Vertigo treatment in Sherman, MO. Vertigo is more than just simply experiencing dizziness; it’s a complex condition that can cause you to lose your sense of presence in the world, severely impacting your ability to perform basic tasks. At Axes Physical Therapy in Sherman, 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 Sherman, 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.

If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in Sherman, 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 start getting your best you back today.

Vertigo: Causes, Symptoms, & Diagnosis

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 often induced 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 often a symptom of various ailments influencing the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain that processes sensory information crucial for maintaining balance and eye movements. Below are several of the most typical causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is a primary cause of vertigo and occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) clump up in canals of the inner ear. The inner ear communicates to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. BPPV interferes with these signals, causing vertigo.
• Meniere’s Disease: This disorder 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 leads to pressure changes, affecting hearing and balance.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder involves swelling of the inner ear or the nerves linking the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation interferes with the transmission 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 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: Injuries to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may manifest immediately or sometime after the injury.
• Other Causes: More rarely, 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.

Understanding the cause of vertigo is a crucial step in treatment, as it enables our Sherman, MO physical and occupational therapists to personalize interventions that directly address the specific source of what’s affecting you. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more lasting and profound relief from their symptoms.

Symptoms of Vertigo

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

• Nausea or Vomiting: The unsettling sensations of vertigo frequently cause nausea and, in extreme cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Challenges in keeping balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, particularly in elderly individuals.
• Tinnitus: Buzzing or other noises in one or both ears, which can occur alongside vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In cases associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear issues, hearing loss can be a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo may cause 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: Challenges with motion, such as standing up quickly, which can worsen vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Sherman, MO. It usually involves a comprehensive examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Sherman, MO physical therapists, expert in vestibular therapy, are trained to diagnose 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 Sherman, 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.

Sherman, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Sherman, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. A number of vertigo treatment techniques assist in repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Sherman, MO physical therapists will develop a personalized treatment plan for your particular situation. That might involve 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 Sherman, MO might feature:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized treatment modality designed 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 interpret and process signals from the vestibular system more effectively. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are intended to better 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 move 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: Balance training exercises are crucial for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in enhancing steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. Such activities may start with simple tasks like balancing on a single leg 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 suffer from dizziness from self-motion or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve repeated exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the objective 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.
• 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 their original position, thus alleviating vertigo associated with this condition. This maneuver entails precise head positions with the guidance of a professional, aiming to relocate these crystals and provide relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

For effective and safe vertigo treatment, it’s most advisable to consult our Sherman, MO physical therapists first, who can teach you what exercises are appropriate to do at home.

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

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of expert Sherman, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team comprehends the complexities of vertigo and commit to providing individualized 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 Sherman, MO. We employ a range of therapeutic techniques aimed at alleviating symptoms, enhancing balance, restoring normal function, getting you back to the things you enjoy doing most, and making you feel great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Sherman, MO patients are at the heart of everything they do. Recognizing the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we aim to create a supportive environment where patients feel understood, valued, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Sherman, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is within reach for anyone seeking help.

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 Sherman, 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 | Sherman, 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 turning around feel challenging. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by experts like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a crucial role in treating vertigo by addressing the root causes 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 harmonious and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.