Vertigo treatment in Shaw, MO. The condition known as vertigo goes beyond simply experiencing dizziness; it’s a complex condition that can make you lose your sense of presence in the world, severely impacting your daily life. At Axes Physical Therapy in Shaw, 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 Shaw, MO 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, without the constraints of vertigo.
If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in Shaw, MO, regardless of whether your condition has been ongoing for years or if it’s a recent development, 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.
Vertigo: Causes, Symptoms, & Diagnosis
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 usually associated with various disorders influencing the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain that processes sensory information vital for maintaining balance and eye movements. Listed 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 tiny calcium particles (canaliths) clump up in canals of the inner ear. The inner ear sends signals 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 condition of the inner ear can lead to dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In Meniere’s disease, fluid accumulation in the inner ear causes pressure changes, affecting balance and hearing.
- Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder involves swelling of the inner ear or the nerves that send signals from the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation obstructs the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain, leading to vertigo and issues with balance.
- Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people with migraines experience 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: Harm to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may appear soon after or long following 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 pivotal step in managing the condition, as it allows our Shaw, MO physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions aimed specifically at the root cause of what’s affecting you. With a focus on the underlying cause, patients can experience more profound and durable relief from their symptoms.
Vertigo Symptoms
Vertigo can also be accompanied by several other symptoms besides dizziness, differing widely in severity from one individual to another. Common additional symptoms include:
- Nausea or Vomiting: The unsettling sensations of vertigo frequently cause nausea and, in extreme cases, vomiting.
- Balance Problems: Trouble in achieving balance, heightening the chances for falls, particularly in elderly individuals.
- Tinnitus: Buzzing or additional noises in either ears, which can occur alongside vertigo episodes.
- Hearing Loss: In cases 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, independent of your activity level or temperature.
- Nystagmus: Abnormal or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may unintentionally drift and then realign themselves.
- Sensitivity to Motion: Difficulty with motion, such as rapid changes in posture, which can intensify vertigo symptoms.
Diagnosis of Vertigo
Diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Shaw, MO. It usually involves a thorough examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Shaw, MO physical therapists, skilled in vestibular rehabilitation, play a significant role in diagnosing 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 Shaw, 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.
Shaw, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment
Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Shaw, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. A number of vertigo treatment techniques aid in directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Shaw, MO physical therapists will develop a customized treatment plan for your particular 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 Shaw, MO might feature:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized treatment method designed 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 recognize and process signals from the vestibular system more effectively. Exercises include:
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are intended to 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 fix your gaze 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 enhancing steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. Such activities 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 intended for those who suffer from dizziness from their own movement or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve continuous exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the goal of reducing the brain’s sensitivity to these triggers over time. For instance, moving the head from side to side at a steady speed for a specified number of repetitions.
- The Canalith Repositioning Technique (Epley Maneuver): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a gentle method that aims to reposition the misplaced crystals inside the inner ear to their correct location, thus alleviating the dizzy spells that are characteristic of this condition. This maneuver entails specific head positions with the guidance of a specialist, aiming to relocate these crystals and offer relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.
For safe and effective vertigo treatment, it’s best to consult our Shaw, 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 Shaw, MO
Selecting the right provider is crucial when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy stands out as a premier choice for Shaw, MO individuals suffering from vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:
- Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of skilled Shaw, MO physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team of occupational and physical therapists understands the complexities of vertigo and commit to providing personalized care designed for 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 Shaw, MO. We employ a variety of therapeutic techniques aimed at alleviating symptoms, improving balance, restoring normal function, getting you back to the activities you love, and making you feel great in your daily life.
- Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Shaw, 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 understood, appreciated, and cared for.
- Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Shaw, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is within reach for anyone seeking help.
For anyone experiencing vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems, contacting Axes Physical Therapy can be a significant step toward recovery.
Other services we offer in Shaw, MO include:
- Herniated Disc Treatment
- Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
- Running Injury
- MCL Tear
- ACL Rehabilitation
- Functional Capacity Evaluation
- Vestibular Therapy
Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Shaw, 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 regain 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 help you navigate the complexities of vertigo and get back to living a balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.