Vestibular therapy in Benton Park West, MO. It can be disorienting and scary to have issues with your balance or coordination. It can be especially frustrating when dizziness or other vestibular conditions 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 vestibular (inner ear) disorders that typically present 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 Benton Park West, MO strives to retrain the vestibular system to compensate for inner ear deficits, thereby improving balance and reducing problems related to dizziness and getting you back to the things you love most.

We offer personalized treatment plans for Benton Park West, MO patients, developed after a thorough evaluation and designed to address the unique challenges every patient faces as a result of their vestibular disorder. If you or someone you know is dealing with vertigo, dizziness, or balance issues, feel free to visit the Axes location nearest you for a free injury screening or to request an appointment online immediately. We strive to give each patient individualized care and targeted solutions for those suffering from vestibular challenges.

How the Vestibular System Works

Residing within the inner ear, the vestibular system is responsible for detecting changes in our head position and movement, consequently helping us to understand where we are in space and traverse our environment safely and effectively.

The vestibular system is comprised of the semicircular canals and the otolith organs. While the semicircular canals detect rotational movements, such as turning the head, and the otolith organs detect linear movements, like moving forward or sideways and your head moving up and down. These components work collectively, to transmit signals to the brain about our body’s position and motion.

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 integration enables 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. However, when this system is impaired, it can lead to significant challenges, affecting our ability to complete basic tasks comfortably.

Signs and Symptoms of Vestibular Disorders

Vestibular disorders are characterized by a broad spectrum of symptoms, varying in severity and duration. You should consider seeing a healthcare professional like a physical therapist at Axes in Benton Park West, MO 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
• Ringing in the ears
• 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 conditions can significantly disrupt a person’s balance and spatial orientation. The common vestibular disorders our Benton Park West, MO physical therapists treat include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This condition is characterized by brief episodes of vertigo (a spinning sensation) usually triggered by head movement. BPPV arises when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) clump up in the canals of the inner ear, impacting 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). Such inflammation can lead to vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance.
• Meniere’s Disease: A long-term ailment of the inner ear, Meniere’s disease is characterized by periods of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
• Vestibular Migraine: This type of migraine is associated with vestibular symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, and balance disturbances, even in the absence of the typical migraine headache.
• Chronic Dizziness: Chronic dizziness can be a result of various conditions, including vestibular disorders. It’s an ongoing feeling of unsteadiness or a spinning sensation, heavily influencing daily activities.
• Age-Related Vestibular Loss: As people get older, they may experience a decline in vestibular function, leading to balance issues and a heightened risk of falls.
• Falls: A heightened chance of falling can be a consequence of various vestibular disorders, particularly in older adults.
• Post-Concussion Syndrome: Following a concussion, individuals may experience vestibular issues such as dizziness, balance problems, and coordinating the eyes.

How Benton Park West, MO Physical Therapists Use Vestibular Therapy in Treatment

Vestibular therapy utilizes a range of specialized techniques and exercises — backed by science — designed to improve the lives of those suffering form vestibular disorders. Such techniques are tailored to your unique needs and are based on a thorough assessment by a skilled Benton Park West, MO physical therapist. Presented here are some of the key approaches used in VRT:

• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers: Particularly employed for treating Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), these maneuvers involve particular head and body movements. The objective is to move the reposition crystals in the inner ear (otoliths) back to their appropriate place. The Epley maneuver is one popular example of this technique.
• Gaze Stabilization Exercises: Such exercises are vital for patients who struggle focusing their eyes due to vestibular disorders. Practices like the VOR (Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex) exercises aid in enhancing the coordination between the eyes and the inner ear system, increasing visual stability during head movements.
• Balance Training: Equilibrium is commonly disrupted in individuals with vestibular disorders. Exercises focused on balance training are aimed at enhancing steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. The exercises steadily progress in difficulty and might include various surfaces, dynamic movements, and even eyes-closed exercises to strengthen and better the patient’s balance.
• Habituation Exercises: The purpose of these exercises for patients who experience dizziness as a result of certain movements or positions. These exercises entail repeated exposure to these specific movements to lessen the sensitivity of the vestibular system to them over time.
• Functional Retraining: The process involves integrating vestibular exercises into daily activities to enhance mobility and independence. It’s about making the therapy practical and applicable to the real-life scenarios patients may face every day.
• Neck Mobility and Strengthening Exercises: As neck problems often accompany vestibular issues, particularly after a concussion, exercises aimed at improving neck strength and flexibility are also incorporated into the therapy regimen.
• Oculomotor Exercises: To address issues with eye tracking and movement, activities that focus on improving control, coordination, and focus of the eyes are utilized. They are especially important for those with oculomotor dysfunction.

Customized Treatment Plans for Benton Park West, MO Vestibular Therapy

The experience of each patient with vestibular disorders is unique and requires an individualized approach to treatment. Our Benton Park West, MO physical therapists create customized plans based on the scientifically proven methods 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 intensity and length of therapy 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 Benton Park West, MO

Here’s why Axes Physical Therapy is the preferred option for vestibular therapy in Benton Park West, MO:

• Expertise in Vestibular Therapy: At Axes Physical Therapy, we take pride in a team of highly skilled Benton Park West, MO physical therapists who have a specialization 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, each patient’s experience and recovery journey are at the forefront. We acknowledge that your condition and life are unique. Our approach is deeply rooted in actively listening and comprehending our patients’ specific needs and goals.
• Experienced Staff: The Benton Park West, MO 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 a period exceeding 20 years. This depth of experience means that patients are in competent hands, benefiting from extensive knowledge and a proven history of successful treatments.
• Comprehensive Assessment and Personalized Treatment: Axes begins with a comprehensive evaluation to understand the underlying cause of the vestibular disorder. Following this, we create a personalized treatment strategy that may include a variety of techniques 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, enabling you to return to your daily activities with assurance and safety.
• Community Trust and Recognition: As a community-based clinic, Axes has built a recognized reputation within the Benton Park West, MO community for our commitment to patient well-being and successful treatment outcomes.

Call Axes Physical Therapy in Benton Park West, MO for Your Vestibular Therapy

Dealing with a vestibular disorder can be a tough and disorienting journey. These conditions not only affect physical balance and mobility but impact our capacity to live in and engage with the world. Vestibular disorders often do not spontaneously improve and can deteriorate over time. Professional vestibular therapy in Benton Park West, MO, like that offered by Axes Physical Therapy, provides an individualized approach to reduce symptoms, regain functionality, and get you resume the activities you cherish, all while using evidence-based treatment techniques.

If you or someone you know in Benton Park West, MO is experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, or complications following a concussion, reach out to Axes Physical Therapy today. Taking that first step towards treatment can be transformative. Call the Axes location nearest you or contact us online to get started.