South St. Louis, MO

South St. Louis, MO

Get back to the activities you love with tailored vertigo treatment in St. Louis.

Vertigo treatment in South St. Louis, MO. The condition known as vertigo is more than just simply experiencing 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 South St. Louis, 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 South St. Louis, 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, free from vertigo.

If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in South St. Louis, 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 initiate your path to recovery today.

What Is Vertigo?

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 usually associated with various ailments influencing the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain involved in processing sensory information vital for maintaining balance and eye movements. Below are several of the most frequent causes of vertigo:

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is a primary cause of vertigo and occurs when small calcium particles (canaliths) move into the wrong position in the inner ear. The inner ear transmits information 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 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, affecting hearing and balance.
  • Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition entails swelling of the inner ear or the nerves that send signals from 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 experience episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even in the absence of an actual migraine. These episodes can impact balance and cause nausea.
  • Head or Neck Injuries: Injuries to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may manifest shortly or long after 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.

Understanding the cause of vertigo is a pivotal step in managing the condition, as it allows our South St. Louis, MO physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions aimed specifically at the underlying issue of imbalance. With a focus on the underlying cause, patients can realize more effective and lasting relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Treatment in South St. Louis, MO | Vestibular Therapy | Physical Therapy for Vertigo Near South St. Louis

Symptoms of Vertigo

This condition can also come with several other symptoms beyond dizziness, varying greatly in severity from one individual to another. Common additional symptoms include:

  • Nausea or Vomiting: The disorienting sensations of vertigo frequently cause nausea and, in extreme cases, vomiting.
  • Balance Problems: Trouble in maintaining balance, heightening the chances for falls, particularly in elderly people.
  • Tinnitus: Buzzing or additional noises in one or both ears, which can occur simultaneously with vertigo episodes.
  • Hearing Loss: In instances associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear issues, hearing loss can be a symptom.
  • Sweating: An episode of vertigo can lead to sudden sweating, not related to physical exertion or temperature.
  • Nystagmus: Unusual or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may unintentionally drift and then adjust themselves.
  • Sensitivity to Motion: Challenges with motion, such as standing up quickly, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in South St. Louis, MO. It often involves a comprehensive examination, which can involve hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our South St. Louis, MO physical therapists, specialized in vestibular rehabilitation, play a significant role in diagnosing vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor personalized treatment plans for you, together with your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in South St. Louis, MO and throughout Missouri to seek physical therapy without a prescription, you can approach Axes for a free injury screening for your initial diagnosis and treatment.

South St. Louis, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in South St. Louis, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Several vertigo treatment techniques assist in repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our South St. Louis, MO physical therapists will develop a unique treatment plan for your particular situation. 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 South St. Louis, MO could involve:

  • Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized treatment modality aimed at alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of personalized exercises aimed to retrain the brain to interpret and process signals from the vestibular system more effectively. Exercises include:
    • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are aimed at 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 move your head from side to side or up and down. This assists training your brain to maintain focus on an object even with movements.
    • Balance Training: Exercises focused on balance training play a vital role for people with vertigo, as they help improving steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. Such activities may start with simple tasks like standing on one foot or taking heel-to-toe steps and advance 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 from their own movement or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve continuous exposure to certain motions 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): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a safe procedure that seeks to move the misplaced crystals within the inner ear back to where they’re supposed to be, thus alleviating vertigo that are characteristic of this disorder. This maneuver entails specific head positions with the guidance of a specialist, designed to relocate these crystals and offer relief from the uncomfortable sensations of dizziness.

For safe and effective vertigo treatment, it’s best to meet with our South St. Louis, MO 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 South St. Louis, MO

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

  • Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of skilled South St. Louis, MO 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 specific needs and conditions.
  • Comprehensive Care: Starting with your first evaluation to the development of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in South St. Louis, MO. Our team uses a range of therapeutic techniques designed to alleviating symptoms, improving balance, reestablishing 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 St. Louis, MO patients are at the heart of everything we do. Recognizing the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we strive to create a caring environment where patients feel heard, valued, and supported.
  • Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around South St. Louis, 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, contacting Axes Physical Therapy can be a crucial step toward recovery.

Other services we offer in South St. Louis, MO include:

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | South St. Louis, 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 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 addressing the root causes and helping patients restore their balance and self-assuredness.

If you’re experiencing 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 harmonious and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.

Services Offered

Services Offered
  • Physical Therapy
    • Pre/Post Surgical Rehabilitation
    • Acute Injury Management
    • Chronic Injury Management
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Work Conditioning/Hardening
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations
  • Vestibular Therapy and Post-Concussion Rehabilitation
  • Sports Physical Therapy
  • dorsaVi Video Motion Analysis
  • Trigger Point Dry Needling
  • Pediatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Geriatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTYM)
  • Spine Specialty – Manual Therapy Certified
  • Free Injury Screenings
  • Kinesio Taping®
  • Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

Our Team

Zac Schniers
PT, DPT, CMPT
Ashley Kraus
Front Office
Carly Donahue
PT, DPT, CMPT

Locations

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