Vertigo treatment in Sappington, MO. Vertigo is more than just a brief moment of dizziness; living with symptoms that are largely “in your head” can be particularly challenging as others aren’t able to see the outward signs of an injury. At Axes Physical Therapy in Sappington, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment goes beyond temporary fixes. We target root 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 return to the activities you love, free from vertigo.

If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in Sappington, 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 initiate your path to recovery 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. 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 ailments impacting the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain that manages information about our position in the world around us. Here are some of the most common 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 communicates to the brain about how we’re positioned and where we’re moving. BPPV interferes with these signals, causing dizziness and a spinning sensation.
• Meniere’s Disease: This condition 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 balance and hearing.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder entails 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, leading to 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 affect balance and cause nausea.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Injuries 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 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.

Understanding the cause of vertigo is a pivotal step in treatment, as it allows our Sappington, MO physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions aimed specifically at the underlying issue of what’s affecting you. Concentrating on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more profound and durable relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

This condition can also be accompanied by several other symptoms besides dizziness, varying greatly in severity from one individual to another. Common additional symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The confusing sensations of vertigo frequently cause nausea and, in extreme cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Difficulty in achieving balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, particularly in elderly people.
• Tinnitus: Buzzing or other noises in one or both ears, which can occur concurrently with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In instances related to Meniere’s disease or other inner ear conditions, hearing loss may be a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo might trigger sudden sweating, independent of your activity level or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Abnormal or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may unintentionally drift and then correct themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Difficulty with changes in position, such as quick movements, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Sappington, MO. It often involves a thorough examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Sappington, MO physical therapists, specialized in vestibular rehabilitation, play a significant role in diagnosing vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor customized treatment plans for you, alongside 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 visit Axes for a free injury screening for your initial diagnosis and treatment.

Sappington, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Sappington, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. Various vertigo treatment techniques help repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Sappington, MO physical therapists will develop a personalized treatment plan for your specific disorder. 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 Sappington, MO may include:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a focused form of therapy intended to alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of personalized exercises designed to retrain the brain to process and recognize signals from the vestibular system more efficiently. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are aimed at improve vision and the ability 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 maintain your focus 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 despite movements.
  • Balance Training: Exercises focused on balance training play a vital role for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in enhancing steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. These exercises may start with simple activities like balancing on a single leg or walking heel-to-toe and advance to more complex tasks that involve moving while turning the head or on uneven surfaces.
  • Habituation Exercises: Exercises for habituation are intended for those who experience dizziness from self-motion or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve repeated exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the goal of reducing the sensitivity of these triggers over time. An example is moving the head from side to side at a controlled speed for a set number of repetitions.
• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a safe procedure that aims to reposition the misplaced crystals within the inner ear back to their correct position, thereby relieving vertigo associated with this disorder. It involves specific head movements with the guidance of a professional, designed to shift these crystals and provide relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.

For safe and effective vertigo treatment, it’s most advisable to consult our Sappington, MO physical therapists first, who can teach you what exercises are safe for you 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 stands out as a premier choice for Sappington, MO people suffering from vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of expert Sappington, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team comprehends the complexities of vertigo and are dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your specific needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: Starting with your first evaluation to the development of a personalized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Sappington, MO. Our team uses a range of therapeutic techniques aimed at alleviating symptoms, improving balance, restoring 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 Sappington, MO patients are the center of everything we do. Recognizing the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we strive to create a supportive environment where patients feel understood, appreciated, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Sappington, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is within reach for anyone seeking help.

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

Other services we offer in Sappington, 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 | Sappington, 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 tackling the underlying issues and helping patients regain their balance and self-assuredness.

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 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.