Vertigo treatment in Swansea, IL. Vertigo is more than just a brief moment of 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 Swansea, IL, our approach to vertigo treatment extends beyond temporary fixes. We attack the underlying causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Swansea, IL 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.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Swansea, IL because of a years-long condition or if symptoms arose suddenly, Axes is here to help. Reach out to the closest Axes location, contact us online, or request an appointment to start getting your best you back today.

Understanding Vertigo

Vertigo is often described as a spinning sensation, where either you feel like you’re moving when you’re not, or it seems like the environment 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 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 usually associated with various conditions influencing the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain that processes sensory information essential for maintaining balance and eye movements. Listed are some of the most typical causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo and occurs when small calcium particles (canaliths) clump up in canals of the inner ear. The inner ear sends signals 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, fluid accumulation in the inner ear results in pressure changes, impacting hearing and balance.
• 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. Such swelling obstructs the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, causing vertigo and problems with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people who suffer from 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 motion sickness.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Trauma to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may develop soon after or long following 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 cause ear damage, or the wear and tear of inner ear structures due to age.

Identifying the cause of vertigo is a pivotal step in managing the condition, as it allows our Swansea, IL physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions aimed specifically at the specific source of imbalance. With a focus on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more lasting and profound relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

This condition can also present several additional symptoms besides dizziness, varying greatly 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: Challenges in achieving balance, increasing the risk of falls, especially in elderly individuals.
• 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 issues, hearing loss may be a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo can lead to sudden sweating, not related to your activity level or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Irregular 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 intensify vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting the correct diagnosis is the first step to treating vertigo in Swansea, IL. It often involves a thorough examination, which often includes hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Swansea, IL physical therapists, expert in vestibular therapy, are trained to diagnose vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor specific treatment plans for you, alongside your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Swansea, IL 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.

Swansea, IL Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Swansea, IL, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Various vertigo treatment techniques help repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Swansea, IL physical therapists will develop a customized treatment plan for your unique circumstances. 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 Swansea, IL might feature:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a specialized treatment method aimed at alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of tailored exercises intended to retrain the brain to recognize and process 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 maintain your focus fixed on the target, you slowly turn your head from side to side or up and down. This helps conditioning your brain to maintain focus on an object despite movements.
  • Balance Training: Exercises focused on balance training play a vital role for individuals with vertigo, as they help enhancing steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. Such activities may start with simple activities 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 intended for those who suffer from dizziness from their own movement or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve repeated exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the objective of diminishing the sensitivity of 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 is recognized as a gentle method that seeks to move the dislodged crystals inside the inner ear to their original location, thereby relieving vertigo associated with this condition. It entails precise head positions with the guidance of a professional, designed to relocate these crystals and offer relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

For safe and effective vertigo treatment, it’s best to meet with our Swansea, IL 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 Swansea, IL

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of skilled Swansea, IL physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team comprehends the nuances 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 personalized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Swansea, IL. Our team uses a variety of therapeutic techniques designed to alleviating symptoms, improving balance, reestablishing normal function, getting you back to the things you enjoy doing most, and making you feel great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Swansea, IL patients are at the heart of everything we do. Acknowledging the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we aim to create a caring environment where patients feel heard, appreciated, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Swansea, IL, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional 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 Swansea, IL include:

• Geriatric Physical Therapy
• Injury Rehabilitation
• Pain Management Services
• TMJ Treatment
• Herniated Disc Treatment
• Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
• Running Injury
• MCL Tear

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Swansea, 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 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 help you navigate the complexities of vertigo and get back to living a balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.