Vertigo treatment in Woodson Terrace, MO. Vertigo is more than just simply experiencing dizziness; it’s complex and can cause you to lose your sense of presence in the world, severely impacting your ability to perform basic tasks. At Axes Physical Therapy in Woodson Terrace, 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 Woodson Terrace, MO physical and occupational 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, free from vertigo.

Whether you’re seeking vertigo treatment in Woodson Terrace, 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.

Vertigo: Causes, Symptoms, & Diagnosis

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 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 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 often associated with various conditions impacting the vestibular system, comprising parts of the inner ear and brain involved in managing sensory information crucial for controlling balance and eye movements. Listed are some of the most common causes of vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is the foremost cause of vertigo and occurs when tiny 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 can lead to dizzy spells (vertigo) and hearing loss. In Meniere’s disease, a buildup of fluid in the inner ear results in pressure changes, affecting balance and hearing.
• 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. Such swelling interferes with 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 without having a severe headache. These episodes can impact balance and cause motion sickness.
• Head or Neck Injuries: Trauma to the head or neck can cause vertigo, which may manifest immediately or sometime after 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.

Identifying the cause of vertigo is a pivotal step in treatment, as it allows our Woodson Terrace, MO physical and occupational therapists to tailor interventions aimed specifically at the specific source of what’s affecting you. By focusing on the underlying cause, patients can realize more profound and durable relief from their symptoms.

Vertigo Symptoms

Vertigo can also be accompanied by several other symptoms beyond dizziness, showing significant variation 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 severe cases, vomiting.
• Balance Problems: Trouble in achieving balance, heightening the chances for falls, particularly in elderly individuals.
• Tinnitus: Buzzing or additional noises in one or both ears, which can occur simultaneously with vertigo episodes.
• Hearing Loss: In instances related to Meniere’s disease or other inner ear conditions, hearing loss can be a symptom.
• Sweating: An episode of vertigo can lead to sudden sweating, unrelated to your activity level or temperature.
• Nystagmus: Irregular or jerking eye movements, where the eyes might unintentionally drift and then adjust themselves.
• Sensitivity to Motion: Difficulty with motion, such as standing up quickly, which can worsen vertigo symptoms.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

Getting a professional diagnosis is the first step to vertigo treatment in Woodson Terrace, MO. It usually involves a comprehensive examination, which may include hearing tests, balance assessments, and possibly MRIs or X-Rays to rule out other causes. Our Woodson Terrace, MO physical therapists, skilled in vestibular rehabilitation, are trained to diagnose vertigo. They’ll assess the type and cause of vertigo to tailor personalized treatment plans for you, in tandem with your doctor if needed. Thanks to Direct Access Physical Therapy, a new law which allows patients in Woodson Terrace, 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.

Woodson Terrace, MO Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treating vertigo in Woodson Terrace, MO, 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 Woodson Terrace, MO physical therapists will develop a customized treatment plan for your particular circumstances. 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 Woodson Terrace, MO could involve:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a targeted treatment modality 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 designed to 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 concentrate on a small target at eye level. As you keep your gaze fixed on the target, you slowly rotate your head from side to side or up and down. This helps teaching your brain to maintain focus on an object regardless of movements.
  • Balance Training: Balance training exercises play a vital role for individuals with vertigo, as they help enhancing steadiness and lowering the risk of falls. Such activities often begin with simple tasks like balancing on a single leg or walking heel-to-toe and advance 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 due to self-motion or from visual stimuli. Such activities involve repeated exposure to certain motions or visual stimuli that induce dizziness, with the objective of diminishing 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 set number of repetitions.
• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver): In cases of BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is recognized as a gentle method that seeks to reposition the dislodged crystals within the inner ear back to their correct position, effectively reducing the dizzy spells associated with this condition. It involves specific head movements under the guidance of a specialist, aiming 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 Woodson Terrace, MO physical therapists initially, who can guide you on what exercises are safe for you to do at home.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Vertigo Treatment in Woodson Terrace, MO

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

• Expertise and Personalization: Axes Physical Therapy features a team of skilled Woodson Terrace, MO physical therapists specialized in vestibular disorders and post-concussion syndrome. We understand the nuances 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 customized treatment plan, Axes Physical Therapy offers a comprehensive approach to vertigo treatment in Woodson Terrace, MO. We employ a variety of therapeutic techniques designed to reducing symptoms, improving balance, restoring normal function, returning you to the things you enjoy doing most, and making you feel great in your daily life.
• Patient-Centric Approach: At Axes Physical Therapy, our Woodson Terrace, MO patients are at the heart of everything we do. Recognizing the challenges that come with vestibular disorders, we strive to create a supportive environment where patients feel heard, appreciated, and cared for.
• Accessibility: With multiple locations in and around Woodson Terrace, MO, Axes Physical Therapy ensures that professional vertigo treatment is accessible for those in need.

For anyone experiencing vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems, contacting Axes Physical Therapy can be a significant step toward recovery.

Other services we offer in Woodson Terrace, 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 | Woodson Terrace, 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 specialized providers like Axes Physical Therapy, plays a crucial role in treating vertigo by addressing the root causes and helping patients regain 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 return to living a balanced and happy life. Call the location nearest you or contact us online today.