Vertigo treatment in Scotsdale, MO. The condition known as vertigo goes beyond a brief moment of dizziness; it’s complex and can make you lose your sense of presence in the world, severely impacting your ability to perform basic tasks. At Axes Physical Therapy in Scotsdale, 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 Scotsdale, 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 resume the activities you love, without the constraints of vertigo.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Scotsdale, 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 begin the journey to reclaim your best self 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 usually a symptom of various conditions impacting the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain involved in managing sensory information crucial for controlling balance and eye movements. Here are some of the most frequent causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is the most common 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 how we’re positioned and where we’re moving. BPPV interferes with these signals, causing vertigo.
• Meniere’s Disease: This condition of the inner ear may result in dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In Meniere’s disease, fluid accumulation in the inner ear leads to pressure changes, affecting balance and hearing.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition involves inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation obstructs the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain, causing vertigo and problems with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people who suffer from migraines experience 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: Harm to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may manifest 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 cause ear damage, or age-related degeneration of the inner ear structures.

Identifying the cause of vertigo is a crucial step in treatment, as it enables our Scotsdale, MO physical and occupational therapists to personalize interventions aimed specifically at the root cause of what’s affecting you. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can realize more profound and durable relief from their symptoms.

Symptoms of Vertigo

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

• Nausea or Vomiting: The unsettling sensations of vertigo frequently cause nausea and, in serious cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Trouble in achieving balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, especially in elderly individuals.
• Tinnitus: Humming or additional noises in either ears, which may occur concurrently with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In instances associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear conditions, hearing loss can be a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo can lead to sudden sweating, not related to physical exertion or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Abnormal or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may drift without control and then realign themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Problems with motion, such as standing up quickly, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Scotsdale, MO. It often involves a comprehensive examination, which can involve hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Scotsdale, MO physical therapists, specialized in vestibular therapy, are trained to diagnose vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor specific treatment plans for you, alongside your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Scotsdale, 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.

Scotsdale, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Scotsdale, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Various vertigo treatment techniques assist in repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Scotsdale, MO physical therapists will develop a unique treatment plan for your unique 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 Scotsdale, MO may include:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized treatment method intended to alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of tailored 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 enhance vision and the capability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. An example 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 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 aid in improving steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. These exercises may start with simple tasks like balancing on a single leg or taking heel-to-toe steps and progress to more complex tasks that involve moving while turning the head or on uneven surfaces.
  • Habituation Exercises: Habituation exercises are meant for those who suffer from dizziness due to self-motion or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve repeated exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, with the goal of reducing the sensitivity of these triggers over time. For instance, moving the head from side to side at a steady speed for a specified number of repetitions.
• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a safe method that aims to reposition the dislodged crystals inside the inner ear back to their correct position, thereby relieving vertigo associated with this condition. This maneuver entails precise head positions under the guidance of a specialist, designed to shift these crystals and provide relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.

For safe and effective vertigo treatment, it’s best to meet with our Scotsdale, MO physical therapists first, who can guide you on what exercises are appropriate to do at home.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Scotsdale, MO

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of expert Scotsdale, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team comprehends the nuances of vertigo and are dedicated to providing individualized care designed for your particular needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: Starting with your first evaluation to the development of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in Scotsdale, MO. Our team uses a variety of therapeutic techniques designed to reducing symptoms, improving balance, restoring normal function, getting you back to the activities you love, and having you feeling great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Scotsdale, MO patients are at the heart of everything we do. Recognizing the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we aim to create a caring environment where patients feel understood, appreciated, and cared for.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Scotsdale, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is accessible for those in need.

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

Other services we offer in Scotsdale, MO include:

• Geriatric Physical Therapy
• Injury Rehabilitation
• Pain Management Services
• TMJ Treatment
• Herniated Disc Treatment
• Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
• Running Injury
• MCL Tear
• ACL Rehabilitation
• Functional Capacity Evaluation

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Scotsdale, 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 experts like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a crucial role in treating vertigo by tackling the underlying issues and helping patients restore their balance and confidence.

If you’re suffering from 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 get back to living a balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.