Vertigo treatment in St. Louis, MO. The condition known as vertigo goes beyond 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 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 St. Louis, MO 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.

If you’re in search of vertigo treatment in 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. Call the Axes location nearest you, contact us online, or request an appointment to begin the journey to reclaim your best self today.

Understanding 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. 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 a symptom of various disorders influencing the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain involved in managing sensory information vital for controlling balance and eye movements. Below are several of the most common causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is the foremost 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 disrupts these signals, causing vertigo.
• Meniere’s Disease: This condition of the inner ear often causes dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In Meniere’s disease, a buildup of fluid in the inner ear results in pressure changes, affecting balance and hearing.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder entails swelling of the inner ear or the nerves that send signals from the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation interferes with the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, resulting in vertigo and problems with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people with migraines suffer from 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: Trauma to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may appear immediately or sometime after the injury.
• Other Causes: In fewer cases, vertigo can be a symptom of a more serious condition affecting the brain (such as a stroke or brain tumor), certain medications that cause ear damage, or the wear and tear of inner ear structures due to age.

Recognizing the cause of vertigo is a pivotal step in managing the condition, as it enables our St. Louis, MO physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions aimed specifically at the specific source of what’s affecting you. Concentrating on the underlying cause, patients can experience more lasting and profound relief from their symptoms.

Symptoms of Vertigo

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

• Nausea or Vomiting: The confusing sensations of vertigo frequently cause nausea and, in serious cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Difficulty in keeping balance, heightening the chances for falls, particularly in elderly people.
• Tinnitus: Buzzing or other noises in either ears, which can occur concurrently with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In instances related to Meniere’s disease or other inner ear conditions, hearing loss may be a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo can lead to sudden sweating, not related to physical exertion or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Irregular or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might drift without control and then adjust themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Difficulty with changes in position, such as quick movements, which can intensify vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting a professional diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in St. Louis, MO. It typically involves a thorough examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our St. Louis, MO physical therapists, skilled in vestibular therapy, play a significant role in diagnosing vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor personalized treatment plans for you, alongside your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in 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.

St. Louis, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in St. Louis, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. Several vertigo treatment techniques help directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our St. Louis, MO physical therapists will develop a customized treatment plan for your unique circumstances. That could encompass 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 St. Louis, MO might feature:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a targeted form of therapy intended to alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of customized exercises intended to retrain the brain to recognize and process signals from the vestibular system more efficiently. Exercises include:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are designed to enhance vision and the ability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. A common technique is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you concentrate on a small target at eye level. As you maintain your focus fixed on the target, you slowly turn your head from side to side or up and down. This assists conditioning your brain to maintain focus on an object even with 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 often begin 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 meant for those who experience dizziness due to self-motion or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve repeated exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that induce 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): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a gentle method that aims to reposition the dislodged crystals inside the inner ear back to their correct position, effectively reducing the dizzy spells associated with this condition. It involves precise head movements under the guidance of a specialist, designed to relocate these crystals and provide relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

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

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of skilled St. Louis, MO physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team comprehends the complexities of vertigo and are dedicated to providing individualized care designed for your particular needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: From the initial assessment to the creation of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in St. Louis, MO. We employ a variety of therapeutic techniques aimed at reducing symptoms, enhancing balance, reestablishing normal function, returning you to the activities you love, and making you feel great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our St. Louis, MO patients are at the heart of everything they do. Recognizing the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we strive to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, appreciated, and cared for.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around St. Louis, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional 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 crucial step toward recovery.

Other services we offer in St. Louis, 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 | St. Louis, 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 walking up the stairs feel challenging. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by experts 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. 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 balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.