Vertigo treatment in Truesdale, MO. Vertigo is more than just 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 Truesdale, MO, 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 Truesdale, MO therapists collaborate with your healthcare provider to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To assist you in regaining balance and resume the activities you love, without the constraints of vertigo.
Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Truesdale, MO because of a years-long condition or if symptoms arose suddenly, 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.
What Is 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. Those who have experienced vertigo can attest it’s much worse than just light-headedness. 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 often a symptom of various disorders impacting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain responsible for managing information about our position in the world around us. Listed are a few of the most common causes of vertigo:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is a primary 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 interferes with these signals, causing vertigo.
- Meniere’s Disease: This disorder 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, impacting hearing and balance.
- Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition entails inflammation 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, leading to vertigo and issues 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 influence balance and cause motion sickness.
- Head or Neck Injuries: Harm to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may manifest soon after or long following the injury.
- Other Causes: Less commonly, 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 pivotal step in managing the condition, as it allows our Truesdale, MO physical and occupational therapists to personalize interventions that directly address the underlying issue of what’s affecting you. Concentrating on the underlying cause, patients can realize more lasting and profound relief from their symptoms.
Vertigo Symptoms
Vertigo can also present several additional symptoms besides dizziness, differing widely in severity from person to person. Common additional symptoms include:
- Nausea or Vomiting: The confusing sensations of vertigo commonly result in nausea and, in extreme cases, vomiting.
- Balance Problems: Difficulty in achieving balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, especially in elderly people.
- Tinnitus: Humming or other noises in one or both ears, which may occur simultaneously with vertigo episodes.
- Hearing Loss: In cases related to Meniere’s disease or other inner ear issues, hearing loss is often a symptom.
- Sweating: An episode of vertigo may cause sudden sweating, unrelated to physical exertion or temperature.
- Nystagmus: Abnormal or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may unintentionally drift and then correct themselves.
- Sensitivity to Motion: Challenges with changes in position, such as standing up quickly, which can intensify vertigo symptoms.
Diagnosis of Vertigo
Diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Truesdale, MO. 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 Truesdale, MO physical therapists, expert in vestibular therapy, have years of experience diagnosing vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor customized treatment plans for you, in tandem with your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Truesdale, 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.
Truesdale, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment
Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Truesdale, MO, improving the daily lives of many patients through targeted exercises. Several vertigo treatment techniques help directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Truesdale, MO physical therapists will develop a personalized treatment plan for your particular 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 Truesdale, MO might feature:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a targeted form of therapy aimed at alleviate both the primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of customized 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 designed 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 fix your gaze 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 aids in teaching your brain to maintain focus on an object despite movements.
- Balance Training: Exercises focused on balance training are crucial for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in improving steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. These exercises often begin with simple tasks like balancing on a single leg or walking heel-to-toe and progress 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 from self-motion or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve continuous exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the goal of diminishing 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.
- Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): For patients diagnosed with BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a safe procedure that aims to move the misplaced crystals within the inner ear to where they’re supposed to be, effectively reducing the dizzy spells associated with this disorder. It entails precise head movements with the guidance of a professional, aiming to shift these crystals and provide relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.
For safe and effective vertigo treatment, it’s best to consult our Truesdale, 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 Truesdale, MO
Selecting the right provider is crucial when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy stands out as a premier choice for Truesdale, MO people experiencing vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:
- Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of skilled Truesdale, MO physical therapists with specializations in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. Our team of occupational and physical therapists understands the nuances 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 holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Truesdale, MO. We employ a range of therapeutic techniques aimed at reducing 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 Truesdale, MO patients are the center of everything they do. Acknowledging the challenges that accompany vestibular disorders, we aim to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, valued, and cared for.
- Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Truesdale, 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 significant step toward recovery.
Other services we offer in Truesdale, MO include:
- Herniated Disc Treatment
- Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
- Running Injury
- MCL Tear
- ACL Rehabilitation
- Functional Capacity Evaluation
- Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy
- Vestibular Therapy
- Concussion Treatment
Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Truesdale, 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 crucial role in treating vertigo by tackling the underlying issues 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 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.