Vestibular therapy in Maryville, IL. Having trouble with balance or coordination can feel disorienting and alarming. It’s particularly aggravating when issues like dizziness or other vestibular conditions 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 typically present as dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues. This therapy focuses on reducing these symptoms. Through the use of evidence-backed treatment methods, vestibular therapy at Axes Physical Therapy in Maryville, IL aims to retrain the vestibular system to compensate for inner ear deficits, thereby improving balance and reducing problems related to dizziness and getting you back to the activities you love most.
At Axes, we specialize in offering personalized treatment plans for Maryville, IL patients, developed after an in-depth evaluation and tailored to address the unique challenges every patient faces as a result of their vestibular disorder. If you or someone you know experiences 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 now. We strive to give each patient customized care and targeted solutions to patients experiencing vestibular challenges.
How the Vestibular System Works
Situated in the inner ear, the vestibular system is crucial in detecting changes in our head position and movement, consequently helping our brains to understand where we are spatially and move through our environment safely and effectively.
The vestibular system includes the semicircular canals and the otolith organs. Semicircular canals respond to rotational movements, such as turning the head, while the otolith organs detect linear movements, like moving forward or sideways and changes in head position relative to gravity. These components 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. By synergizing these varied inputs, the brain effectively ensures our ability to navigate and adjust to our spatial context.
Most people probably never realize 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 anatomy that keeps us balanced and oriented. Nevertheless, with an impaired vestibular system, it can lead to significant challenges, affecting our ability to complete basic tasks comfortably.
Signs and Symptoms of Vestibular Disorders
Vestibular disorders can present a wide array of symptoms, varying in severity and duration. You should seek a consultation with a healthcare professional like a physical therapist at Axes in Maryville, IL 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
Although the vestibular system is strong, it’s not impervious to disorders. These conditions can significantly disrupt a person’s balance and spatial orientation. Some of the most common vestibular disorders our Maryville, IL 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 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: An ongoing condition impacting the inner ear, Meniere’s disease is characterized by instances 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 when not accompanied by a headache.
- Chronic Dizziness: This can be a result of various conditions, including vestibular disorders. It’s a continuous experience of unsteadiness or a spinning sensation, heavily influencing daily activities.
- Age-Related Vestibular Loss: As people age, they often face a decline in vestibular function, leading to balance issues and a heightened risk of falls.
- Falls: A heightened chance of falling can be a consequence of various vestibular disorders, notably in older adults.
- Post-Concussion Syndrome: In the aftermath of a concussion, individuals may experience vestibular issues such as dizziness, balance problems, and difficulty focusing the eyes.
How Maryville, IL Physical Therapists Use Vestibular Therapy in Treatment
Vestibular therapy employs a range of treatment modalities — proven to work through science — crafted to alleviate the symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. Such techniques are tailored to your unique needs and are based on a thorough assessment by a skilled Maryville, IL physical therapist. Below are some of the key approaches used in VRT:
- Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers: Particularly employed for treating Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), these maneuvers involve certain head and body movements. The objective is to move the move crystals in the inner ear (otoliths) back to their appropriate 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. Practices 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: Balance is often significantly affected in individuals with vestibular disorders. Exercises focused on balance training are aimed at enhancing steadiness and lessen the risk of falls. Such exercises slowly advance in difficulty and might include 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 encounter 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. This approach focuses on making the therapy relevant and practical 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, exercises to improve neck strength and flexibility are also included in the therapy regimen.
- Oculomotor Exercises: For addressing issues with eye tracking and movement, practices that focus on improving control, coordination, and focus of the eyes are employed. These are especially important for those with oculomotor dysfunction.
Customized Treatment Options for Maryville, IL Vestibular Therapy
The experience of each patient with vestibular disorders is unique and requires an individualized approach to treatment. Our Maryville, IL 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 present.
- Severity and Duration of the Disorder: The intensity and length of therapy are adapted 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 Maryville, IL
This is why Axes Physical Therapy is the preferred option for vestibular therapy in Maryville, IL:
- Expertise in Vestibular Therapy: We are proud to have a team of highly skilled Maryville, IL 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, each patient’s experience and recovery journey are at the forefront. We recognize that your condition and goals are unique. Our approach is deeply rooted in actively listening and comprehending our patients’ specific needs and goals.
- Experienced Staff: The Maryville, IL 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 more than 20 years. This depth of experience means that patients are in capable hands, benefiting from a wealth of knowledge and a history of successful treatment results.
- Comprehensive Assessment and Personalized Treatment: Axes begins with a thorough assessment to understand the root cause of the vestibular disorder. Following this, we create a personalized treatment strategy 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 committed to improving our patients’ overall quality of life, facilitating you to return to your daily activities with security and confidence.
- Community Trust and Recognition: As a community-based clinic, Axes has built an esteemed reputation within the Maryville, IL community for our dedication to patient care and effective treatment results.
Call Axes Physical Therapy in Maryville, IL 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 influence our capability to live in and interact with the world. Vestibular disorders often do not naturally get better and can deteriorate over time. Professional vestibular therapy in Maryville, IL, like that offered by Axes Physical Therapy, provides an individualized approach to alleviate symptoms, regain functionality, and get you return to the activities you enjoy, all while using evidence-based treatment techniques.
If you or someone you know in Maryville, IL is struggling with symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, or complications following a concussion, reach out to Axes Physical Therapy today. Taking that first step towards treatment can be transformative. Contact us online or call the nearest Axes location to start your treatment journey.