. That might involve 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 Ranken, MO could involve:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a targeted treatment modality intended to alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of tailored exercises designed to retrain the brain to process and recognize signals from the vestibular system more effectively. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are designed to improve 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 concentrate on a small target at eye level. As you hold your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly move your head from side to side or up and down. This assists conditioning your brain to maintain focus on an object regardless of movements.
  • Balance Training: Balance training exercises play a vital role for people with vertigo, as they help improving steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. Such activities often begin with simple activities like balancing on a single leg 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 meant for those who suffer from dizziness from their own movement or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve continuous exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, with the objective of diminishing the sensitivity to 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): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a safe method that aims to move the misplaced crystals within the inner ear to where they’re supposed to be, effectively reducing vertigo associated with this disorder. It entails specific head positions with the guidance of a professional, aiming to relocate these crystals and provide relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

For effective and safe vertigo treatment, it’s most advisable to meet with our Ranken, 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 Ranken, MO

Selecting the right provider is crucial when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy is a top choice for Ranken, MO individuals experiencing vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of expert Ranken, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team of occupational and physical therapists understands the complexities of vertigo and are dedicated to providing personalized care designed for your particular 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 Ranken, MO. We employ a range of therapeutic techniques designed to alleviating symptoms, improving balance, restoring normal function, returning you to the things you enjoy doing most, and making you feel great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Ranken, MO patients are at the heart of everything we do. Recognizing the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we strive to create a supportive environment where patients feel understood, valued, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Ranken, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is accessible for those in need.

For anyone struggling with vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems, reaching out to Axes Physical Therapy can be a significant step toward recovery.

Other services we offer in Ranken, MO include:

• Neck Pain Treatment
• Physical Therapy Clinic
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
• Sciatica Treatment
• Sports Medicine
• Hand Pain Physical Therapy
• Foot & Ankle Pain Treatment
• Hip Pain Treatment
• Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
• Stroke Rehabilitation

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Ranken, 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 walking up the stairs 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 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 help you navigate the complexities of vertigo and get back to living a harmonious and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.