Glen Carbon, IL

Glen Carbon, IL

Get back to the things you enjoy most with Axes Physical Therapy.

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.

Vestibular Therapy in Glen Carbon, IL | Vertigo Treatment | Concussion Treatment | Physical Therapy Near Glen Carbon, IL

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.

Services Offered

Services Offered
  • Physical Therapy
    • Pre/Post Surgical Rehabilitation
    • Acute Injury Management
    • Chronic Injury Management
  • Work Conditioning/Hardening
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations
  • Certified Hand Therapy (NEWLY ADDED)
  • Sports Physical Therapy
  • Trigger Point Dry Needling
  • Pediatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Geriatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTYM)
  • Spine Specialty – Manual Therapy Certified
  • Free Injury Screenings
  • Kinesio Taping®
  • Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

Our Team

Sara Crain
PT, CEAS, Astym Cert.
Lauren Cavanaugh
Front Office Supervisor
Amanda Long
DPT, CMPT, ATC
Stephen Brunjes
OTR/L, CEAS
Brian Wahlig
Front Office
Sarah Schroeder
MOTR/L, CHT, Astym Cert
Bill Franzen
Partner, PT, MHSPT
Kinsey Jackson
Front Office
Cassandra Wadlow
Front Office
Mary McKinney
Front Office
Brian Little
Front Office Supervisor
Zac Schniers
PT, DPT, CMPT
Danielle O’Rando
Front Office
Natasha Burtchett
Front Office Supervisor
Antoinette Ghoston
Front Office
Brad Tiehes
PT, DPT, CMPT
Ashley Kraus
Front Office
Helen Ziegler
Front Office
Addie Kersting
Front Office Supervisor
Dena Rose
PT, CMPT, CHT
Katee Strunk
Front Office Team Lead
Mark Smith
PT, DPT, CMPT
Kaila Mikesch
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CMPT
Ali Bauer
PT, CMPT
Brandi Arndt
PT, DPT, CMPT
Julie Freiner
OTR/L, CHT
Eric Meyer
Assistant Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CMPT
Anthony Meyer
PT, DPT, CMPT
Haley Finnegan
OTR/L, CHT
Brittany Stapp
Front Office
Hattie Kaimann
Front Office
Mitchell Hammack
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CMPT
Farren Holman
PT, DPT, Astym Cert.
Jodi Bielicke
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, ASTYM Cert.
Sara Dowil
OTR/L, CHT
Mike Faris
Clinic Director, PT, CMPT
Emily Helton
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CMPT
Mandy Carter
MSPT, CMPT, ATC, CWC
Matt Williams
MS, OTR/L, ATC/L, CHT
Ray Bauer
Clinic Director, MSPT, CMPT
Brett Shelton
PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, CSMT
Candace Cunningham
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CMPT
Jeff Hunter
Clinic Director, PT, Cert. MDT, MBA
Scott Gallant
PT, FAAOMPT, BDN
Derrick Wolk
Partner, Clinic Director, MPT, CMPT
Greg Nicholas
Clinic Director, MPT, CMPT
John Teepe
Partner, MPT
Ernie Goddard
Partner, PT
John Ruesler
Clinic Director, DPT, CMPT, Astym Cert.
Jennifer Szydlowski
Clinic Director, PT, CMPT
Stacey Collins
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CMPT
Brian Freund
Partner, DPT, CMPT, TPS, MBA
Joe Schmersahl
Clinic Director, PT, MTC, CMTPT
Bradley Webb
Clinic Director, PT
Kelly Basler
Front Office
Daniel Scribner
PT, DPT, ATC
Jayne Scanlan
DPT, COMT, CMTPT, FAAOMPT
Sharon Titter
Clinic Director, MPT
Natalie Carter
PT, DPT, Astym. Cert.
Michelle Schrage
Front Office
Megan Phillips
Front Office
TJ Jung
PT, DPT
Kaysie Cope
Front Office
Christine Lucke
MPT, COMT.
Lauren Huckstep
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CSCS, Astym Cert.
Mary Headrick
Front Office Associate
Megan Mason
OTD, OTR/L
Lauren Vaughn
PT, DPT, CMPT, Astym Cert.
Jon Arconati
PT, DPT, CMPT
Emma Witte
PTA, ASTYM Cert.
Stephanie Heubi
Front Office
Hannah Drake
DPT, CMPT, ATC, LAT
Kimberly Helm
Front Office Supervisor
Carly Donahue
PT, DPT, CMPT
JP Thompson
PT, DPT, Astym Cert.
Marion Shaw
Front Office Supervisor
Kelly Barnes
Physical Therapist
Abigail Alsmeyer
Front Office
Lisa Bell
Front Office
Shelby Ellis
Front Office
Kayla Kowal
PT, DPT, CSCS, CMPT
Erin Bauer
PT, DPT
Kelly Thornton
Clinic Director, PT, DPT
Mandy Wilmes
PT, DPT, COMT
Grace Gualtieri
Physical Therapist
Jennifer Zweigart
Front Office
Candy Willcox
Front Office
Lorinda Gaines
Front Office
Jeff Cowdry
OTR/L, CHT
Shannon Blum
PTA, ATC
Chris Casner
PT, Clinic Director
Jamie Baumer
PT, DPT, CMPT
Christine Rufkahr
PT, COMT, CSMT
Shawna Morrow
Front Office
Ashley Brown
Front Office
Tanya Stanek
Front Office
Bryan Chac
PT, DPT
David Grant
MPT, COMT, FAAOMPT
Megan Henderson
OTR/L, CHT
Jennifer Chura
Front Office
Brad Morr
PT, DPT
Dana Kleeschulte
Front Office
Emma Hanger
PT, DPT, LAT, ATC

Locations

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