Vestibular therapy in South Grand, St. Louis, MO. Experiencing balance or coordination issues can be unsettling and frightening. It can be especially frustrating when dizziness or other vestibular conditions prevent us from enjoying our favorite activities. Vestibular therapy, a specific kind of physical therapy, is pivotal in the management and recovery of vestibular (inner ear) disorders that often manifest as dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues. This specific therapy approach is tailored to alleviate these symptoms. By utilizing treatment modalities proven to work, vestibular therapy at Axes Physical Therapy in South Grand, St. Louis, 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 most enjoy.

We offer personalized treatment plans for South Grand, St. Louis, MO patients, crafted after a thorough evaluation and configured to meet the unique challenges each patient faces due to their vestibular disorder. If you or someone 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 immediately. We aim to offer personalized care and effective solutions to patients suffering from vestibular challenges.

Understanding the Vestibular System

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 move through our environment safely and effectively.

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

Upon receiving these signals, the brain works to process them, merging them with information from other systems, notably the visual system and proprioceptors in our muscles and joints. In harmonizing these different signals, the brain ensures our ability to navigate and adjust to our spatial context.

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 perform even the simplest of tasks.

Signs and Symptoms of Vestibular Disorders

Vestibular disorders can present a wide array of symptoms, varying in severity and duration. You should seek a consultation with a healthcare professional like a physical therapist at Axes in South Grand, 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
• Ringing in the ears
• Headaches or migraines
• Confusion
• Light sensitivity

Common Disorders Affecting the Vestibular System

Despite its robustness, the vestibular system can still be susceptible to disorders. These issues can significantly disrupt a person’s balance and spatial orientation. Among the vestibular disorders frequently encountered our South Grand, St. Louis, MO physical therapists treat include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): The disorder is characterized by quick instances of vertigo (a spinning sensation) usually triggered by changes in head position. 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). The 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 a sensation of fullness in the ear.
• Vestibular Migraine: Vestibular Migraine is associated with vestibular symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, and balance disturbances, even when not accompanied by a headache.
• Chronic Dizziness: This can be a result of various conditions, including vestibular disorders. It’s a persistent sensation of unsteadiness or a spinning sensation, heavily influencing daily activities.
• Age-Related Vestibular Loss: With aging, they often face 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, particularly in older adults.
• Post-Concussion Syndrome: After a concussion, individuals often have vestibular issues such as dizziness, balance problems, and controlling the eyes.

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

The practice of vestibular therapy involves a range of specialized techniques and exercises — proven to work through research — intended to improve the lives of those suffering form vestibular disorders. These methods are tailored to your unique needs and are based on a thorough assessment by a skilled South Grand, St. Louis, 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 specific head and body movements. The goal is to move the move crystals in the inner ear (otoliths) back to their correct position. The Epley maneuver is a common example of this technique.
• Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are critical for patients who struggle focusing their eyes due to vestibular disorders. Techniques like the VOR (Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex) exercises aid in enhancing the coordination between the eyes and the inner ear system, increasing visual stability during head movements.
• Balance Training: Balance is often significantly affected in individuals with vestibular disorders. Exercises focused on balance training are aimed at enhancing steadiness and lessen the risk of falls. The exercises slowly advance in difficulty and often incorporate various surfaces, dynamic movements, and even eyes-closed exercises to strengthen and better the patient’s balance.
• Habituation Exercises: These are meant for patients who encounter dizziness as a result of certain movements or positions. Habituation exercises involve repeated exposure to these specific movements to minimize the sensitivity of the vestibular system to them over time.
• Functional Retraining: The process involves integrating vestibular exercises into daily activities to improve mobility and independence. This approach focuses on making the therapy practical and applicable to the real-life scenarios patients may 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 included in the therapy regimen.
• Oculomotor Exercises: For addressing issues with eye tracking and movement, practices that focus on enhancing control, coordination, and focus of the eyes are employed. Such exercises are especially important for those with oculomotor dysfunction.

Customized Treatment Options for South Grand, St. Louis, MO Vestibular Therapy

Each patient’s experience with vestibular disorders is unique and requires a customized approach to treatment. Our South Grand, St. Louis, MO physical therapists create tailored plans based on the scientifically proven methods to work and your unique situation, including:

• Individual Symptom Profile: Treatment plans are formulated around the specific symptoms and challenges you present.
• Severity and Duration of the Disorder: The level and duration of treatment 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 South Grand, St. Louis, MO

This is why Axes Physical Therapy is the top choice for vestibular therapy in South Grand, St. Louis, MO:

• Expertise in Vestibular Therapy: We are proud to have a team of highly skilled South Grand, St. Louis, MO physical therapists who specialize 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, the journey of every patient are at the forefront. We understand 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 South Grand, St. Louis, 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 skilled hands, benefiting from extensive knowledge and a proven history of successful treatments.
• Comprehensive Assessment and Personalized Treatment: Axes begins with a comprehensive evaluation to understand the underlying 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 dedicated to enhancing our patients’ overall quality of life, enabling 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 South Grand, St. Louis, MO community for our dedication to patient care and successful treatment outcomes.

Call Axes Physical Therapy in South Grand, St. Louis, MO for Your Vestibular Therapy

Managing a vestibular disorder can be a difficult and frequently disorienting journey. These conditions not only impact physical equilibrium 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 worsen over time. Professional vestibular therapy in South Grand, St. Louis, MO, like that offered by Axes Physical Therapy, provides an individualized approach to relieve symptoms, recover function, and get you resume the activities you cherish, all while using treatment modalities that have all been backed by science.

If you or someone you know in South Grand, St. Louis, MO is experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, or complications following a concussion, get in touch with Axes Physical Therapy today. Taking that first step towards treatment can be transformative. Reach out to the nearest Axes location by phone or get in touch with us online to begin your journey.