Vertigo treatment in South County, MO. Vertigo goes beyond simply experiencing dizziness; living with symptoms that are largely “in your head” can be particularly challenging as others aren’t able to see the outward signs of an injury. At Axes Physical Therapy in South County, 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 South County, MO therapists work with you and your doctor to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To help you regain balance and return to the activities you love, without the constraints of vertigo.

If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in South County, MO, 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 initiate your path to recovery 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. Anyone who’s suffered from vertigo will tell you it’s much more than just being light-headed. 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 commonly associated with various disorders influencing the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain that processes information about our position in the world around us. Below are some of the most typical causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is the foremost cause of vertigo and occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) move into the wrong position in the inner ear. The inner ear communicates to the brain about how we’re positioned and where we’re moving. 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, a buildup of fluid in the inner ear results in pressure changes, impacting hearing and balance.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder entails inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain. Such swelling disrupts the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain, causing vertigo and issues with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people who suffer from migraines suffer from episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even when they’re not having a severe headache. These episodes can influence 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 affect the inner ear, or the wear and tear of inner ear structures due to age.

Identifying the cause of vertigo is a crucial step in treatment, as it enables our South County, MO physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions that directly address the underlying issue of what’s affecting you. Concentrating on the underlying cause, patients can experience more lasting and profound relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

This condition 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 confusing sensations of vertigo often lead to nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Trouble in maintaining balance, increasing the risk of falls, especially in elderly people.
• Tinnitus: Buzzing or other noises in either ears, which may occur simultaneously with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In cases related to Meniere’s disease or other inner ear problems, hearing loss is often a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo might trigger sudden sweating, unrelated to your activity level or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Abnormal or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might drift without control and then adjust themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Problems with motion, such as standing up quickly, which can intensify vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in South County, MO. It often involves a thorough examination, which can involve hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our South County, MO physical therapists, specialized in vestibular rehabilitation, have years of experience diagnosing vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor personalized treatment plans for you, in tandem with your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in South County, 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.

South County, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in South County, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Various vertigo treatment techniques help directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our South County, MO physical therapists will develop a customized treatment plan for your particular disorder. 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 South County, MO could involve:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a targeted treatment method intended to alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of tailored exercises aimed 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 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 keep your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly rotate your head from side to side or up and down. This helps teaching your brain to maintain focus on an object despite movements.
  • Balance Training: Exercises focused on balance training are crucial for people with vertigo, as they help enhancing steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. Such activities may start with simple activities like standing on one foot or walking heel-to-toe and progress to more complex tasks that involve moving while turning the head 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 trigger dizziness, with the objective of diminishing the 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): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a gentle method that aims to reposition the misplaced crystals within the inner ear to where they’re supposed to be, thus alleviating the dizzy spells associated with this condition. This maneuver entails precise head movements with the guidance of a specialist, designed to shift these crystals and offer relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

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

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in South County, MO

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of expert South County, 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 individualized care designed for your specific needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: From the initial assessment to the creation of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in South County, MO. Our team uses a variety of therapeutic techniques designed to alleviating symptoms, improving balance, restoring normal function, returning you to the things you enjoy doing most, and making you feel great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our South County, MO patients are the center of everything we do. Recognizing the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we strive to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, valued, and cared for.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around South County, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is accessible 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 South County, 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 | South County, 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 seem daunting. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by specialized providers like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a vital role in treating vertigo by addressing the root causes and helping patients regain their balance and self-assuredness.

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 return to living a balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.