Oakland, MO

Oakland, MO

Get back to the activities you love with Axes Physical Therapy.

Vestibular therapy in Oakland, MO. Having trouble with balance or coordination can feel disorienting and alarming. It’s particularly aggravating when issues like dizziness or other inner ear issues keep us from participating in the activities we love. Vestibular therapy, a specific kind of physical therapy, plays a crucial role in managing and rehabilitating inner ear problems that typically present as dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues. This therapy is tailored to alleviate these symptoms. By utilizing treatment modalities proven to work, vestibular therapy at Axes Physical Therapy in Oakland, 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.

Our clinic provides personalized treatment plans for Oakland, MO patients, crafted after a thorough evaluation and configured to meet the unique challenges each patient faces because of their vestibular disorder. If you or anyone you know is dealing with 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 today. We aim to offer customized care and effective solutions to patients dealing with vestibular issues.

About the Vestibular System

The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, plays a key role in detecting changes in our head position and movement, thus enabling our brains to understand where we are in space and traverse our environment safely and effectively.

The vestibular system is comprised of the semicircular canals and the otolith organs. Semicircular canals respond to rotational movements, such as turning the head, while the otolith organs are attuned to linear movements, like moving forward or sideways and your head moving up and down. Both parts work together, to transmit signals to the brain about our body’s position and motion.

The brain processes these signals, merging them with information from other systems, especially the visual system and proprioceptors in our muscles and joints. By synergizing these varied inputs, the brain effectively ensures our ability to understand and react to our environment.

Many people may not appreciate the importance of this system until it’s not working properly. 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. However, when this system is impaired, it can lead to significant challenges, affecting our ability to perform even the simplest of tasks.

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

Signs and Symptoms of Vestibular Disorders

Vestibular disorders are characterized by a broad spectrum of symptoms, varying in severity and duration. You should consider seeing a healthcare professional like a physical therapist at Axes in Oakland, 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. Such disorders can significantly disrupt a person’s balance and spatial orientation. Some of the most common vestibular disorders our Oakland, MO physical therapists treat include:

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is characterized by short periods of vertigo (a spinning sensation) usually triggered by changes in head position. BPPV arises when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) accumulate in the canals of the inner ear, impacting 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). This inflammation can lead to vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance.
  • Meniere’s Disease: An ongoing condition impacting the inner ear, Meniere’s disease is characterized by periods of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and a feeling 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 an ongoing feeling of unsteadiness or a spinning sensation, heavily influencing daily activities.
  • Age-Related Vestibular Loss: As people get older, they can encounter a decline in vestibular function, resulting in balance issues and a heightened risk of falls.
  • Falls: An increased risk of falls can be a consequence of various vestibular disorders, notably in older adults.
  • Post-Concussion Syndrome: In the aftermath of a concussion, individuals might suffer from vestibular issues such as dizziness, balance problems, and challenges in focusing the eyes.

How Oakland, MO Physical Therapists Use Vestibular Therapy in Treatment

Vestibular therapy employs a range of treatment modalities — backed by science — intended 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 Oakland, MO physical therapist. 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 dislodged 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 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. Balance training exercises are designed to improve steadiness and lessen the risk of falls. The 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: The purpose of these exercises for patients who encounter dizziness as a result of certain movements or positions. Such exercises include repeated exposure to these specific movements to lessen 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 relevant and practical to the real-life scenarios one might 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: To address issues with eye tracking and movement, activities that focus on boosting control, coordination, and focus of the eyes are utilized. Such exercises are especially important for those with oculomotor dysfunction.

Personalized Treatment Options for Oakland, MO Vestibular Therapy

Each patient’s experience with vestibular disorders is unique and requires an individualized treatment plans. Our Oakland, MO physical therapists create specific plans based on what is scientifically proven to work and your unique situation, including:

  • Individual Symptom Profile: Treatment plans are formulated around the specific symptoms and challenges you encounter.
  • 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 Oakland, MO

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

  • Expertise in Vestibular Therapy: We are proud to have a team of highly skilled Oakland, 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 capacity to utilize 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 acknowledge that your condition and goals are unique. Our approach is deeply rooted in attentively listening to and comprehending our patients’ specific needs and goals.
  • Experienced Staff: The Oakland, MO vestibular therapy team at Axes is not only qualified but also brings a wealth of experience to your treatment. Our therapists have been leading the way in physical therapy for over two decades. 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 comprehensive evaluation to understand the root cause of the vestibular disorder. Following this, we design a customized 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 dedicated to enhancing our patients’ overall quality of life, facilitating 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 Oakland, MO community for our commitment to patient well-being and effective treatment results.

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

Dealing with a vestibular disorder can be a tough and disorienting journey. These conditions not only influence physical balance and mobility but affect our ability to live in and interact with the world. Vestibular disorders often do not improve on their own and can get worse over time. Professional vestibular therapy in Oakland, MO, like that offered by Axes Physical Therapy, provides a specialized approach to reduce symptoms, recover function, and get you return to the activities you enjoy, all while using treatment modalities that have all been backed by science.

If you or someone you know in Oakland, MO is experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, or complications following a concussion, get in touch with Axes Physical Therapy today. Starting the journey to treatment can be transformative. Contact us online or call the nearest Axes location to start your treatment journey.

Services Offered

Services Offered
  • Physical Therapy
    • Pre/Post Surgical Rehabilitation
    • Acute Injury Management
    • Chronic Injury Management
  • Work Conditioning/Hardening
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations
  • 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

Locations

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