Vestibular therapy in Columbus Square, MO. It can be disorienting and scary to have problems with your balance or coordination. It can be especially frustrating when dizziness or other inner ear issues keep us from participating in the activities we love. Vestibular therapy, a specific kind of physical therapy, is pivotal in the management and recovery of inner ear problems that often manifest as dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues. This therapy focuses on reducing these symptoms. Through the use of treatment modalities proven to work, vestibular therapy at Axes Physical Therapy in Columbus Square, MO 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 love most.

At Axes, we specialize in offering personalized treatment plans for Columbus Square, MO patients, formulated after a thorough evaluation and tailored to tackle the unique challenges each patient faces because of their vestibular disorder. If you or anyone you know is suffering from vertigo, dizziness, or balance issues, don’t hesitate to contact the Axes location nearest you for a free injury screening or to request an appointment online today. Our goal is to provide individualized care and targeted solutions for those suffering from vestibular issues.

How the Vestibular System Works

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

The vestibular system includes the semicircular canals and the otolith organs. The semicircular canals are sensitive to 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. Both parts work collectively, to transmit 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, notably the visual system and proprioceptors in our muscles and joints. This melding of information enables the coordination of eye movements, maintenance of posture, and preservation of balance.

Often, individuals don’t recognize the importance of this system until its function is disrupted. In times when the vestibular system operates correctly, we can walk, run, and move through our daily lives (and favorite activities) without giving much thought to the complex processes that keep 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.

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 Columbus Square, 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

The vestibular system, while robust, is not immune to disorders. These issues can significantly disrupt a person’s balance and spatial orientation. Among the vestibular disorders frequently encountered our Columbus Square, MO 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 happens 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). 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 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, resulting in 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 often have vestibular issues such as dizziness, balance problems, and challenges in focusing the eyes.

How Columbus Square, MO Physical Therapists Use Vestibular Therapy in Treatment

Vestibular therapy utilizes a range of specialized techniques and exercises — proven to work through research — crafted to alleviate the symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. Such techniques are tailored to your unique needs and are based on a thorough assessment by a skilled Columbus Square, MO physical therapist. Below are some of the key approaches used in VRT:

• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers: Specifically used for treating Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), these maneuvers involve particular head and body movements. The aim is to move the dislodged crystals in the inner ear (otoliths) back to their appropriate position. The Epley maneuver is an often-used example of this technique.
• Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are essential for patients who experience difficulty focusing their eyes due to vestibular disorders. Methods 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: Balance is often significantly affected in individuals with vestibular disorders. Exercises focused on balance training are designed to improve steadiness and lessen the risk of falls. The exercises gradually progress in difficulty and may involve various surfaces, dynamic movements, and even eyes-closed exercises to test and enhance 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: Functional retraining encompasses integrating vestibular exercises into daily activities to enhance mobility and independence. This approach focuses on making the therapy relevant and practical to the real-life scenarios patients may 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 boosting control, coordination, and focus of the eyes are employed. Such exercises are especially important for those with oculomotor dysfunction.

Personalized Treatment Options for Columbus Square, MO Vestibular Therapy

The experience of each patient with vestibular disorders is unique and requires an individualized approach to treatment. Our Columbus Square, MO physical therapists create specific plans based on the scientifically proven methods to work and your unique situation, including:

• Individual Symptom Profile: Treatment plans are formulated 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: 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 Columbus Square, MO

This is why Axes Physical Therapy is the top choice for vestibular therapy in Columbus Square, MO:

• Expertise in Vestibular Therapy: We are proud to have a team of highly skilled Columbus Square, 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 ability to apply 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 recognize that your condition and goals are unique. Our approach is deeply rooted in listening to and understanding our patients’ specific needs and goals.
• Experienced Staff: The Columbus Square, MO vestibular therapy team at Axes is not only qualified but also brings years of experience to your treatment. Our therapists have been leading the way in physical therapy for over two decades. This depth of experience means that patients are in capable hands, benefiting from extensive knowledge and a proven history of successful treatments.
• Comprehensive Assessment and Personalized Treatment: Axes begins with a thorough assessment 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 devoted to bettering our patients’ overall quality of life, facilitating 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 Columbus Square, MO community for our focus on patient care and successful treatment outcomes.

Call Axes Physical Therapy in Columbus Square, MO for Your Vestibular Therapy

Managing 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 naturally get better and can get worse over time. Professional vestibular therapy in Columbus Square, MO, like that offered by Axes Physical Therapy, provides a specialized approach to alleviate symptoms, regain functionality, and get you back to the activities you love, all while using treatment modalities that have all been backed by science.

If you or someone you know in Columbus Square, MO is dealing with symptoms like 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.