Vertigo treatment in Twin Oaks, MO. Vertigo goes beyond simply experiencing dizziness; it’s a complex condition that can make you lose your sense of presence in the world, heavily affecting your ability to perform basic tasks. At Axes Physical Therapy in Twin Oaks, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment goes beyond temporary fixes. We attack the underlying causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Twin Oaks, MO physical and occupational therapists work with you and your doctor 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.
Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Twin Oaks, 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 start getting your best you back 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 often associated with various disorders impacting the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain that processes information about our position in the world around us. Listed 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) clump up in canals of 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 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 leads to pressure changes, impacting balance and hearing.
- Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This condition involves inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain. Such swelling interferes with the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain, leading to 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 motion sickness.
- Head or Neck Injuries: Harm to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may develop soon after or long following the injury.
- Other Causes: More rarely, 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 age-related degeneration of the inner ear structures.
Recognizing the cause of vertigo is a crucial step in managing the condition, as it allows our Twin Oaks, MO physical and occupational therapists to personalize interventions that directly address the specific source of what’s affecting you. Concentrating on the underlying cause, patients can realize more effective and lasting relief from their symptoms.
Vertigo Symptoms
This condition can also present several additional symptoms besides dizziness, differing widely in severity from one individual to another. Common additional symptoms include:
- Nausea or Vomiting: The disorienting sensations of vertigo often lead to nausea and, in serious cases, vomiting.
- Balance Problems: Trouble in keeping balance, increasing the risk of falls, particularly in elderly persons.
- Tinnitus: Humming or other noises in one or both ears, which can occur alongside vertigo episodes.
- Hearing Loss: In cases associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear problems, hearing loss can be 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 might unintentionally drift and then realign themselves.
- Sensitivity to Motion: Problems with motion, such as rapid changes in posture, which can worsen vertigo symptoms.
Diagnosis of Vertigo
Diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Twin Oaks, MO. It typically involves a thorough examination, which can involve hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Twin Oaks, MO physical therapists, specialized in vestibular therapy, are trained to diagnose vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor personalized treatment plans for you, in tandem with your doctor if needed. Because of Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Twin Oaks, 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.
Twin Oaks, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment
Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Twin Oaks, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. Several vertigo treatment techniques help repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Twin Oaks, MO physical therapists will develop a unique treatment plan for your specific situation. 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 Twin Oaks, MO may include:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a targeted form of therapy intended to 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 aimed at improve vision and the ability to focus on a stationary object while the head is moving. An example 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 move your head from side to side or up and down. This assists conditioning your brain to maintain focus on an object regardless of movements.
- Balance Training: Exercises focused on balance training are crucial for people with vertigo, as they help improving steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. These exercises often begin with simple activities like balancing on a single leg or taking heel-to-toe steps 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 experience 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 goal of reducing the brain’s sensitivity to these triggers over time. An example is 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 gentle method that aims to reposition the misplaced crystals within the inner ear to where they’re supposed to be, effectively reducing the dizzy spells associated with this condition. This maneuver entails precise head positions with the guidance of a professional, designed to relocate these crystals and provide relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.
For safe and effective vertigo treatment, it’s most advisable to consult our Twin Oaks, MO physical therapists first, who can guide you on what exercises are appropriate to do at home.
Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Twin Oaks, MO
Selecting the right provider is crucial when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy stands out as a top choice for Twin Oaks, MO individuals suffering from vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:
- Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of skilled Twin Oaks, MO physical therapists with specializations 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: Starting with your first evaluation to the creation of a personalized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in Twin Oaks, MO. We employ a variety of therapeutic techniques aimed at reducing symptoms, enhancing balance, reestablishing normal function, getting you back to the activities you love, and making you feel great in your daily life.
- Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Twin Oaks, 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 understood, appreciated, and supported.
- Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Twin Oaks, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is within reach for those in need.
For anyone experiencing vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems, contacting Axes Physical Therapy can be a crucial step toward recovery.
Other services we offer in Twin Oaks, MO include:
- Sprain and Strain Treatment
- 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 | Twin Oaks, 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 seem daunting. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by specialized providers like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a crucial role in treating vertigo by tackling the underlying issues and helping patients regain 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 get back to living a balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.