Vestibular therapy in Shiloh, IL. It can be disorienting and scary to have problems with your balance or coordination. It can be especially frustrating when issues like dizziness or other inner ear issues prevent us from enjoying our favorite activities. Vestibular therapy, a specialized form of physical therapy, plays a crucial role in managing and rehabilitating inner ear problems that often manifest as dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues. This therapy focuses on reducing these symptoms. By utilizing evidence-backed treatment methods, vestibular therapy at Axes Physical Therapy in Shiloh, IL 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 activities you most enjoy.

At Axes, we specialize in offering personalized treatment plans to our Shiloh, IL patients, formulated after a thorough evaluation and tailored to tackle the unique challenges each patient faces as a result of their vestibular disorder. If you or anyone 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 today. Our goal is to provide individualized care and targeted solutions for those suffering from vestibular issues.

About the Vestibular System

The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, is crucial in detecting changes in our head position and movement, consequently helping our brains to understand where we are in space and traverse our environment safely and effectively.

This system consists of 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. Both parts work together, sending signals to the brain about our body’s position and motion.

Upon receiving these signals, the brain works to process them, merging them with information from other systems, especially the visual system and proprioceptors in our muscles and joints. This melding of information enables the coordination of eye movements, maintenance of posture, and preservation of balance.

Often, individuals don’t recognize 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 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

Vestibular disorders can present a wide array of symptoms, varying in intensity and length. You should think about consulting a healthcare professional like a physical therapist at Axes in Shiloh, IL 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

The vestibular system, while robust, is not immune to disorders. These issues can significantly disrupt a person’s balance and spatial orientation. Among the vestibular disorders frequently encountered our Shiloh, IL physical therapists treat include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This condition is characterized by short periods of vertigo (a spinning sensation) often triggered by head movement. BPPV arises when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) gather in the canals of the inner ear, impacting 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 chronic disorder that affects 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: 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: Chronic dizziness can be a result of various conditions, including vestibular disorders. It’s a persistent sensation of unsteadiness or a spinning sensation, greatly affecting daily activities.
• Age-Related Vestibular Loss: With aging, they can encounter a decline in vestibular function, leading to balance issues and increased risk of falls.
• Falls: An increased risk of falls can be a consequence of various vestibular disorders, especially in older adults.
• Post-Concussion Syndrome: In the aftermath of a concussion, individuals often have vestibular issues such as dizziness, balance problems, and challenges in focusing the eyes.

How Shiloh, IL Physical Therapists Use Vestibular Therapy in Treatment

Vestibular therapy employs a range of specialized techniques and exercises — backed by research — 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 Shiloh, IL physical therapist. Presented 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 appropriate position. The Epley maneuver is a common 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 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 intended to boost steadiness and lessen the risk of falls. These 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: The purpose of these exercises for patients who suffer from dizziness as a result of certain movements or positions. Habituation exercises involve repeated exposure to these specific movements to reduce the sensitivity of the vestibular system to them over time.
• Functional Retraining: The process involves integrating vestibular exercises into daily activities to enhance 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: As neck problems often accompany vestibular issues, particularly after a concussion, activities designed to enhance neck strength and flexibility are also integrated into the therapy regimen.
• Oculomotor Exercises: In order to tackle issues with eye tracking and movement, practices that focus on improving control, coordination, and focus of the eyes are employed. They are especially important for those with oculomotor dysfunction.

Customized Treatment Plans for Shiloh, IL Vestibular Therapy

Every individual’s journey with vestibular disorders is unique and requires a personalized treatment plans. Our Shiloh, IL physical therapists create tailored plans based on what is scientifically proven to work and your unique situation, including:

• Individual Symptom Profile: Treatments are designed around the specific symptoms and challenges you present.
• Severity and Duration of the Disorder: The intensity and length of therapy are modified 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 Shiloh, IL

This is why Axes Physical Therapy is a preferred choice for vestibular therapy in Shiloh, IL:

• Expertise in Vestibular Therapy: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of highly skilled Shiloh, IL 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 life are unique. Our approach is deeply rooted in listening to and understanding our patients’ specific needs and goals.
• Experienced Staff: The Shiloh, IL 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 more than 20 years. This depth of experience means that patients are in skilled 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 create a personalized treatment strategy that may include various approaches 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, enabling 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 Shiloh, IL community for our focus on patient care and effective treatment results.

Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Shiloh, IL for Your Vestibular Therapy

Managing a vestibular disorder can be a difficult and frequently disorienting journey. These conditions not only affect physical balance and mobility but impact our capacity to live in and engage with the world. Vestibular disorders often do not improve on their own and can deteriorate over time. Professional vestibular therapy in Shiloh, IL, like that offered by Axes Physical Therapy, provides a specialized approach to reduce symptoms, recover function, and get you back to the activities you love, all while using scientifically supported treatment methods.

If you or someone you know in Shiloh, IL is dealing 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. Call the Axes location nearest you or contact us online to get started.