Vestibular therapy in South St. Louis, MO. It can be disorienting and scary to have issues with your balance or coordination. It can be especially frustrating when issues like dizziness or other vestibular conditions prevent us from enjoying our favorite activities. Vestibular therapy, a specialized form of physical therapy, is pivotal in the management and recovery of inner ear problems that often manifest as dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues. This therapy focuses on reducing these symptoms. Through the use of evidence-backed treatment methods, vestibular therapy at Axes Physical Therapy in South 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 things you most enjoy.
We offer personalized treatment plans to our South St. Louis, MO patients, crafted after a comprehensive evaluation and configured to meet the unique challenges every patient faces as a result of their vestibular disorder. If you or anyone you know is suffering from vertigo, dizziness, or balance issues, don’t hesitate to contact the Axes location nearest you for a complimentary injury screening or to request an appointment online immediately. Our mission is delivering individualized care and effective solutions to individuals experiencing vestibular challenges.
How the Vestibular System Works
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 navigate 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 sense linear movements, like moving forward or sideways and changes in head position relative to gravity. These components work together, to transmit signals to the brain about our body’s position and motion.
The brain processes these signals, integrating them with information from other systems, particularly the visual system and proprioceptors in our muscles and joints. Such a combination allows for the coordination of eye movements, maintenance of posture, and preservation of balance.
Most people probably never realize the importance of this system until its function is disrupted. 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. 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 severity and duration. You should seek a consultation with a healthcare professional like a physical therapist at Axes in South 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
The vestibular system, while robust, is not immune to disorders. Such disorders can significantly disrupt a person’s balance and spatial orientation. Among the vestibular disorders frequently encountered our South St. Louis, MO physical therapists treat include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is characterized by short periods of vertigo (a spinning sensation) often triggered by changes in head position. BPPV occurs 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: Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis 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 long-term ailment of 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 get older, they often face a decline in vestibular function, leading to balance issues and an 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: After a concussion, individuals may experience vestibular issues such as dizziness, balance problems, and challenges in focusing the eyes.
How South St. Louis, MO Physical Therapists Use Vestibular Therapy in Treatment
Vestibular therapy utilizes a range of treatment modalities — proven to work through research — designed 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 St. Louis, MO physical therapist. Presented here are some of the key approaches used in VRT:
- Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers: Specially designed for treating Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), these maneuvers involve certain head and body movements. The objective is to move the reposition crystals in the inner ear (otoliths) back to their appropriate place. The Epley maneuver is one popular example of this technique.
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are essential for patients who experience difficulty 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, improving visual stability during head movements.
- Balance Training: Equilibrium is commonly disrupted in individuals with vestibular disorders. Balance training exercises are aimed at enhancing steadiness and lessen the risk of falls. Such exercises steadily progress in difficulty and might include 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. It’s about 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 incorporated into the therapy regimen.
- Oculomotor Exercises: To address issues with eye tracking and movement, practices that focus on improving control, coordination, and focus of the eyes are used. They are especially important for those with oculomotor dysfunction.
Personalized Treatment Options for South St. Louis, MO Vestibular Therapy
Each patient’s experience with vestibular disorders is unique and requires an individualized treatment plans. Our South St. Louis, MO physical therapists create tailored 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: The level and duration of treatment are modified 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 St. Louis, MO
This is why Axes Physical Therapy is the top choice for vestibular therapy in South St. Louis, MO:
- Expertise in Vestibular Therapy: At Axes Physical Therapy, we take pride in a team of highly skilled South St. Louis, MO physical therapists who have a specialization 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 attentively listening to and comprehending our patients’ specific needs and goals.
- Experienced Staff: The South 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 a period exceeding 20 years. This depth of experience means that patients are in skilled hands, benefiting from a vast knowledge base and a track record of successful treatment outcomes.
- Comprehensive Assessment and Personalized Treatment: Axes begins with an in-depth examination to understand the underlying cause of the vestibular disorder. Following this, we develop an individualized 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 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 community-based clinic, Axes has built a reputation within the South St. Louis, MO community for our dedication to patient care and positive treatment results.
Call Axes Physical Therapy in South St. Louis, 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 worsen over time. Professional vestibular therapy in South St. Louis, MO, like that offered by Axes Physical Therapy, provides a specialized approach to reduce symptoms, regain functionality, and get you return to the activities you enjoy, all while using evidence-based treatment techniques.
If you or someone you know in South St. Louis, MO is dealing 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. Call the Axes location nearest you or contact us online to get started.