Vestibular therapy in Lafayette Square, MO. Experiencing balance or coordination issues can be unsettling and frightening. It can be especially frustrating when dizziness or other vestibular conditions prevent us from enjoying our favorite activities. Vestibular therapy, a specific kind of physical therapy, is pivotal in the management and recovery of inner ear problems that often manifest as dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues. This specific therapy approach is tailored to alleviate these symptoms. Through the use of treatment modalities proven to work, vestibular therapy at Axes Physical Therapy in Lafayette Square, 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 things you most enjoy.

We offer personalized treatment plans for Lafayette Square, MO patients, developed after a thorough evaluation and designed to meet the unique challenges each patient faces due to their vestibular disorder. If you or anyone you know is dealing with vertigo, dizziness, or balance issues, feel free to visit the Axes location nearest you for a no-cost injury screening or to request an appointment online immediately. Our goal is to provide personalized care and effective solutions to individuals experiencing vestibular challenges.

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, consequently helping us to understand where we are spatially and move through our environment safely and effectively.

This system consists of the semicircular canals and the otolith organs. The semicircular canals are sensitive to rotational movements, such as turning the head, and the otolith organs sense linear movements, like moving forward or sideways and your head moving up and down. These structures work in tandem, sending signals to the brain about our body’s position and motion.

Once received, the brain integrates these signals, merging them with information from other systems, particularly the visual system and proprioceptors in our muscles and joints. Such a combination allows for the coordination of eye movements, maintenance of posture, and preservation of balance.

Many people may not appreciate the importance of this system until its function is disrupted. As the vestibular system functions normally, we can walk, run, and move through our daily lives (and favorite activities) without having to worry too much about the complex anatomy that keeps us balanced and oriented. But, if the system becomes disrupted, it can lead to significant challenges, affecting our ability to complete basic tasks comfortably.

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 Lafayette Square, MO 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
• Tinnitus
• Headaches or migraines
• Confusion
• Light sensitivity

Common Disorders Affecting the Vestibular System

The vestibular system, while robust, is not immune to disorders. These conditions can significantly disrupt a person’s balance and spatial orientation. Among the vestibular disorders frequently encountered our Lafayette Square, MO physical therapists treat include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): The disorder is characterized by quick instances of vertigo (a spinning sensation) often triggered by head movement. BPPV occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) accumulate in the canals of the inner ear, altering the ear’s ability to sense head motion.
• Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis: Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis 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 chronic disorder that affects 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 type of migraine is associated with vestibular symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, and balance disturbances, even when not accompanied by a 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, significantly impacting daily activities.
• Age-Related Vestibular Loss: With aging, they often face a decline in vestibular function, causing balance issues and increased risk of falls.
• Falls: A heightened chance of falling 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 Lafayette Square, MO Physical Therapists Use Vestibular Therapy in Treatment

The practice of vestibular therapy involves a range of treatment modalities — backed by research — designed 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 Lafayette Square, MO physical therapist. Below are some of the key approaches used in VRT:

• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers: Specially designed for treating Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), these maneuvers involve particular head and body movements. The aim is to move the move 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 assist in improving the coordination between the eyes and the inner ear system, enhancing visual stability during head movements.
• Balance Training: Balance is often significantly affected 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 challenge and improve the patient’s balance.
• Habituation Exercises: These are meant for patients who suffer from dizziness as a result of certain movements or positions. These exercises entail 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. The aim is making the therapy applicable and useful to the real-life scenarios patients may 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 incorporated into the therapy regimen.
• Oculomotor Exercises: In order to tackle issues with eye tracking and movement, activities that focus on enhancing control, coordination, and focus of the eyes are utilized. These are especially important for those with oculomotor dysfunction.

Personalized Treatment Options for Lafayette Square, MO Vestibular Therapy

The experience of each patient with vestibular disorders is unique and requires an individualized treatment plans. Our Lafayette Square, MO physical therapists create specific 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 present.
• Severity and Duration of the Disorder: Therapy intensity and duration are adjusted 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 Lafayette Square, MO

Discover the reasons why Axes Physical Therapy is a preferred choice for vestibular therapy in Lafayette Square, MO:

• Expertise in Vestibular Therapy: At Axes Physical Therapy, we take pride in a team of highly skilled Lafayette Square, MO 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 attentively listening to and comprehending our patients’ specific needs and goals.
• Experienced Staff: The Lafayette Square, MO vestibular therapy team at Axes is not only qualified but also brings years of experience to the table. 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 skilled hands, benefiting from a vast knowledge base 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 develop an individualized treatment plan that may include different methods 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 devoted to bettering our patients’ overall quality of life, enabling you to return to your daily activities with confidence and safety.
• Community Trust and Recognition: As a community-based clinic, Axes has built a reputation within the Lafayette Square, MO community for our dedication to patient care and positive treatment results.

Call Axes Physical Therapy in Lafayette Square, MO for Your Vestibular Therapy

Managing a vestibular disorder can be a difficult and frequently disorienting journey. These conditions not only impact physical equilibrium and mobility but affect our ability to live in and interact with the world. Vestibular disorders often do not spontaneously improve and can worsen over time. Professional vestibular therapy in Lafayette Square, MO, 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 Lafayette Square, MO is struggling with symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, or complications following a concussion, contact Axes Physical Therapy today. Starting the journey to treatment can be transformative. Reach out to the nearest Axes location by phone or get in touch with us online to begin your journey.