Richmond Heights, MO

Richmond Heights, MO

Return to the activities you love with personalized vertigo treatment in St. Louis.

Vertigo treatment in Richmond Heights, MO. The condition known as vertigo is more than just a brief moment of dizziness; it’s complex and can cause you to lose your sense of being in the world, severely impacting your ability to perform basic tasks. At Axes Physical Therapy in Richmond Heights, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment extends beyond temporary fixes. We attack the underlying 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.

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 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 usually a symptom of various conditions impacting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain responsible for processing sensory information essential for maintaining balance and eye movements. Here are some of the most typical 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 sends signals to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. BPPV disrupts these signals, causing vertigo.
  • 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 balance and hearing.
  • Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder entails inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves linking the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation 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 impact balance and cause motion sickness.
  • Head or Neck Injuries: Injuries to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may develop soon after or long following the injury.
  • Other Causes: Less commonly, 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 age-related degeneration of the inner ear structures.

Understanding the cause of vertigo is a crucial step in managing the condition, as it enables our Richmond Heights, MO physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions aimed specifically at the root cause of imbalance. With a focus on the underlying cause, patients can experience more lasting and profound relief from their symptoms.

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

Vertigo Symptoms

This condition can also be accompanied by several additional symptoms beyond dizziness, differing widely in severity from person to person. Common additional symptoms include:

  • Nausea or Vomiting: The unsettling sensations of vertigo frequently cause nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
  • Balance Problems: Challenges in achieving balance, heightening the chances for falls, especially in elderly persons.
  • Tinnitus: Buzzing or other noises in one or both ears, which can occur simultaneously with vertigo episodes.
  • Hearing Loss: In instances associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear issues, hearing loss may be a symptom.
  • Sweating: An episode of vertigo may cause sudden sweating, unrelated to your activity level or temperature.
  • Nystagmus: Unusual or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may unintentionally drift and then correct themselves.
  • Sensitivity to Motion: Challenges with motion, such as standing up quickly, which can worsen vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting a professional diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Richmond Heights, MO. It usually 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, expert in vestibular therapy, are trained to diagnose vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor customized treatment plans for you, in tandem with your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Richmond Heights, 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.

Richmond Heights, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Richmond Heights, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Various vertigo treatment techniques help repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Richmond Heights, MO physical therapists will develop a customized treatment plan for your specific situation. 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 Richmond Heights, MO might feature:

  • Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a focused treatment modality designed 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 interpret and process signals from the vestibular system more efficiently. Exercises include:
    • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are aimed at enhance vision and the ability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. An example is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you concentrate on a small target at eye level. As you maintain your focus fixed on the target, you slowly turn your head from side to side or up and down. This aids in conditioning your brain to maintain focus on an object despite 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. These exercises often begin with simple tasks like balancing on a single leg or walking heel-to-toe 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 due to self-motion or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve repeated exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, with the goal of diminishing the brain’s 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): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a gentle procedure that aims to move the misplaced crystals inside the inner ear to where they’re supposed to be, effectively reducing vertigo that are characteristic of this condition. This maneuver entails precise head movements with the guidance of a professional, aiming to shift these crystals and offer relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.

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

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

  • Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of skilled Richmond Heights, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team comprehends the nuances of vertigo and are dedicated to providing personalized 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 holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Richmond Heights, MO. We employ a variety of therapeutic techniques designed to reducing 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 Richmond Heights, MO patients are at the heart of everything they do. Recognizing the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we strive to create a supportive environment where patients feel understood, appreciated, and cared for.
  • Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Richmond Heights, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is accessible for those in need.

For anyone struggling with vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems, contacting Axes Physical Therapy can be a crucial 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 seem daunting. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by experts 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 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.

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