Vestibular therapy in East St. Louis, IL. Experiencing balance or coordination issues can be unsettling and frightening. It can be especially frustrating when issues like dizziness or other vestibular conditions prevent us from enjoying our favorite activities. Vestibular therapy, a specific kind 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 therapy is tailored to alleviate these symptoms. Through the use of evidence-backed treatment methods, vestibular therapy at Axes Physical Therapy in East St. Louis, IL 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 activities you most enjoy.

At Axes, we specialize in offering personalized treatment plans to our East St. Louis, IL patients, crafted after a comprehensive evaluation and configured to address the unique challenges each patient faces because of their vestibular disorder. If you or anyone you know experiences vertigo, dizziness, or balance issues, don’t hesitate to contact the Axes location nearest you for a no-cost injury screening or to request an appointment online immediately. Our goal is to provide customized care and targeted solutions to patients suffering from vestibular difficulties.

Understanding the Vestibular System

The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, plays a key role in detecting changes in our head position and movement, consequently helping our brains 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, while the otolith organs sense linear movements, like moving forward or sideways and changes in head position relative to gravity. These structures work in tandem, sending signals to the brain about where our body is located in space.

Once received, the brain integrates these signals, 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. 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. 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

A wide range of symptoms can be indicative of vestibular disorders, varying in severity and duration. You should think about consulting a healthcare professional like a physical therapist at Axes in East St. Louis, IL if you experience any of the following repeatedly or for a prolonged period of time:

• 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. Some of the most common vestibular disorders our East St. Louis, IL physical therapists treat include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is characterized by brief episodes of vertigo (a spinning sensation) often triggered by changes in head position. BPPV arises when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) accumulate in the canals of the inner ear, altering 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). Such 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 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 condition can be a result of various conditions, including vestibular disorders. It’s an ongoing feeling of unsteadiness or a spinning sensation, greatly affecting daily activities.
• Age-Related Vestibular Loss: As people get older, they can encounter a decline in vestibular function, causing balance issues and an increased risk of falls.
• Falls: A heightened chance of falling 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 coordinating the eyes.

How East St. Louis, IL Physical Therapists Use Vestibular Therapy in Treatment

The practice of vestibular therapy involves a range of treatment modalities — proven to work through research — intended 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 East St. Louis, IL physical therapist. Below are some of the key approaches used in VRT:

• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers: Particularly employed for treating Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), these maneuvers involve specific 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 help improve the coordination between the eyes and the inner ear system, enhancing visual stability during head movements.
• Balance Training: Equilibrium is commonly disrupted in individuals with vestibular disorders. These balance-enhancing exercises are aimed at enhancing steadiness and lessen 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. Habituation exercises involve repeated exposure to these specific movements to reduce the sensitivity of the vestibular system to them over time.
• Functional Retraining: The process involves integrating vestibular exercises into daily activities to improve mobility and independence. The aim is 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, exercises to improve neck strength and flexibility are also included in the therapy regimen.
• Oculomotor Exercises: To address issues with eye tracking and movement, exercises that focus on improving control, coordination, and focus of the eyes are utilized. Such exercises are especially important for those with oculomotor dysfunction.

Customized Treatment Options for East St. Louis, IL Vestibular Therapy

Every individual’s journey with vestibular disorders is unique and requires a personalized approach to treatment. Our East St. Louis, IL physical therapists create tailored plans based on the scientifically proven methods to work and your unique situation, including:

• Individual Symptom Profile: Treatments are designed around the specific symptoms and challenges you encounter.
• 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 East St. Louis, IL

Here’s why Axes Physical Therapy is the top choice for vestibular therapy in East St. Louis, IL:

• Expertise in Vestibular Therapy: We are proud to have a team of highly skilled East St. Louis, IL 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, the journey of every patient are at the forefront. We understand that your condition and needs are unique. Our approach is deeply rooted in attentively listening to and comprehending our patients’ specific needs and goals.
• Experienced Staff: The East St. Louis, IL vestibular therapy team at Axes is not only qualified but also brings a wealth of 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 skilled hands, benefiting from a wealth of knowledge and a proven history of successful treatments.
• Comprehensive Assessment and Personalized Treatment: Axes begins with an in-depth examination 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 dedicated to enhancing our patients’ overall quality of life, facilitating you to return to your daily activities with confidence and safety.
• Community Trust and Recognition: As a locally owned and operated clinic, Axes has built an esteemed reputation within the East St. Louis, IL community for our commitment to patient well-being and positive treatment results.

Call Axes Physical Therapy in East St. Louis, IL for Your Vestibular Therapy

Managing a vestibular disorder can be a difficult and frequently 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 improve on their own and can deteriorate over time. Professional vestibular therapy in East St. Louis, IL, like that offered by Axes Physical Therapy, provides a targeted approach to relieve symptoms, regain functionality, 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 East St. Louis, IL is struggling with symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, or complications following a concussion, get in touch with Axes Physical Therapy today. Starting the journey to treatment can be transformative. Contact us online or call the nearest Axes location to start your treatment journey.