Vestibular therapy in Meacham Park, MO. Experiencing balance or coordination issues can be unsettling and frightening. It can be especially frustrating when issues like dizziness or other vestibular conditions prevent us from enjoying our favorite activities. Vestibular therapy, a specific kind of physical therapy, plays a crucial role in the management and recovery of vestibular (inner ear) disorders that often manifest as dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues. This specific therapy approach focuses on reducing these symptoms. By utilizing treatment modalities proven to work, vestibular therapy at Axes Physical Therapy in Meacham Park, MO strives to retrain the vestibular system to make up for inner ear deficits, enhancing balance and minimizing problems related to dizziness and getting you back to the activities you love most.

Our clinic provides personalized treatment plans to our Meacham Park, MO patients, formulated after an in-depth evaluation and configured to tackle the unique challenges every patient faces due to their vestibular disorder. If you or anyone you know experiences vertigo, dizziness, or balance issues, don’t hesitate to contact the Axes location nearest you for a free injury screening or to request an appointment online immediately. We aim to offer personalized care and comprehensive solutions to individuals experiencing vestibular challenges.

How the Vestibular System Works

Situated in the inner ear, the vestibular system is responsible for detecting changes in our head position and movement, consequently helping us to understand where we are spatially and traverse our environment correctly.

This system includes the semicircular canals and the otolith organs. While the semicircular canals detect rotational movements, like turning the head, and 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, sending signals to the brain about our body’s position and motion.

Once received, the brain integrates these signals, integrating them with information from other systems, particularly the visual system and proprioceptors in our muscles and joints. This melding of information facilitates the coordination of eye movements, maintenance of posture, and preservation of balance.

Most people probably never realize the importance of this system until it’s not working properly. In times when the vestibular system operates correctly, 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. But, if the system becomes disrupted, it can lead to significant challenges, affecting our ability to just move around our homes 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 Meacham Park, 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 issues can significantly disrupt a person’s balance and spatial orientation. The common vestibular disorders our Meacham Park, 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 happens 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). 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 a feeling 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: Chronic dizziness can be a result of various conditions, including vestibular disorders. It’s an ongoing feeling of unsteadiness or a spinning sensation, significantly impacting daily activities.
• Age-Related Vestibular Loss: With aging, they can encounter 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, especially in older adults.
• Post-Concussion Syndrome: After a concussion, individuals might suffer from vestibular issues such as dizziness, balance problems, and controlling the eyes.

How Meacham Park, MO Physical Therapists Use Vestibular Therapy in Treatment

Vestibular therapy utilizes a range of specialized techniques and exercises — proven to work through science — designed 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 Meacham Park, 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 specific head and body movements. The aim is to move the dislodged 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 help improve 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 designed to improve steadiness and lessen the risk of falls. Such exercises gradually 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. Habituation exercises involve repeated exposure to these specific movements to lessen the sensitivity of the vestibular system to them over time.
• Functional Retraining: Functional retraining encompasses integrating vestibular exercises into daily activities to improve mobility and independence. The aim is 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 integrated into the therapy regimen.
• Oculomotor Exercises: For addressing issues with eye tracking and movement, activities that focus on improving control, coordination, and focus of the eyes are used. They are especially important for those with oculomotor dysfunction.

Customized Treatment Options for Meacham Park, MO Vestibular Therapy

Every individual’s journey with vestibular disorders is unique and requires a personalized treatment plans. Our Meacham Park, MO physical therapists create specific 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 adapted 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 Meacham Park, MO

Here’s why Axes Physical Therapy is the preferred option for vestibular therapy in Meacham Park, MO:

• Expertise in Vestibular Therapy: At Axes Physical Therapy, we take pride in a team of highly skilled Meacham Park, MO physical therapists who are experts 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 understand that your condition and needs are unique. Our approach is deeply rooted in listening to and understanding our patients’ specific needs and goals.
• Experienced Staff: The Meacham Park, 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 more than 20 years. This depth of experience means that patients are in competent hands, benefiting from extensive 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 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 devoted to bettering our patients’ overall quality of life, empowering you to return to your daily activities with confidence and safety.
• Community Trust and Recognition: As a clinic deeply rooted in the community, Axes has built a reputation within the Meacham Park, MO community for our focus on patient care and positive treatment results.

Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Meacham Park, MO for Your Vestibular Therapy

Dealing with a vestibular disorder can be a challenging and often disorienting experience. These conditions not only influence physical balance and mobility but impact our capacity to live in and engage with the world. Vestibular disorders often do not naturally get better and can deteriorate over time. Professional vestibular therapy in Meacham Park, MO, like that offered by Axes Physical Therapy, provides an individualized approach to reduce symptoms, recover function, and get you resume the activities you cherish, all while using scientifically supported treatment methods.

If you or someone you know in Meacham Park, 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. Reach out to the nearest Axes location by phone or get in touch with us online to begin your journey.