Vestibular therapy in Downtown West St. Louis, 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 specific kind of physical therapy, plays a crucial role in managing and rehabilitating vestibular (inner ear) disorders that often manifest as dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues. This specific therapy approach focuses on reducing these symptoms. By utilizing evidence-backed treatment methods, vestibular therapy at Axes Physical Therapy in Downtown West St. Louis, MO strives to retrain the vestibular system to make up for inner ear deficits, enhancing balance and minimizing problems related to dizziness and helping you return to the things you most enjoy.

At Axes, we specialize in offering personalized treatment plans to our Downtown West St. Louis, MO patients, developed after an in-depth evaluation and tailored to tackle the unique challenges every patient faces as a result 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 dealing with vestibular difficulties.

How the Vestibular System Works

The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, is responsible for detecting changes in our head position and movement, consequently helping our bodies to understand where we are spatially and traverse our environment safely and effectively.

The vestibular system is comprised of the semicircular canals and the otolith organs. Semicircular canals respond to rotational movements, such as turning the head, and the otolith organs sense linear movements, such as moving forward or sideways and changes in head position relative to gravity. Both parts work in tandem, to transmit signals to the brain about our body’s position and motion.

The brain processes these signals, integrating them with information from other systems, particularly the visual system and proprioceptors in our muscles and joints. Such a combination allows for 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. When the vestibular system is working as it’s supposed to, we can walk, run, and move through our daily lives (and favorite activities) without having to worry too much about the complex processes that keep us balanced and oriented. But, if the system becomes disrupted, it can lead to significant challenges, affecting our ability to perform even the simplest of tasks.

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 Downtown West St. Louis, 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 conditions can significantly disrupt a person’s balance and spatial orientation. Among the vestibular disorders frequently encountered our Downtown West St. Louis, MO physical therapists treat include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is characterized by short periods of vertigo (a spinning sensation) usually triggered by head movement. BPPV occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) clump up 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). Such inflammation can lead to vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance.
• Meniere’s Disease: A chronic disorder that affects the inner ear, Meniere’s disease is characterized by instances of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and a sensation 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: This can be a result of various conditions, including vestibular disorders. It’s an ongoing feeling of unsteadiness or a spinning sensation, significantly impacting daily activities.
• Age-Related Vestibular Loss: As people get older, they often face a decline in vestibular function, leading to balance issues and increased risk of falls.
• Falls: An increased risk of falls can be a consequence of various vestibular disorders, especially in older adults.
• Post-Concussion Syndrome: In the aftermath of a concussion, individuals might suffer from vestibular issues such as dizziness, balance problems, and controlling the eyes.

How Downtown West St. Louis, MO Physical Therapists Use Vestibular Therapy in Treatment

Vestibular therapy utilizes a range of treatment modalities — proven to work through science — crafted to improve the lives of those suffering form vestibular disorders. These techniques are tailored to your unique needs and are based on a thorough assessment by a skilled Downtown West St. Louis, 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 specific head and body movements. The aim is to move the reposition crystals in the inner ear (otoliths) back to their appropriate position. 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. Techniques like the VOR (Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex) exercises help improve the coordination between the eyes and the inner ear system, improving 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 minimize the risk of falls. Such exercises slowly advance in difficulty and may involve 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 encounter dizziness as a result of certain movements or positions. These exercises entail repeated exposure to these specific movements to reduce the sensitivity of the vestibular system to them over time.
• Functional Retraining: This involves integrating vestibular exercises into daily activities to improve mobility and independence. It’s about making the therapy applicable and useful to the real-life scenarios one might face every day.
• Neck Mobility and Strengthening Exercises: Given that neck problems often accompany vestibular issues, particularly after a concussion, exercises to improve neck strength and flexibility are also included in the therapy regimen.
• Oculomotor Exercises: For addressing issues with eye tracking and movement, exercises that focus on boosting control, coordination, and focus of the eyes are utilized. These are especially important for those with oculomotor dysfunction.

Personalized Treatment Options for Downtown West St. Louis, MO Vestibular Therapy

Every individual’s journey with vestibular disorders is unique and requires a personalized treatment plans. Our Downtown West St. Louis, MO physical therapists create specific plans based on what has been proven to work and your unique situation, including:

• Individual Symptom Profile: Therapies are tailored around the specific symptoms and challenges you present.
• Severity and Duration of the Disorder: Therapy intensity and duration are adapted 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 Downtown West St. Louis, MO

This is why Axes Physical Therapy is the top choice for vestibular therapy in Downtown West St. Louis, MO:

• Expertise in Vestibular Therapy: We are proud to have a team of highly skilled Downtown West St. Louis, 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 journey of every patient are at the forefront. We acknowledge that your condition and needs are unique. Our approach is deeply rooted in actively listening and comprehending our patients’ specific needs and goals.
• Experienced Staff: The Downtown West St. Louis, 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 more than 20 years. This depth of experience means that patients are in skilled 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 root cause of the vestibular disorder. Following this, we develop an individualized 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 devoted to bettering our patients’ overall quality of life, enabling you to return to your daily activities with confidence and safety.
• Community Trust and Recognition: As a clinic deeply rooted in the community, Axes has built an esteemed reputation within the Downtown West St. Louis, MO community for our commitment to patient well-being and successful treatment outcomes.

Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Downtown West St. Louis, MO for Your Vestibular Therapy

Coping with a vestibular disorder can be a challenging and often disorienting experience. These conditions not only affect physical balance and mobility but affect our ability to live in and interact with the world. Vestibular disorders often do not spontaneously improve and can deteriorate over time. Professional vestibular therapy in Downtown West St. Louis, MO, like that offered by Axes Physical Therapy, provides a targeted approach to alleviate symptoms, regain functionality, and get you back to the activities you love, all while using evidence-based treatment techniques.

If you or someone you know in Downtown West St. Louis, MO is experiencing symptoms such as 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.