Vestibular therapy in Midtown St. Louis, MO. Having trouble with balance or coordination can feel disorienting and alarming. It can be especially frustrating when dizziness or other vestibular conditions prevent us from enjoying our favorite activities. Vestibular therapy, a specialized form of physical therapy, is pivotal in managing and rehabilitating 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 treatment modalities proven to work, vestibular therapy at Axes Physical Therapy in Midtown St. Louis, MO 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 most enjoy.

At Axes, we specialize in offering personalized treatment plans to our Midtown St. Louis, MO patients, formulated after an in-depth evaluation and configured to tackle the unique challenges each patient faces because of their vestibular disorder. If you or someone you know is suffering from vertigo, dizziness, or balance issues, we encourage you to reach out the Axes location nearest you for a free injury screening or to request an appointment online immediately. Our mission is delivering customized care and targeted solutions for those dealing with 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, thereby allowing our bodies to understand where we are spatially and traverse our environment safely and effectively.

This system consists of the semicircular canals and the otolith organs. The semicircular canals are sensitive to rotational movements, like turning the head, and the otolith organs sense linear movements, like moving forward or sideways and changes in head position relative to gravity. These components work in tandem, to send signals to the brain about where our body is located in space.

The brain processes these signals, combining them with information from other systems, especially the visual system and proprioceptors in our muscles and joints. Through the amalgamation of these diverse sensory data, the brain helps to maintain 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. As the vestibular system functions normally, 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. However, when this system is impaired, it can lead to significant challenges, affecting our ability to perform even the simplest of tasks.

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 Midtown St. Louis, 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
• Tinnitus
• Headaches or migraines
• Confusion
• Light sensitivity

Common Disorders Affecting the Vestibular System

The vestibular system, while robust, is not immune to disorders. Such disorders can significantly disrupt a person’s balance and spatial orientation. Some of the most common vestibular disorders our Midtown St. Louis, MO physical therapists treat include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This condition 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: These disorders involve inflammation, either of the inner ear itself (labyrinthitis) or the vestibular nerve (vestibular neuritis). This 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 type of 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 an ongoing feeling of unsteadiness or a spinning sensation, significantly impacting daily activities.
• Age-Related Vestibular Loss: As people get older, they often face a decline in vestibular function, leading to 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: In the aftermath of a concussion, individuals may experience vestibular issues such as dizziness, balance problems, and difficulty focusing the eyes.

How Midtown St. Louis, MO Physical Therapists Use Vestibular Therapy in Treatment

Vestibular therapy utilizes a range of treatment modalities — backed by science — 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 Midtown St. Louis, 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 certain head and body movements. The goal is to move the move crystals in the inner ear (otoliths) back to their appropriate position. The Epley maneuver is one popular example of this technique.
• Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are critical for patients who struggle focusing their eyes due to vestibular disorders. Practices like the VOR (Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex) exercises help improve the coordination between the eyes and the inner ear system, improving visual stability during head movements.
• Balance Training: Equilibrium is commonly disrupted in individuals with vestibular disorders. Balance training exercises are designed to improve 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 challenge and improve the patient’s balance.
• Habituation Exercises: These are meant for patients who experience 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: This involves 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 patients may face every day.
• Neck Mobility and Strengthening Exercises: Given that 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 enhancing control, coordination, and focus of the eyes are used. They are especially important for those with oculomotor dysfunction.

Personalized Treatment Plans for Midtown St. Louis, MO Vestibular Therapy

The experience of each patient with vestibular disorders is unique and requires an individualized treatment plans. Our Midtown St. Louis, MO physical therapists create tailored plans based on what is scientifically proven to work and your unique situation, including:

• Individual Symptom Profile: Therapies are tailored 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: 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 Midtown St. Louis, MO

Discover the reasons why Axes Physical Therapy is a preferred choice for vestibular therapy in Midtown St. Louis, MO:

• Expertise in Vestibular Therapy: At Axes Physical Therapy, we take pride in a team of highly skilled Midtown St. Louis, 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, the journey of every patient 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 Midtown St. Louis, 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 capable hands, benefiting from a wealth of knowledge and a track record of successful treatment outcomes.
• Comprehensive Assessment and Personalized Treatment: Axes begins with an in-depth examination 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 dedicated to enhancing our patients’ overall quality of life, empowering 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 reputation within the Midtown St. Louis, MO community for our focus on patient care and effective treatment results.

Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Midtown St. Louis, MO for Your Vestibular Therapy

Coping with a vestibular disorder can be a difficult and frequently disorienting journey. These conditions not only affect physical balance and mobility but affect our ability to live in and interact with the world. Vestibular disorders often do not naturally get better and can worsen over time. Professional vestibular therapy in Midtown St. Louis, MO, like that offered by Axes Physical Therapy, provides a targeted approach to alleviate symptoms, restore function, and get you resume the activities you cherish, all while using scientifically supported treatment methods.

If you or someone you know in Midtown St. Louis, MO is dealing with symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, or complications following a concussion, contact Axes Physical Therapy today. Initiating the first step towards treatment can be transformative. Call the Axes location nearest you or contact us online to get started.