Vertigo treatment in Saint Paul, MO. The condition known as vertigo is more than just a brief moment of dizziness; it’s complex and can make you lose your sense of presence in the world, heavily affecting your ability to perform basic tasks. At Axes Physical Therapy in Saint Paul, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment goes beyond temporary fixes. We target the underlying causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Saint Paul, MO physical and occupational therapists work with you and your doctor to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To help you regain balance and resume the activities you love, free from vertigo.

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

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is often described as a spinning sensation, 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 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 disorders influencing the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain responsible for managing sensory information essential for controlling balance and eye movements. Here are a few of the most typical causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is the foremost cause of vertigo and occurs when tiny 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 interferes with 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 results in pressure changes, affecting balance and hearing.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition involves inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves linking the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation obstructs the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, resulting in 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 influence balance and cause nausea.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Harm to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may manifest 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 affect the inner ear, or the wear and tear of inner ear structures due to age.

Recognizing the cause of vertigo is a crucial step in treatment, as it allows our Saint Paul, MO physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions aimed specifically at the specific source of imbalance. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can experience more profound and durable 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 additional symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The disorienting sensations of vertigo frequently cause nausea and, in serious cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Trouble in maintaining balance, heightening the chances for falls, especially in elderly people.
• Tinnitus: Ringing or other noises in one or both ears, which may occur concurrently with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In cases associated with 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 physical exertion or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Irregular or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may drift without control and then adjust themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Problems with motion, such as quick movements, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Saint Paul, MO. It often involves a thorough examination, which can involve hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Saint Paul, MO physical therapists, expert in vestibular therapy, play a significant role in diagnosing vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor customized treatment plans for you, alongside your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Saint Paul, 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.

Saint Paul, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Saint Paul, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Several vertigo treatment techniques assist in directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Saint Paul, MO physical therapists will develop a personalized treatment plan for your specific situation. That could encompass 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 Saint Paul, MO might feature:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a targeted form of therapy aimed at 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 process and recognize signals from the vestibular system more efficiently. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are intended to improve vision and the capability 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 hold your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly turn 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: Exercises focused on balance training play a vital role for people with vertigo, as they help enhancing steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. These exercises 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 walking with head movements or on uneven surfaces.
  • Habituation Exercises: Exercises for habituation are meant for those who experience dizziness due to self-motion or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve repeated exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the goal of diminishing 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 set number of repetitions.
• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a safe method that aims to move the dislodged crystals within the inner ear back to where they’re supposed to be, thereby relieving the dizzy spells that are characteristic of this disorder. This maneuver involves precise head movements with the guidance of a professional, designed to shift these crystals and offer relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.

For safe and effective vertigo treatment, it’s most advisable to consult our Saint Paul, MO physical therapists initially, who can show you what exercises are safe for you to do at home.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Saint Paul, MO

Selecting the right provider is crucial when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy stands out as a top choice for Saint Paul, MO people suffering from vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of skilled Saint Paul, 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 commit to providing individualized care designed for your specific needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: From the initial assessment to the development of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Saint Paul, MO. We employ a variety of therapeutic techniques aimed at alleviating symptoms, improving balance, reestablishing normal function, returning you to the activities you love, and making you feel great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Saint Paul, MO patients are the center of everything they do. Acknowledging the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we strive to create a caring environment where patients feel heard, valued, and cared for.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Saint Paul, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert 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 Saint Paul, MO include:

• 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
• Hip Replacement Physical Therapy

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Saint Paul, 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 feel challenging. 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 suffering from 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.