Vestibular therapy in Fairview Heights, IL. 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 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 focuses on reducing these symptoms. By utilizing evidence-backed treatment methods, vestibular therapy at Axes Physical Therapy in Fairview Heights, IL 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 Fairview Heights, IL patients, developed after a thorough evaluation and tailored to meet the unique challenges every patient faces due to their vestibular disorder. If you or anyone you know experiences vertigo, dizziness, or balance issues, we encourage you to reach out the Axes location nearest you for a free injury screening or to request an appointment online now. Our goal is to provide individualized care and effective solutions to patients dealing with vestibular issues.

How the Vestibular System Works

Situated in the inner ear, the vestibular system is responsible for detecting changes in our head position and movement, thus enabling us to understand where we are in space and move through our environment correctly.

This system consists of the semicircular canals and the otolith organs. While the semicircular canals detect rotational movements, such as turning the head, while the otolith organs are attuned to 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, notably the visual system and proprioceptors in our muscles and joints. This melding of information facilitates 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 giving much thought to 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

A wide range of symptoms can be indicative of vestibular disorders, varying in intensity and length. You should think about consulting a healthcare professional like a physical therapist at Axes in Fairview Heights, IL 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

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 Fairview Heights, IL physical therapists treat include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): The disorder is characterized by short periods of vertigo (a spinning sensation) typically 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: These disorders involve inflammation, either of the inner ear itself (labyrinthitis) or the vestibular nerve (vestibular neuritis). The inflammation can lead to vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance.
• Meniere’s Disease: An ongoing condition impacting the inner ear, Meniere’s disease is characterized by periods of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and a sensation of fullness in the ear.
• Vestibular Migraine: This kind of migraine is associated with vestibular symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, and balance disturbances, even when not accompanied by a headache.
• Chronic Dizziness: Chronic dizziness can be a result of various conditions, including vestibular disorders. It’s a persistent sensation of unsteadiness or a spinning sensation, greatly affecting 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: An increased risk of falls can be a consequence of various vestibular disorders, especially in older adults.
• Post-Concussion Syndrome: After a concussion, individuals may experience vestibular issues such as dizziness, balance problems, and trouble with focusing the eyes.

How Fairview Heights, IL Physical Therapists Use Vestibular Therapy in Treatment

The practice of vestibular therapy involves a range of specialized techniques and exercises — backed by research — intended 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 Fairview Heights, IL physical therapist. Presented here are some of the key approaches used in VRT:

• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers: Specially designed for treating Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), these maneuvers involve certain head and body movements. The objective is to move the dislodged crystals in the inner ear (otoliths) back to their appropriate place. The Epley maneuver is an often-used 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: Equilibrium is commonly disrupted in individuals with vestibular disorders. These balance-enhancing exercises are intended to boost steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. These exercises steadily 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: These exercises are designed for patients who experience dizziness as a result of certain movements or positions. Such exercises include repeated exposure to these specific movements to minimize 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 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: In order to tackle issues with eye tracking and movement, exercises that focus on enhancing control, coordination, and focus of the eyes are employed. These are especially important for those with oculomotor dysfunction.

Customized Treatment Plans for Fairview Heights, IL Vestibular Therapy

Each patient’s experience with vestibular disorders is unique and requires an individualized treatment plans. Our Fairview Heights, IL physical therapists create customized 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 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 Fairview Heights, IL

Here’s why Axes Physical Therapy is the top choice for vestibular therapy in Fairview Heights, IL:

• Expertise in Vestibular Therapy: We are proud to have a team of highly skilled Fairview Heights, 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 capacity to utilize this knowledge to create effective, personalized treatment plans.
• Patient-Centered Care: At Axes, the journey of every patient are at the forefront. We recognize that your condition and goals are unique. Our approach is deeply rooted in actively listening and comprehending our patients’ specific needs and goals.
• Experienced Staff: The Fairview Heights, IL vestibular therapy team at Axes is not only qualified but also brings a wealth of 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 capable hands, benefiting from a vast knowledge base 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 design a customized 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, enabling 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 a recognized reputation within the Fairview Heights, IL community for our focus on patient care and positive treatment results.

Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Fairview Heights, IL for Your Vestibular Therapy

Dealing with a vestibular disorder can be a challenging and often disorienting experience. These conditions not only influence physical balance and mobility but influence our capability to live in and interact with the world. Vestibular disorders often do not improve on their own and can get worse over time. Professional vestibular therapy in Fairview Heights, IL, like that offered by Axes Physical Therapy, provides a specialized approach to alleviate symptoms, recover function, and get you back to the activities you love, all while using evidence-based treatment techniques.

If you or someone you know in Fairview Heights, IL is dealing with symptoms like 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.