Vertigo Treatment in Richmond Heights, MO | Vestibular Therapy | Physical Therapy for Vertigo Near Richmond Heights

Vertigo treatment in Richmond Heights, MO. The condition known as vertigo goes beyond simply experiencing dizziness; it’s complex and can cause you to lose your sense of presence in the world, severely impacting your ability to perform basic tasks. At Axes Physical Therapy in Richmond Heights, 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 Richmond Heights, 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.

If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in Richmond Heights, MO, regardless of whether your condition has been ongoing for years or if it’s a recent development, you can trust in Axes. Reach out to the closest Axes location, contact us online, or request an appointment to begin the journey to reclaim your best self 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 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 a symptom of various disorders affecting the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain responsible for processing information about our position in the world around us. Below 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) 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 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, fluid accumulation in the inner ear results in pressure changes, impacting hearing and balance.
Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition entails swelling of the inner ear or the nerves that send signals from the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation obstructs the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, causing vertigo and problems with balance.
Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people who suffer from migraines suffer from episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even in the absence of an actual migraine. These episodes can influence balance and cause nausea.
Head or Neck Injuries: Injuries to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may develop shortly or long after the injury.
Other Causes: In fewer cases, vertigo can be a symptom of a more serious condition affecting the brain (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.

Recognizing the cause of vertigo is an essential step in managing the condition, as it enables our Richmond Heights, MO physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions that directly address the root cause of imbalance. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more profound and durable relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Treatment in Richmond Heights, MO | Vestibular Therapy | Physical Therapy for Vertigo Near Richmond Heights

Symptoms of Vertigo

Vertigo can also come with several other symptoms beyond dizziness, showing significant variation in severity from person to person. Common other symptoms include:

Nausea or Vomiting: The disorienting sensations of vertigo commonly result in nausea and, in serious cases, vomiting.
Balance Problems: Difficulty in maintaining balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, particularly in elderly people.
Tinnitus: Ringing or other noises in one or both ears, which may occur simultaneously with vertigo episodes.
Hearing Loss: In cases associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear problems, hearing loss can be a symptom.
Sweating: An episode of vertigo may cause sudden sweating, not related to physical exertion or temperature.
Nystagmus: Irregular or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might unintentionally drift and then correct themselves.
Sensitivity to Motion: Problems with motion, such as rapid changes in posture, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Richmond Heights, MO. It typically involves a thorough examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Richmond Heights, MO physical therapists, skilled in vestibular therapy, play a significant role in diagnosing vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor customized treatment plans for you, together with your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Richmond Heights, 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.

Richmond Heights, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Richmond Heights, 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 Richmond Heights, MO physical therapists will develop a customized treatment plan for your specific 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 Richmond Heights, MO might feature:

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a focused 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 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. An example is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you fix your gaze 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 assists training your brain to maintain focus on an object despite movements.
- Balance Training: Balance training exercises are crucial for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in enhancing steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. These exercises often begin with simple tasks like balancing on a single leg or taking heel-to-toe steps and advance 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. These exercises involve repeated exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, with the objective of diminishing the brain’s sensitivity to these triggers over time. For instance, moving the head from side to side at a controlled speed for a set 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 move the misplaced crystals inside the inner ear to where they’re supposed to be, thereby relieving the dizzy spells that are characteristic of this disorder. It involves precise head positions under the guidance of a professional, aiming to relocate these crystals and provide relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.

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

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

Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of expert Richmond Heights, MO physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team comprehends the complexities of vertigo and are dedicated to providing personalized care designed for 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 comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in Richmond Heights, MO. Our team uses a range of therapeutic techniques designed to alleviating symptoms, enhancing balance, reestablishing normal function, getting you back to the activities you love, and making you feel great in your daily life.
Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Richmond Heights, MO patients are at the heart of everything they do. Recognizing the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we aim to create a caring environment where patients feel heard, appreciated, and cared for.
Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Richmond Heights, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is within reach for those in need.

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 Richmond Heights, MO include:

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Richmond Heights, 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 crucial role in treating vertigo by addressing the root causes and helping patients regain their balance and self-assuredness.

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.

Vertigo Treatment Richmond Heights, MO