Vestibular therapy in Scotsdale, MO. Experiencing balance or coordination issues can be unsettling and frightening. It can be especially frustrating when dizziness or other inner ear issues 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 typically present as dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues. This therapy is tailored to alleviate these symptoms. By utilizing evidence-backed treatment methods, vestibular therapy at Axes Physical Therapy in Scotsdale, MO aims to retrain the vestibular system to compensate for inner ear deficits, enhancing balance and minimizing problems related to dizziness and getting you back to the things you love most.

At Axes, we specialize in offering personalized treatment plans to our Scotsdale, MO patients, crafted after a thorough evaluation and designed to address the unique challenges each patient faces because of their vestibular disorder. If you or someone 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 today. Our goal is to provide customized care and comprehensive solutions to patients dealing with vestibular issues.

Understanding the Vestibular System

Situated in the inner ear, the vestibular system plays a key role in detecting changes in our head position and movement, thus enabling our bodies to understand where we are in space and navigate our environment correctly.

The vestibular system consists of the semicircular canals and the otolith organs. The semicircular canals are sensitive to rotational movements, such as turning the head, while the otolith organs sense linear movements, such as moving forward or sideways and your head moving up and down. Both parts work in tandem, to send signals to the brain about where our body is located in space.

Upon receiving these signals, the brain works to process them, integrating them with information from other systems, notably the visual system and proprioceptors in our muscles and joints. By synergizing these varied inputs, 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 anatomy that keeps us balanced and oriented. Nevertheless, with an impaired vestibular system, it can lead to significant challenges, affecting our ability to perform even the simplest of tasks.

Signs and Symptoms of Vestibular Disorders

Vestibular disorders are characterized by a broad spectrum of symptoms, varying in intensity and length. You should seek a consultation with a healthcare professional like a physical therapist at Axes in Scotsdale, 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
• 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. Such disorders can significantly disrupt a person’s balance and spatial orientation. Among the vestibular disorders frequently encountered our Scotsdale, MO physical therapists treat include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This condition is characterized by quick instances 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, 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). 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 periods of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and an experience of fullness in the ear.
• Vestibular Migraine: This kind 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: As people age, they often face a decline in vestibular function, resulting in balance issues and an increased risk of falls.
• Falls: A greater likelihood of falls can be a consequence of various vestibular disorders, notably in older adults.
• Post-Concussion Syndrome: Following a concussion, individuals may experience vestibular issues such as dizziness, balance problems, and coordinating the eyes.

How Scotsdale, MO Physical Therapists Use Vestibular Therapy in Treatment

Vestibular therapy employs a range of specialized techniques and exercises — backed by research — intended 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 Scotsdale, MO physical therapist. Here 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 aim is to move the dislodged crystals in the inner ear (otoliths) back to their correct place. The Epley maneuver is one popular example of this technique.
• Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are critical 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, improving visual stability during head movements.
• Balance Training: Balance is often significantly affected in individuals with vestibular disorders. Exercises focused on balance training are intended to boost steadiness and reduce the risk of falls. The exercises steadily progress in difficulty and may involve various surfaces, dynamic movements, and even eyes-closed exercises to test and enhance the patient’s balance.
• Habituation Exercises: These are meant 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: This involves integrating vestibular exercises into daily activities to improve mobility and independence. It’s about 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 aimed at improving neck strength and flexibility are also incorporated into the therapy regimen.
• Oculomotor Exercises: In order to tackle issues with eye tracking and movement, practices that focus on enhancing control, coordination, and focus of the eyes are utilized. They are especially important for those with oculomotor dysfunction.

Customized Treatment Options for Scotsdale, MO Vestibular Therapy

Every individual’s journey with vestibular disorders is unique and requires an individualized approach to treatment. Our Scotsdale, MO physical therapists create specific plans based on the scientifically proven methods 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: Rehabilitation approaches 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 Scotsdale, MO

Discover the reasons why Axes Physical Therapy is the preferred option for vestibular therapy in Scotsdale, MO:

• Expertise in Vestibular Therapy: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of highly skilled Scotsdale, 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 skill in applying this knowledge to create effective, personalized treatment plans.
• Patient-Centered Care: At Axes, the experience and recovery process of each individual are at the forefront. We understand that your condition and needs are unique. Our approach is deeply rooted in actively listening and comprehending our patients’ specific needs and goals.
• Experienced Staff: The Scotsdale, MO vestibular therapy team at Axes is not only qualified but also brings years 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 proven history of successful treatments.
• Comprehensive Assessment and Personalized Treatment: Axes begins with a thorough assessment to understand the underlying 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 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 locally owned and operated clinic, Axes has built an esteemed reputation within the Scotsdale, MO community for our focus on patient care and positive treatment results.

Call Axes Physical Therapy in Scotsdale, MO for Your Vestibular Therapy

Dealing with a vestibular disorder can be a difficult and frequently 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 worsen over time. Professional vestibular therapy in Scotsdale, MO, like that offered by Axes Physical Therapy, provides an individualized approach to reduce symptoms, regain functionality, 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 Scotsdale, 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.