Vestibular therapy in Glen Carbon, IL. Experiencing balance or coordination issues can be unsettling and frightening. It can be especially frustrating when issues like 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 vestibular (inner ear) disorders that often manifest as dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues. This therapy focuses on reducing these symptoms. By utilizing treatment modalities proven to work, vestibular therapy at Axes Physical Therapy in Glen Carbon, 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.
Our clinic provides personalized treatment plans for Glen Carbon, IL patients, developed after a comprehensive evaluation and configured to meet the unique challenges each patient faces as a result of their vestibular disorder. If you or someone 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 today. Our mission is delivering individualized care and comprehensive solutions for those dealing with vestibular difficulties.
About the Vestibular System
The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, plays a key role in detecting changes in our head position and movement, thereby allowing our brains to understand where we are spatially and navigate our environment safely and effectively.
This system is comprised of the semicircular canals and the otolith organs. While the semicircular canals detect 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 our body’s position and motion.
The brain processes these signals, merging them with information from other systems, notably the visual system and proprioceptors in our muscles and joints. This integration facilitates the coordination of eye movements, maintenance of posture, and preservation of balance.
Many people may not appreciate the importance of this system until it’s not working properly. 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 anatomy that keeps us balanced and oriented. Nevertheless, with an impaired vestibular system, 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 intensity and length. You should seek a consultation with a healthcare professional like a physical therapist at Axes in Glen Carbon, 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
Although the vestibular system is strong, it’s not impervious to disorders. These issues can significantly disrupt a person’s balance and spatial orientation. Among the vestibular disorders frequently encountered our Glen Carbon, IL physical therapists treat include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): The disorder is characterized by brief episodes of vertigo (a spinning sensation) typically triggered by changes in head position. 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: Both conditions 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 long-term ailment of the inner ear, Meniere’s disease is characterized by episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and a feeling 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: This can be a result of various conditions, including vestibular disorders. It’s a persistent sensation of unsteadiness or a spinning sensation, heavily influencing daily activities.
- Age-Related Vestibular Loss: As people age, 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, notably in older adults.
- Post-Concussion Syndrome: In the aftermath of a concussion, individuals often have vestibular issues such as dizziness, balance problems, and coordinating the eyes.
How Glen Carbon, IL Physical Therapists Use Vestibular Therapy in Treatment
Vestibular therapy employs a range of specialized techniques and exercises — proven to work through research — intended to alleviate the symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. These techniques are tailored to your unique needs and are based on a thorough assessment by a skilled Glen Carbon, IL physical therapist. 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 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: These exercises are critical for patients who have trouble focusing their eyes due to vestibular disorders. Techniques like the VOR (Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex) exercises assist in improving 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. These balance-enhancing exercises are designed to improve steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. These exercises steadily progress in difficulty and often incorporate various surfaces, dynamic movements, and even eyes-closed exercises to challenge and improve the patient’s balance.
- Habituation Exercises: These exercises are designed for patients who experience dizziness as a result of certain movements or positions. Habituation exercises involve repeated exposure to these specific movements to minimize the sensitivity of the vestibular system to them over time.
- Functional Retraining: This involves integrating vestibular exercises into daily activities to boost mobility and independence. This approach focuses on making the therapy applicable and useful 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, activities designed to enhance neck strength and flexibility are also incorporated into the therapy regimen.
- Oculomotor Exercises: For addressing 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 Glen Carbon, IL Vestibular Therapy
The experience of each patient with vestibular disorders is unique and requires an individualized treatment plans. Our Glen Carbon, IL physical therapists create specific plans based on what has been proven to work and your unique situation, including:
- Individual Symptom Profile: Treatment plans are formulated around the specific symptoms and challenges you encounter.
- Severity and Duration of the Disorder: The level and duration of treatment are modified according to the severity and chronicity of the disorder.
- Patient’s Lifestyle and Goals: Rehabilitation approaches 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 Glen Carbon, IL
This is why Axes Physical Therapy is a preferred choice for vestibular therapy in Glen Carbon, IL:
- Expertise in Vestibular Therapy: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of highly skilled Glen Carbon, 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 skill in applying this knowledge to create effective, personalized treatment plans.
- Patient-Centered Care: At Axes, each patient’s experience and recovery journey are at the forefront. We understand 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 Glen Carbon, 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 over two decades. 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 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 dedicated to enhancing our patients’ overall quality of life, enabling 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 recognized reputation within the Glen Carbon, IL community for our dedication to patient care and effective treatment results.
Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Glen Carbon, IL for Your Vestibular Therapy
Managing a vestibular disorder can be a challenging and often disorienting experience. These conditions not only affect physical balance and mobility but influence our capability to live in and interact with the world. Vestibular disorders often do not naturally get better and can get worse over time. Professional vestibular therapy in Glen Carbon, IL, like that offered by Axes Physical Therapy, provides a specialized approach to reduce symptoms, recover function, and get you resume the activities you cherish, all while using evidence-based treatment techniques.
If you or someone you know in Glen Carbon, 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. Call the Axes location nearest you or contact us online to get started.