Vertigo treatment in Webster Groves, MO. 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 Webster Groves, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment goes beyond temporary fixes. We attack root causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Webster Groves, 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, without the constraints of vertigo.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Webster Groves, MO because of a years-long condition or if symptoms arose suddenly, Axes is here to help. 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 environment 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 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 commonly a symptom of various conditions affecting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain responsible for managing sensory information essential for maintaining balance and eye movements. Below 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) move into the wrong position in the inner ear. The inner ear sends signals to the brain about how we’re positioned and where we’re moving. BPPV alters 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 leads to pressure changes, impacting balance and hearing.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder involves inflammation of the inner ear or the nerves linking the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation obstructs 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 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: Harm to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may appear 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 age-related degeneration of the inner ear structures.

Understanding the cause of vertigo is a crucial step in managing the condition, as it enables our Webster Groves, MO physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions aimed specifically at the root cause of what’s affecting you. Concentrating on the underlying cause, patients can experience more profound and durable relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

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

• Nausea or Vomiting: The confusing sensations of vertigo commonly result in nausea and, in serious cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Trouble in keeping balance, heightening the chances for falls, particularly in elderly persons.
• Tinnitus: Ringing or other noises in either ears, which can occur simultaneously with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In instances associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear problems, hearing loss may be a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo might trigger sudden sweating, not related to physical exertion or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Abnormal or jerking eye movements, where the eyes may drift without control and then correct themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Challenges with changes in position, such as standing up quickly, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Webster Groves, MO. It typically involves a comprehensive examination, which often includes hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Webster Groves, MO physical therapists, specialized in vestibular rehabilitation, are trained to diagnose vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor customized treatment plans for you, alongside your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, recent legislation which allows patients in Webster Groves, 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.

Webster Groves, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Webster Groves, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. Several vertigo treatment techniques assist in directly attacking the issues that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Webster Groves, MO physical therapists will develop a unique treatment plan for your unique 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 Webster Groves, MO could involve:

• 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 personalized exercises designed to retrain the brain to interpret and process signals from the vestibular system more efficiently. 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. An example is the “VOR X1 exercise,” where you focus on a small target at eye level. As you hold your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly rotate your head from side to side or up and down. This assists teaching your brain to maintain focus on an object regardless of movements.
  • Balance Training: Balance training exercises play a vital role 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 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 experience dizziness due to self-motion or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve continuous exposure to specific movements or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the goal of diminishing the brain’s sensitivity of these triggers over time. For instance, moving the head from side to side at a controlled speed for a specified number of repetitions.
• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver stands as a gentle method that aims to move the misplaced crystals within the inner ear back to where they’re supposed to be, effectively reducing vertigo that are characteristic of this disorder. It involves specific head positions with the guidance of a professional, designed to shift these crystals and offer relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

For safe and effective vertigo treatment, it’s best to meet with our Webster Groves, MO physical therapists first, who can show you what exercises are appropriate to do at home.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Webster Groves, MO

Choosing the right provider is crucial when seeking vertigo treatment. Axes Physical Therapy is a top choice for Webster Groves, MO individuals suffering from vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. Here’s why:

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of expert Webster Groves, 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 particular needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: Starting with your first evaluation to the development of a personalized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Webster Groves, MO. We employ a range of therapeutic techniques designed to alleviating symptoms, enhancing balance, reestablishing normal function, getting you back to the things you enjoy doing most, and having you feeling great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Webster Groves, MO patients are at the heart of everything they do. Recognizing the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we aim to create a caring environment where patients feel heard, valued, and supported.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Webster Groves, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert vertigo treatment is accessible for those in need.

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 Webster Groves, MO include:

• Pain Management Services
• TMJ Treatment
• Herniated Disc Treatment
• Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
• Running Injury
• MCL Tear
• ACL Rehabilitation
• Functional Capacity Evaluation
• Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy

Call Axes for Your Vertigo Treatment | Webster Groves, 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 turning around feel challenging. Physical therapy, especially vestibular therapy offered by specialized providers like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a vital role in treating vertigo by tackling the underlying issues and helping patients restore their balance and confidence.

If you’re suffering from 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 balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.