Vertigo treatment in Shiloh, IL. The condition known as vertigo is more than just a brief moment of dizziness; living with symptoms that are largely “in your head” can be even more frustrating as others aren’t able to see the outward signs of an injury. At Axes Physical Therapy in Shiloh, IL, 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 Shiloh, IL 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, free from vertigo.
If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in Shiloh, IL, regardless of whether your condition has been ongoing for years or if it’s a recent development, you can trust in Axes. Call the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment to start getting your best you back today.
What Is Vertigo?
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 often associated with various conditions influencing the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain that manages information about our position in the world around us. Listed are some 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 transmits information to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. BPPV disrupts these signals, causing dizziness and a spinning sensation.
- 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 results in pressure changes, impacting hearing and balance.
- Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition involves inflammation 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 problems with balance.
- Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people with migraines undergo episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even when they’re not having a severe headache. These episodes can affect balance and cause motion sickness.
- Head or Neck Injuries: Injuries to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may develop soon after or long following the injury.
- Other Causes: More rarely, 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 an essential step in treatment, as it enables our Shiloh, IL physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions targeting the underlying issue of imbalance. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can experience more effective and lasting relief from their symptoms.
Vertigo Symptoms
Vertigo can also be accompanied by several other symptoms beyond dizziness, showing significant variation in severity from person to person. Common additional symptoms include:
- Nausea or Vomiting: The disorienting sensations of vertigo commonly result in nausea and, in extreme cases, vomiting.
- Balance Problems: Difficulty in maintaining balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, particularly in elderly persons.
- Tinnitus: Ringing or additional noises in either ears, which may occur concurrently with vertigo episodes.
- Hearing Loss: In instances related to Meniere’s disease or other inner ear issues, hearing loss may be a symptom.
- Sweating: An episode of vertigo might trigger sudden sweating, independent of physical exertion or temperature.
- Nystagmus: Unusual or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may drift without control and then realign themselves.
- Sensitivity to Motion: Problems with motion, such as quick movements, which can worsen vertigo symptoms.
Diagnosis of Vertigo
Diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Shiloh, IL. It typically involves a comprehensive examination, which can involve hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Shiloh, IL physical therapists, specialized in vestibular rehabilitation, are trained to diagnose vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor customized treatment plans for you, together with your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Shiloh, IL 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.
Shiloh, IL Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment
Therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Shiloh, IL, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. Various vertigo treatment techniques assist in directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Shiloh, IL physical therapists will develop a unique treatment plan for your unique circumstances. 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 Shiloh, IL could involve:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a targeted treatment method designed to alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of tailored exercises aimed to retrain the brain to recognize and process signals from the vestibular system more efficiently. 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. One such exercise is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you concentrate on a small target at eye level. As you hold your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly rotate your head from side to side or up and down. This assists teaching your brain to maintain focus on an object regardless of movements.
- Balance Training: Balance training exercises play a vital role for individuals with vertigo, as they help improving steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. These exercises 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 meant for those who experience dizziness due to self-motion or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve continuous exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the goal 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): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a safe procedure that aims to move the dislodged crystals within the inner ear back to their original location, thus alleviating the dizzy spells associated with this condition. It entails precise head positions with the guidance of a specialist, aiming to shift these crystals and offer relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.
For effective and safe vertigo treatment, it’s most advisable to meet with our Shiloh, IL physical therapists first, who can show you what exercises are safe for you to do at home.
Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Shiloh, IL
Selecting the right provider is essential when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy stands out as a premier choice for Shiloh, IL individuals suffering from vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:
- Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of expert Shiloh, IL 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 particular needs and conditions.
- Comprehensive Care: From the initial assessment to the development of a personalized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Shiloh, IL. Our team uses a range of therapeutic techniques aimed at alleviating symptoms, enhancing balance, reestablishing normal function, returning you to the activities you love, and having you feeling great in your daily life.
- Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Shiloh, IL patients are the center of everything they do. Recognizing the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we aim to create a supportive environment where patients feel understood, valued, and supported.
- Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Shiloh, IL, 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 significant step toward recovery.
Other services we offer in Shiloh, IL include:
- 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 | Shiloh, IL 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 walking up the stairs seem daunting. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by specialized providers like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a crucial role in treating vertigo by addressing the root causes and helping patients restore their balance and confidence.
If you’re suffering from vertigo or related symptoms, remember that you’re not alone. Contact 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.