High Ridge, MO

High Ridge, MO

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

Vestibular therapy in High Ridge, MO. It can be disorienting and scary to have problems with your balance or coordination. It’s particularly aggravating when issues like dizziness or other inner ear issues keep us from participating in the activities we love. Vestibular therapy, a specialized form of physical therapy, plays a crucial role in the management and recovery of inner ear problems that often manifest as dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues. This therapy focuses on reducing these symptoms. By utilizing evidence-backed treatment methods, vestibular therapy at Axes Physical Therapy in High Ridge, MO strives to retrain the vestibular system to compensate for inner ear deficits, thereby improving balance and reducing problems related to dizziness and helping you return to the activities you most enjoy.

At Axes, we specialize in offering personalized treatment plans to our High Ridge, MO patients, crafted after an in-depth 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 suffering from vertigo, dizziness, or balance issues, feel free to visit the Axes location nearest you for a free injury screening or to request an appointment online now. We aim to offer customized care and effective solutions to individuals suffering from vestibular difficulties.

About the Vestibular System

Residing within the inner ear, the vestibular system plays a key role in detecting changes in our head position and movement, thereby allowing us to understand where we are spatially and move through our environment safely and effectively.

The vestibular 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, such as moving forward or sideways and changes in head position relative to gravity. These components work collectively, sending signals to the brain about our body’s position and motion.

Once received, the brain integrates these signals, combining them with information from other systems, especially the visual system and proprioceptors in our muscles and joints. By synergizing these varied inputs, the brain ensures our ability to interpret and respond to our physical surroundings.

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 complete basic tasks comfortably.

Vestibular Therapy in High Ridge, MO | Vertigo Treatment | Concussion Treatment | Physical Therapy Near High Ridge, MO

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 High Ridge, MO 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
  • 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. Among the vestibular disorders frequently encountered our High Ridge, MO physical therapists treat include:

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): The disorder is characterized by short periods of vertigo (a spinning sensation) usually triggered by head movement. BPPV occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) accumulate in the canals of the inner ear, impacting 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 periods of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and an experience of fullness in the ear.
  • Vestibular Migraine: Vestibular Migraine is associated with vestibular symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, and balance disturbances, even in the absence of the typical migraine headache.
  • Chronic Dizziness: This condition can be a result of various conditions, including vestibular disorders. It’s a continuous experience of unsteadiness or a spinning sensation, greatly affecting daily activities.
  • Age-Related Vestibular Loss: With aging, they can encounter 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: After a concussion, individuals might suffer from vestibular issues such as dizziness, balance problems, and difficulty focusing the eyes.

How High Ridge, MO Physical Therapists Use Vestibular Therapy in Treatment

Vestibular therapy utilizes a range of specialized techniques and exercises — proven to work through research — designed 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 High Ridge, 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 correct position. The Epley maneuver is an often-used example of this technique.
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: Such exercises are vital for patients who struggle focusing their eyes due to vestibular disorders. Methods like the VOR (Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex) exercises aid in enhancing 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 may involve various surfaces, dynamic movements, and even eyes-closed exercises to challenge and improve 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 minimize the sensitivity of the vestibular system to them over time.
  • Functional Retraining: The process involves integrating vestibular exercises into daily activities to boost mobility and independence. It’s about making the therapy practical and applicable to the real-life scenarios you 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 included in the therapy regimen.
  • Oculomotor Exercises: In order to tackle issues with eye tracking and movement, practices that focus on enhancing control, coordination, and focus of the eyes are employed. Such exercises are especially important for those with oculomotor dysfunction.

Customized Treatment Plans for High Ridge, MO Vestibular Therapy

The experience of each patient with vestibular disorders is unique and requires a customized treatment plans. Our High Ridge, MO physical therapists create customized plans based on the scientifically proven methods to work and your unique situation, including:

  • Individual Symptom Profile: Treatment plans are formulated around the specific symptoms and challenges you face.
  • Severity and Duration of the Disorder: The intensity and length of therapy are adjusted 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 High Ridge, MO

This is why Axes Physical Therapy is the preferred option for vestibular therapy in High Ridge, MO:

  • Expertise in Vestibular Therapy: At Axes Physical Therapy, we take pride in a team of highly skilled High Ridge, MO physical therapists who specialize 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, each patient’s experience and recovery journey are at the forefront. We understand that your condition and life are unique. Our approach is deeply rooted in actively listening and comprehending our patients’ specific needs and goals.
  • Experienced Staff: The High Ridge, MO vestibular therapy team at Axes is not only qualified but also brings extensive 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 capable hands, benefiting from a wealth of knowledge and a proven history of successful treatments.
  • Comprehensive Assessment and Personalized Treatment: Axes begins with a thorough assessment to understand the root cause of the vestibular disorder. Following this, we develop an individualized treatment plan that may include a variety of techniques 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 committed to improving 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 High Ridge, MO community for our commitment to patient well-being and positive treatment results.

Contact Axes Physical Therapy in High Ridge, MO for Your Vestibular Therapy

Dealing with a vestibular disorder can be a tough and disorienting journey. These conditions not only impact physical equilibrium and mobility but influence our capability to live in and interact with the world. Vestibular disorders often do not spontaneously improve and can deteriorate over time. Professional vestibular therapy in High Ridge, MO, like that offered by Axes Physical Therapy, provides a targeted approach to reduce 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 High Ridge, MO is struggling with symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, or complications following a concussion, reach out to 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
  • Sports Physical Therapy
  • dorsaVi Video Motion Analysis
  • 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

Stephen Brunjes
OTR/L, CEAS
Lauren Huckstep
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CSCS, Astym Cert.

Locations

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