Vertigo treatment in Wildwood, 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 Wildwood, MO, our approach to vertigo treatment extends beyond temporary fixes. We target the underlying causes of your vertigo with vestibular therapy and other physical therapy treatment modalities. Our expert team of Wildwood, MO therapists collaborate with your healthcare provider to offer personalized, evidence-backed care plans. Our goal? To help you regain balance and resume the activities you love, without the constraints of vertigo.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Wildwood, MO because of a years-long condition or if symptoms arose suddenly, you can trust in Axes. Reach out to the closest Axes location, contact us online, or request an appointment to begin the journey to reclaim your best self today.

Understanding Vertigo

Vertigo typically presents as a sensation of spinning, 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 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 conditions impacting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain that processes sensory information vital for controlling balance and eye movements. Listed are some of the most common causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is a primary cause of vertigo and occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) move into the wrong position in the inner ear. The inner ear transmits information to the brain about how we’re positioned and where we’re moving. 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 causes pressure changes, impacting balance and hearing.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This disorder involves swelling of the inner ear or the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain. Such swelling interferes with the transfer of sensory information from the ear to the brain, causing vertigo and issues with balance.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Many people who suffer from migraines suffer from episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even when they’re not having a severe headache. These episodes can influence balance and cause nausea.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Injuries to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may appear immediately or sometime after 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 affect the inner ear, 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 Wildwood, MO physical and occupational therapists to customize interventions targeting the specific source of imbalance. With a focus on the underlying cause, patients can achieve more profound and durable relief from their symptoms.

Symptoms of Vertigo

Vertigo can also present several additional symptoms besides dizziness, differing widely in severity from person to person. Common other symptoms include:

• Nausea or Vomiting: The disorienting sensations of vertigo often lead to nausea and, in severe cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Challenges in maintaining balance, leading to a higher risk of falls, particularly in elderly people.
• Tinnitus: Buzzing or additional noises in either ears, which can occur concurrently with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In cases associated with Meniere’s disease or other inner ear problems, 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 might unintentionally drift and then realign themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Problems with motion, such as rapid changes in posture, which can exacerbate vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting a professional diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Wildwood, MO. It usually involves a comprehensive examination, which can involve hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other causes. Our Wildwood, MO physical therapists, specialized in vestibular rehabilitation, are trained to diagnose vertigo. We’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor customized treatment plans for you, in tandem with your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Wildwood, MO and throughout Missouri to seek physical therapy without a prescription, you can come to Axes for a free injury screening for your initial diagnosis and treatment.

Wildwood, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of vertigo treatment in Wildwood, MO, offering relief to many patients through targeted exercises. A number of vertigo treatment techniques aid in repositioning particles in the ears that cause dizziness and affect balance. Our Wildwood, MO physical therapists will develop a personalized treatment plan for your unique 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 Wildwood, MO could involve:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a focused form of therapy aimed at alleviate both the both acute and chronic symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. It involves a series of tailored exercises designed 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 better 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 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 assists training your brain to maintain focus on an object even with movements.
  • Balance Training: Exercises focused on balance training are crucial for individuals with vertigo, as they aid in improving steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. Such activities may start with simple activities like standing on one foot 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: Habituation exercises are intended for those who suffer from dizziness due to self-motion or from visual stimuli. These exercises involve repeated exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that trigger dizziness, with the goal of reducing 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 their original position, thereby relieving vertigo associated with this condition. It involves specific head positions under the guidance of a specialist, designed to shift these crystals and offer relief from the unsettling sensations of dizziness.

For safe and effective vertigo treatment, it’s most advisable to meet with our Wildwood, MO physical therapists first, who can teach you what exercises are safe for you to do at home.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Wildwood, MO

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of expert Wildwood, 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 are dedicated to providing individualized care tailored to your specific needs and conditions.
• Comprehensive Care: Starting with your first evaluation to the creation of a customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a holistic approach to vertigo treatment in Wildwood, MO. We employ a range of therapeutic techniques designed to reducing symptoms, improving balance, restoring 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 Wildwood, MO patients are the center of everything we do. Recognizing the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we strive to create a caring environment where patients feel understood, valued, and cared for.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Wildwood, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that expert 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 significant step toward recovery.

Other services we offer in Wildwood, 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 | Wildwood, MO 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 standing up from a chair 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 confidence.

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.