Huntleigh, MO

Huntleigh, MO

Get back to the activities you love with customized treatment plans for dizziness, vertigo, and other conditions.

Vestibular therapy in Huntleigh, MO. It can be disorienting and scary to have issues 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 therapy is tailored to alleviate these symptoms. Through the use of evidence-backed treatment methods, vestibular therapy at Axes Physical Therapy in Huntleigh, MO 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 most enjoy.

We offer personalized treatment plans to our Huntleigh, MO patients, crafted after an in-depth evaluation and tailored to tackle the unique challenges each patient faces as a result of 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 no-cost injury screening or to request an appointment online immediately. Our goal is to provide individualized care and comprehensive solutions to patients dealing with vestibular challenges.

How the Vestibular System Works

Situated in the inner ear, the vestibular system plays a key role in detecting changes in our head position and movement, thereby allowing our bodies to understand where we are spatially and move through our environment correctly.

This system includes the semicircular canals and the otolith organs. While the semicircular canals detect rotational movements, like turning the head, while the otolith organs are attuned to linear movements, such as moving forward or sideways and your head moving up and down. These components work collectively, to transmit signals to the brain about where our body is located in space.

Upon receiving these signals, the brain works to process them, combining them with information from other systems, especially the visual system and proprioceptors in our muscles and joints. In harmonizing these different signals, the brain effectively ensures our ability to understand and react to our environment.

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.

Vestibular Therapy in Huntleigh, MO | Vertigo Treatment | Concussion Treatment | Physical Therapy Near Huntleigh, 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 Huntleigh, 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

Despite its robustness, the vestibular system can still be susceptible to disorders. These conditions can significantly disrupt a person’s balance and spatial orientation. The common vestibular disorders our Huntleigh, MO physical therapists treat include:

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This condition is characterized by short periods of vertigo (a spinning sensation) typically triggered by changes in head position. BPPV arises when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) clump up in the canals of the inner ear, affecting 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). The 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 an experience of fullness in the ear.
  • Vestibular Migraine: This kind of migraine is associated with vestibular symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, and balance disturbances, even in the absence of the typical migraine 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 age, they can encounter a decline in vestibular function, resulting in balance issues and a heightened risk of falls.
  • Falls: A greater likelihood of falls can be a consequence of various vestibular disorders, particularly in older adults.
  • Post-Concussion Syndrome: In the aftermath of a concussion, individuals may experience vestibular issues such as dizziness, balance problems, and controlling the eyes.

How Huntleigh, MO Physical Therapists Use Vestibular Therapy in Treatment

Vestibular therapy utilizes a range of specialized techniques and exercises — proven to work through research — crafted 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 Huntleigh, MO physical therapist. Presented here 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 reposition crystals in the inner ear (otoliths) back to their correct place. The Epley maneuver is one popular example of this technique.
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: Such exercises are vital 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: Equilibrium is commonly disrupted in individuals with vestibular disorders. These balance-enhancing exercises are intended to boost steadiness and lessen the risk of falls. These 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. These exercises entail repeated exposure to these specific movements to reduce the sensitivity of the vestibular system to them over time.
  • Functional Retraining: Functional retraining encompasses 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 one might face every day.
  • Neck Mobility and Strengthening Exercises: Since neck problems often accompany vestibular issues, particularly after a concussion, exercises aimed at improving neck strength and flexibility are also incorporated into the therapy regimen.
  • Oculomotor Exercises: To address issues with eye tracking and movement, exercises that focus on enhancing control, coordination, and focus of the eyes are utilized. They are especially important for those with oculomotor dysfunction.

Personalized Treatment Options for Huntleigh, MO Vestibular Therapy

Every individual’s journey with vestibular disorders is unique and requires an individualized approach to treatment. Our Huntleigh, MO physical therapists create customized 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 face.
  • Severity and Duration of the Disorder: The level and duration of treatment are adjusted according to the severity and chronicity of the disorder.
  • Patient’s Lifestyle and Goals: Therapy plans 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 Huntleigh, MO

Discover the reasons why Axes Physical Therapy is the preferred option for vestibular therapy in Huntleigh, MO:

  • Expertise in Vestibular Therapy: We are proud to have a team of highly skilled Huntleigh, 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 ability to apply this knowledge to create effective, personalized treatment plans.
  • Patient-Centered Care: At Axes, the experience and recovery process of each individual are at the forefront. We understand that your condition and challenges are unique. Our approach is deeply rooted in listening to and understanding our patients’ specific needs and goals.
  • Experienced Staff: The Huntleigh, MO vestibular therapy team at Axes is not only qualified but also brings extensive experience to the table. 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 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 committed to improving our patients’ overall quality of life, enabling you to return to your daily activities with security and confidence.
  • Community Trust and Recognition: As a locally owned and operated clinic, Axes has built a recognized reputation within the Huntleigh, MO community for our commitment to patient well-being and successful treatment outcomes.

Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Huntleigh, MO for Your Vestibular Therapy

Dealing with 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 spontaneously improve and can deteriorate over time. Professional vestibular therapy in Huntleigh, MO, like that offered by Axes Physical Therapy, provides a targeted approach to alleviate symptoms, regain functionality, and get you back to the activities you love, all while using scientifically supported treatment methods.

If you or someone you know in Huntleigh, MO is experiencing symptoms such as 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
  • Vestibular Therapy and Post-Concussion Rehabilitation
  • 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

Shelby Ellis
Front Office
David Grant
MPT, COMT, FAAOMPT

Locations

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