Central West End, MO

Central West End, MO

Get back to the activities you love with Axes Physical Therapy.

Vestibular therapy in Central West End, MO. Having trouble with balance or coordination can feel disorienting and alarming. It can be especially frustrating when dizziness or other vestibular conditions prevent us from enjoying our favorite activities. Vestibular therapy, a specialized form of physical therapy, is pivotal in the management and recovery of vestibular (inner ear) disorders that often manifest as dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues. This specific therapy approach is tailored to alleviate these symptoms. Through the use of treatment modalities proven to work, vestibular therapy at Axes Physical Therapy in Central West End, MO strives to retrain the vestibular system to compensate for inner ear deficits, enhancing balance and minimizing problems related to dizziness and getting you back to the activities you most enjoy.

At Axes, we specialize in offering personalized treatment plans for Central West End, MO patients, formulated after a comprehensive evaluation and configured to tackle the unique challenges each patient faces because of their vestibular disorder. If you or anyone you know is dealing with vertigo, dizziness, or balance issues, feel free to visit the Axes location nearest you for a complimentary injury screening or to request an appointment online immediately. We strive to give each patient customized care and comprehensive solutions to patients experiencing vestibular challenges.

How the Vestibular System Works

Situated in the inner ear, the vestibular system plays a key role in detecting changes in our head position and movement, consequently helping us to understand where we are spatially and traverse our environment correctly.

This system consists of the semicircular canals and the otolith organs. Semicircular canals respond to rotational movements, like turning the head, and the otolith organs sense linear movements, such as moving forward or sideways and changes in head position relative to gravity. These structures work collectively, to send signals to the brain about where our body is located in space.

The brain processes these signals, merging them with information from other systems, especially the visual system and proprioceptors in our muscles and joints. Through the amalgamation of these diverse sensory data, the brain helps to maintain our ability to navigate and adjust to our spatial context.

Often, individuals don’t recognize the importance of this system until it’s not working properly. 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 perform even the simplest of tasks.

Vestibular Therapy in Central West End, MO | Vertigo Treatment | Concussion Treatment | Physical Therapy Near Central West End, MO

Signs and Symptoms of Vestibular Disorders

Vestibular disorders can present a wide array of symptoms, varying in severity and duration. You should consider seeing a healthcare professional like a physical therapist at Axes in Central West End, 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
  • 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. Such disorders can significantly disrupt a person’s balance and spatial orientation. The common vestibular disorders our Central West End, MO physical therapists treat include:

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): The disorder is characterized by quick instances of vertigo (a spinning sensation) often triggered by head movement. BPPV happens when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) gather in the canals of the inner ear, affecting the ear’s ability to sense head motion.
  • Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis: These disorders involve inflammation, either of the inner ear itself (labyrinthitis) or the vestibular nerve (vestibular neuritis). This 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 episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and an experience of fullness in the ear.
  • Vestibular Migraine: This type of migraine is associated with vestibular symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, and balance disturbances, even when not accompanied by a headache.
  • Chronic Dizziness: This 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: With aging, they can encounter a decline in vestibular function, causing balance issues and increased risk of falls.
  • Falls: A greater likelihood of falls can be a consequence of various vestibular disorders, particularly in older adults.
  • Post-Concussion Syndrome: After a concussion, individuals may experience vestibular issues such as dizziness, balance problems, and controlling the eyes.

How Central West End, MO Physical Therapists Use Vestibular Therapy in Treatment

Vestibular therapy employs a range of specialized techniques and exercises — proven to work through research — crafted 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 Central West End, MO physical therapist. Presented here are some of the key approaches used in VRT:

  • Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers: Specifically used for treating Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), these maneuvers involve certain head and body movements. The goal is to move the move 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 experience difficulty focusing their eyes due to vestibular disorders. Techniques like the VOR (Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex) exercises help improve the coordination between the eyes and the inner ear system, enhancing visual stability during head movements.
  • Balance Training: Stability frequently suffers in individuals with vestibular disorders. Balance training exercises are aimed at enhancing steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. The exercises steadily progress in difficulty and often incorporate various surfaces, dynamic movements, and even eyes-closed exercises to test and enhance the patient’s balance.
  • Habituation Exercises: These are meant for patients who suffer from dizziness as a result of certain movements or positions. Habituation exercises involve 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 boost mobility and independence. It’s about making the therapy applicable and useful to the real-life scenarios you might face every day.
  • Neck Mobility and Strengthening Exercises: Given that 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 enhancing control, coordination, and focus of the eyes are employed. They are especially important for those with oculomotor dysfunction.

Personalized Treatment Options for Central West End, MO Vestibular Therapy

Every individual’s journey with vestibular disorders is unique and requires an individualized approach to treatment. Our Central West End, MO physical therapists create specific plans based on what has been proven to work and your unique situation, including:

  • Individual Symptom Profile: Treatments are designed around the specific symptoms and challenges you present.
  • 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: Treatment strategies 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 Central West End, MO

Discover the reasons why Axes Physical Therapy is the top choice for vestibular therapy in Central West End, MO:

  • Expertise in Vestibular Therapy: At Axes Physical Therapy, we take pride in a team of highly skilled Central West End, MO physical therapists who are experts in the field of vestibular therapy. Our expertise is not just rooted in our understanding of the vestibular system but also in our skill in applying this knowledge to create effective, personalized treatment plans.
  • Patient-Centered Care: At Axes, the experience and recovery process of each individual are at the forefront. We understand that your condition and goals are unique. Our approach is deeply rooted in attentively listening to and comprehending our patients’ specific needs and goals.
  • Experienced Staff: The Central West End, MO vestibular therapy team at Axes is not only qualified but also brings extensive experience to the table. 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 a wealth of knowledge and a track record of successful treatment outcomes.
  • Comprehensive Assessment and Personalized Treatment: Axes begins with an in-depth examination to understand the underlying cause of the vestibular disorder. Following this, we develop an individualized treatment plan that may include different methods 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 dedicated to enhancing our patients’ overall quality of life, empowering you to return to your daily activities with security and confidence.
  • Community Trust and Recognition: As a clinic deeply rooted in the community, Axes has built a reputation within the Central West End, MO community for our focus on patient care and effective treatment results.

Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Central West End, MO for Your Vestibular Therapy

Dealing with a vestibular disorder can be a tough and disorienting journey. These conditions not only influence physical balance and mobility but impact our capacity to live in and engage with the world. Vestibular disorders often do not improve on their own and can worsen over time. Professional vestibular therapy in Central West End, MO, like that offered by Axes Physical Therapy, provides a targeted approach to relieve symptoms, recover function, and get you resume the activities you cherish, all while using treatment modalities that have all been backed by science.

If you or someone you know in Central West End, MO is dealing with symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, or complications following a concussion, reach out to Axes Physical Therapy today. Initiating the first step towards treatment can be transformative. Call the Axes location nearest you or contact us online to get started.

Services Offered

Services Offered
  • Physical Therapy
    • Pre/Post Surgical Rehabilitation
    • Acute Injury Management
    • Chronic Injury Management
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Work Conditioning/Hardening
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations
  • Vestibular Therapy and Post-Concussion Rehabilitation
  • Sports Physical Therapy
  • dorsaVi Video Motion Analysis
  • Trigger Point Dry Needling
  • Pediatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Geriatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTYM)
  • Spine Specialty – Manual Therapy Certified
  • Free Injury Screenings
  • Kinesio Taping®
  • Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

Our Team

Zac Schniers
PT, DPT, CMPT
Ashley Kraus
Front Office
Carly Donahue
PT, DPT, CMPT

Locations

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