Vertigo treatment in Sappington, MO. The condition known as vertigo is more than just simply experiencing dizziness; it’s complex and can cause you to lose your sense of presence in the world, heavily affecting your daily life. At Axes Physical Therapy in Sappington, 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 Sappington, MO physical and occupational therapists collaborate with your healthcare provider to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To assist you in regaining balance and resume the activities you love, without the constraints of vertigo.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Sappington, 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 initiate your path to recovery today.

What Is 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 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 a symptom of various disorders influencing the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain that processes information about our position in the world around us. Here are a few 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) clump up in canals of the inner ear. The inner ear transmits information to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. BPPV alters these signals, causing dizziness and a spinning sensation.
• Meniere’s Disease: This disorder of the inner ear often causes 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 disorder involves inflammation 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, resulting in vertigo and problems with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people who suffer from migraines undergo episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even in the absence of an actual migraine. These episodes can impact balance and cause nausea.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Trauma 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 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.

Identifying the cause of vertigo is a crucial step in treatment, as it allows our Sappington, MO physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions targeting the root cause of what’s affecting you. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can realize more effective and lasting relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

This condition can also be accompanied by several other symptoms besides dizziness, showing significant variation in severity from person to person. Common other symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The unsettling sensations of vertigo often lead to nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Challenges in achieving balance, heightening the chances for falls, particularly in elderly individuals.
• Tinnitus: Humming or other noises in either ears, which may 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 might trigger sudden sweating, not related to physical exertion or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Unusual or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may drift without control and then correct themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Problems with changes in position, such as quick movements, which can worsen vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Sappington, MO. It often involves a comprehensive examination, which often includes hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Sappington, MO physical therapists, skilled in vestibular therapy, are trained to diagnose vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor customized treatment plans for you, in tandem with your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Sappington, 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.

Sappington, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Sappington, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. A number of vertigo treatment techniques help directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Sappington, MO physical therapists will develop a personalized treatment plan for your specific situation. 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 Sappington, MO could involve:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a focused treatment method intended 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 effectively. 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 concentrate on a small target at eye level. As you keep your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly turn your head from side to side or up and down. This assists teaching your brain to maintain focus on an object even with movements.
  • Balance Training: Exercises focused on balance training are crucial for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in improving steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. Such activities may start with simple activities like standing on one foot 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 intended for those who experience dizziness from self-motion or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve continuous exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the objective of diminishing the sensitivity of these triggers over time. An example is moving the head from side to side at a controlled speed for a specified 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 misplaced crystals inside the inner ear back to where they’re supposed to be, thereby relieving vertigo associated with this disorder. It involves precise head positions under 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 most advisable to meet with our Sappington, 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 Sappington, MO

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of expert Sappington, MO physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team comprehends the nuances of vertigo and commit to providing individualized care designed for your specific needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: Starting with your first evaluation to the creation of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Sappington, MO. Our team uses a variety of therapeutic techniques aimed at alleviating symptoms, improving balance, reestablishing normal function, getting you back to the things you enjoy doing most, and having you feeling great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Sappington, MO patients are the center of everything we do. Acknowledging 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 Sappington, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is within reach for those in need.

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

Other services we offer in Sappington, MO include:

• Sprain and Strain Treatment
• Geriatric Physical Therapy
• Injury Rehabilitation
• Pain Management Services
• TMJ Treatment
• Herniated Disc Treatment
• Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
• Running Injury
• MCL Tear
• ACL Rehabilitation

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Sappington, 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 turning around feel challenging. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by experts like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a vital role in treating vertigo by addressing the root causes and helping patients regain their balance and confidence.

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 help you navigate the complexities of vertigo and return to living a balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.