Vertigo treatment in Soulard, MO. The condition known as vertigo is more than just a brief moment of dizziness; it’s complex and can make you lose your sense of presence in the world, heavily affecting your daily life. At Axes Physical Therapy in Soulard, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment targets root causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Soulard, MO physical and occupational therapists work with you and your doctor to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To help you regain balance and resume the activities you love, free from vertigo.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Soulard, MO because of a years-long condition or if symptoms arose suddenly, Axes is here to help. Call the Axes location nearest you, 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 either you feel like you’re moving when you’re not, 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 ailments affecting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain that manages information about our position in the world around us. Listed are some of the most frequent 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 how we’re positioned and where we’re moving. BPPV interferes with these signals, causing dizziness and a spinning sensation.
• Meniere’s Disease: This disorder 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, impacting hearing and balance.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder involves inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation interferes with the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain, causing vertigo and issues 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 nausea.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Harm to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may develop shortly or long after the injury.
• Other Causes: In fewer cases, 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.

Recognizing the cause of vertigo is a crucial step in managing the condition, as it allows our Soulard, MO physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions aimed specifically at the root cause of imbalance. Concentrating on the underlying cause, patients can realize more profound and durable relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

Vertigo can also come with several other symptoms besides dizziness, varying greatly in severity from person to person. Common additional symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The disorienting sensations of vertigo often lead to nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Difficulty in keeping balance, increasing the risk of falls, especially in elderly individuals.
• Tinnitus: Ringing or additional noises in one or both ears, which can occur simultaneously with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In cases associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear problems, hearing loss is often a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo might trigger sudden sweating, not related to physical exertion or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Abnormal or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might drift without control and then correct themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Challenges with motion, such as rapid changes in posture, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting a professional diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Soulard, MO. It often involves a comprehensive examination, which often includes hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Soulard, MO physical therapists, expert in vestibular rehabilitation, are trained to diagnose vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor customized treatment plans for you, in tandem with your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Soulard, 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.

Soulard, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Soulard, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Various vertigo treatment techniques aid in directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Soulard, MO physical therapists will develop a personalized treatment plan for your specific disorder. 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 Soulard, MO might feature:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a targeted treatment modality designed to alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of personalized exercises intended 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 better 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 focus on a small target at eye level. As you keep your gaze 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 regardless of movements.
  • Balance Training: Balance training exercises are crucial for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in enhancing steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. These exercises often begin with simple tasks like balancing on a single leg or taking heel-to-toe steps and advance to more complex tasks that involve walking with head movements or on uneven surfaces.
  • Habituation Exercises: Habituation exercises are intended for those who suffer from dizziness due to self-motion or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve repeated exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the goal of reducing the sensitivity of these triggers over time. For instance, moving the head from side to side at a controlled speed for a set number of repetitions.
• The Canalith Repositioning Technique (Epley Maneuver): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a gentle procedure that seeks to move the misplaced crystals inside the inner ear to their original position, thus alleviating the dizzy spells that are characteristic of this disorder. This maneuver entails precise head positions with the guidance of a specialist, designed to shift these crystals and offer relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

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

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

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of expert Soulard, MO physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team comprehends the complexities of vertigo and commit to providing personalized care designed for your specific needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: From the initial assessment to the development of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in Soulard, MO. We employ a range of therapeutic techniques aimed at alleviating symptoms, enhancing balance, restoring normal function, returning you to the things you enjoy doing most, and having you feeling great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Soulard, MO 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 heard, appreciated, and cared for.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Soulard, 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 crucial step toward recovery.

Other services we offer in Soulard, 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 | Soulard, 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 standing up from a chair seem daunting. 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 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 help you navigate the complexities of vertigo and get back to living a harmonious and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.