Vestibular therapy in Alton, IL. Having trouble with balance or coordination can feel disorienting and alarming. It can be especially frustrating when issues like dizziness or other inner ear issues keep us from participating in the activities we love. Vestibular therapy, a specific kind of physical therapy, plays a crucial role in the management and recovery of inner ear problems that often manifest as dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues. This specific therapy approach focuses on reducing these symptoms. Through the use of treatment modalities proven to work, vestibular therapy at Axes Physical Therapy in Alton, IL aims to retrain the vestibular system to make up for inner ear deficits, thereby improving balance and reducing problems related to dizziness and helping you return to the activities you most enjoy.

We offer personalized treatment plans to our Alton, IL patients, formulated after a thorough evaluation and designed to meet the unique challenges every patient faces because of their vestibular disorder. If you or anyone you know is suffering from vertigo, dizziness, or balance issues, feel free to visit the Axes location nearest you for a no-cost injury screening or to request an appointment online now. Our goal is to provide customized care and comprehensive solutions to individuals experiencing vestibular issues.

How the Vestibular System Works

Situated in the inner ear, the vestibular system is crucial in detecting changes in our head position and movement, thereby allowing our bodies to understand where we are in space and traverse our environment safely and effectively.

This system consists of the semicircular canals and the otolith organs. While the semicircular canals detect rotational movements, such as turning the head, while the otolith organs are attuned to linear movements, like moving forward or sideways and changes in head position relative to gravity. These components work together, sending signals to the brain about where our body is located in space.

Upon receiving these signals, the brain works to process them, combining them with information from other systems, particularly the visual system and proprioceptors in our muscles and joints. This melding of information allows for the coordination of eye movements, maintenance of posture, and preservation of balance.

Many people may not appreciate the importance of this system until its function is disrupted. As the vestibular system functions normally, we can walk, run, and move through our daily lives (and favorite activities) without giving much thought to the complex anatomy that keeps us balanced and oriented. Nevertheless, with an impaired vestibular system, it can lead to significant challenges, affecting our ability to just move around our homes comfortably.

Signs and Symptoms of Vestibular Disorders

Vestibular disorders are characterized by a broad spectrum of symptoms, varying in severity and duration. You should seek a consultation with a healthcare professional like a physical therapist at Axes in Alton, IL if you experience prolonged:

• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Blurred vision
• Hearing loss
• Fullness of the ear
• Motion intolerance
• Double vision
• Motion sickness
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Falling or stumbling
• Abnormal eye movements
• Fatigue
• Imbalance
• Floating sensation
• Tinnitus
• Headaches or migraines
• Confusion
• Light sensitivity

Common Disorders Affecting the Vestibular System

Despite its robustness, the vestibular system can still be susceptible to disorders. These issues can significantly disrupt a person’s balance and spatial orientation. The common vestibular disorders our Alton, IL physical therapists treat include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): The disorder is characterized by brief episodes of vertigo (a spinning sensation) usually triggered by changes in head position. BPPV occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) gather in the canals of the inner ear, altering the ear’s ability to sense head motion.
• Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis: Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis involve inflammation, either of the inner ear itself (labyrinthitis) or the vestibular nerve (vestibular neuritis). The inflammation can lead to vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance.
• Meniere’s Disease: An ongoing condition impacting the inner ear, Meniere’s disease is characterized by episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and a sensation of fullness in the ear.
• Vestibular Migraine: This kind of migraine is associated with vestibular symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, and balance disturbances, even in the absence of the typical migraine headache.
• Chronic Dizziness: This condition can be a result of various conditions, including vestibular disorders. It’s a continuous experience of unsteadiness or a spinning sensation, greatly affecting daily activities.
• Age-Related Vestibular Loss: As people get older, they may experience a decline in vestibular function, causing balance issues and a heightened risk of falls.
• Falls: An increased risk of falls can be a consequence of various vestibular disorders, notably in older adults.
• Post-Concussion Syndrome: Following a concussion, individuals may experience vestibular issues such as dizziness, balance problems, and challenges in focusing the eyes.

How Alton, IL Physical Therapists Use Vestibular Therapy in Treatment

The practice of vestibular therapy involves a range of treatment modalities — backed by research — designed to improve the lives of those suffering form vestibular disorders. These methods are tailored to your unique needs and are based on a thorough assessment by a skilled Alton, IL physical therapist. Here are some of the key approaches used in VRT:

• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers: Specially designed for treating Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), these maneuvers involve specific head and body movements. The goal is to move the reposition crystals in the inner ear (otoliths) back to their correct position. The Epley maneuver is one popular example of this technique.
• Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are critical for patients who have trouble focusing their eyes due to vestibular disorders. Practices like the VOR (Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex) exercises help improve the coordination between the eyes and the inner ear system, increasing visual stability during head movements.
• Balance Training: Balance is often significantly affected in individuals with vestibular disorders. Exercises focused on balance training are intended to boost steadiness and minimize the risk of falls. These exercises gradually progress in difficulty and may involve various surfaces, dynamic movements, and even eyes-closed exercises to challenge and improve the patient’s balance.
• Habituation Exercises: These exercises are designed for patients who suffer from dizziness as a result of certain movements or positions. Such exercises include repeated exposure to these specific movements to minimize the sensitivity of the vestibular system to them over time.
• Functional Retraining: Functional retraining encompasses integrating vestibular exercises into daily activities to enhance mobility and independence. This approach focuses on making the therapy practical and applicable to the real-life scenarios one might face every day.
• Neck Mobility and Strengthening Exercises: As neck problems often accompany vestibular issues, particularly after a concussion, activities designed to enhance neck strength and flexibility are also included in the therapy regimen.
• Oculomotor Exercises: For addressing issues with eye tracking and movement, practices that focus on boosting control, coordination, and focus of the eyes are used. These are especially important for those with oculomotor dysfunction.

Customized Treatment Plans for Alton, IL Vestibular Therapy

Each patient’s experience with vestibular disorders is unique and requires a personalized approach to treatment. Our Alton, IL physical therapists create specific plans based on what is scientifically proven to work and your unique situation, including:

• Individual Symptom Profile: Therapies are tailored around the specific symptoms and challenges you face.
• Severity and Duration of the Disorder: The level and duration of treatment are modified according to the severity and chronicity of the disorder.
• Patient’s Lifestyle and Goals: Rehabilitation approaches consider the patient’s daily activities, work demands, personal recovery goals, and the activities they enjoy most that they would like to get back to.

Why Choose Axes for Vestibular Therapy in Alton, IL

Here’s why Axes Physical Therapy is the top choice for vestibular therapy in Alton, IL:

• Expertise in Vestibular Therapy: We are proud to have a team of highly skilled Alton, IL physical therapists who specialize in the field of vestibular therapy. Our expertise is not just rooted in our understanding of the vestibular system but also in our ability to apply this knowledge to create effective, personalized treatment plans.
• Patient-Centered Care: At Axes, the journey of every patient are at the forefront. We understand that your condition and life are unique. Our approach is deeply rooted in listening to and understanding our patients’ specific needs and goals.
• Experienced Staff: The Alton, IL vestibular therapy team at Axes is not only qualified but also brings extensive experience to your treatment. Our therapists have been leading the way in physical therapy for more than 20 years. This depth of experience means that patients are in competent hands, benefiting from a wealth of knowledge and a track record of successful treatment outcomes.
• Comprehensive Assessment and Personalized Treatment: Axes begins with a comprehensive evaluation to understand the underlying cause of the vestibular disorder. Following this, we design a customized treatment plan that may include various approaches such as balance training, gaze stabilization, and canalith repositioning maneuvers, among others.
• Commitment to Improving Lives: Axes’ mission extends beyond just treating symptoms. We are committed to improving our patients’ overall quality of life, facilitating you to return to your daily activities with assurance and safety.
• Community Trust and Recognition: As a locally owned and operated clinic, Axes has built a reputation within the Alton, IL community for our focus on patient care and positive treatment results.

Call Axes Physical Therapy in Alton, IL for Your Vestibular Therapy

Coping with a vestibular disorder can be a tough and disorienting journey. These conditions not only affect physical balance and mobility but influence our capability to live in and interact with the world. Vestibular disorders often do not improve on their own and can deteriorate over time. Professional vestibular therapy in Alton, IL, like that offered by Axes Physical Therapy, provides an individualized approach to reduce symptoms, restore function, and get you resume the activities you cherish, all while using scientifically supported treatment methods.

If you or someone you know in Alton, IL is experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, or complications following a concussion, get in touch with Axes Physical Therapy today. Taking that first step towards treatment can be transformative. Reach out to the nearest Axes location by phone or get in touch with us online to begin your journey.