The Gate District, St. Louis, MO

The Gate District, St. Louis, MO

Get back to the things you love with personalized treatment plans for dizziness, vertigo, and other conditions.

Vestibular therapy in The Gate District, St. Louis, MO. 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, is pivotal in managing and rehabilitating vestibular (inner ear) disorders that typically present as dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues. This therapy focuses on reducing these symptoms. By utilizing treatment modalities proven to work, vestibular therapy at Axes Physical Therapy in The Gate District, 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 activities you love most.

At Axes, we specialize in offering personalized treatment plans to our The Gate District, St. Louis, MO patients, developed after a thorough evaluation and designed to address the unique challenges each patient faces as a result of their vestibular disorder. If you or someone you know is suffering from vertigo, dizziness, or balance issues, we encourage you to reach out the Axes location nearest you for a complimentary injury screening or to request an appointment online today. We aim to offer customized care and comprehensive solutions for those dealing with vestibular issues.

How the Vestibular System Works

The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, is responsible for detecting changes in our head position and movement, thereby allowing our brains to understand where we are spatially and navigate our environment correctly.

The vestibular system includes the semicircular canals and the otolith organs. The semicircular canals are sensitive to rotational movements, like turning the head, while the otolith organs sense linear movements, such as moving forward or sideways and changes in head position relative to gravity. These structures work in tandem, to transmit signals to the brain about where our body is located in space.

The brain processes these signals, merging them with information from other systems, especially the visual system and proprioceptors in our muscles and joints. This integration facilitates the coordination of eye movements, maintenance of posture, and preservation of balance.

Most people probably never realize 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.

Vestibular Therapy in The Gate District, St. Louis, MO | Vertigo Treatment | Concussion Treatment | Physical Therapy Near The Gate District, St. Louis, MO

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 The Gate District, St. Louis, 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

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 The Gate District, St. Louis, 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 head movement. BPPV occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) clump up 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). 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 instances 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 when not accompanied by a 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, significantly impacting daily activities.
  • Age-Related Vestibular Loss: With aging, they may experience a decline in vestibular function, leading to balance issues and increased risk of falls.
  • Falls: A heightened chance of falling can be a consequence of various vestibular disorders, notably in older adults.
  • Post-Concussion Syndrome: Following a concussion, individuals might suffer from vestibular issues such as dizziness, balance problems, and controlling the eyes.

How The Gate District, St. Louis, MO Physical Therapists Use Vestibular Therapy in Treatment

The practice of vestibular therapy involves a range of specialized techniques and exercises — backed by science — crafted to improve the lives of those suffering form vestibular disorders. These techniques are tailored to your unique needs and are based on a thorough assessment by a skilled The Gate District, St. Louis, MO physical therapist. Presented 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 particular head and body movements. The goal is to move the reposition 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 struggle focusing their eyes due to vestibular disorders. Methods 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: Equilibrium is commonly disrupted in individuals with vestibular disorders. Exercises focused on balance training are aimed at enhancing steadiness and minimize the risk of falls. Such 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 experience 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: Functional retraining encompasses integrating vestibular exercises into daily activities to boost mobility and independence. The aim is making the therapy applicable and useful to the real-life scenarios you 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 included in the therapy regimen.
  • Oculomotor Exercises: For addressing issues with eye tracking and movement, activities that focus on boosting control, coordination, and focus of the eyes are used. They are especially important for those with oculomotor dysfunction.

Customized Treatment Options for The Gate District, St. Louis, MO Vestibular Therapy

The experience of each patient with vestibular disorders is unique and requires a customized treatment plans. Our The Gate District, St. Louis, MO physical therapists create tailored plans based on what has been proven to work and your unique situation, including:

  • Individual Symptom Profile: Therapies are tailored around the specific symptoms and challenges you encounter.
  • 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 The Gate District, St. Louis, MO

Discover the reasons why Axes Physical Therapy is a preferred choice for vestibular therapy in The Gate District, St. Louis, MO:

  • Expertise in Vestibular Therapy: Axes Physical Therapy boasts a team of highly skilled The Gate District, St. Louis, 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 ability to apply 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 The Gate District, St. Louis, MO vestibular therapy team at Axes is not only qualified but also brings extensive experience to your treatment. 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 wealth of 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 a variety of techniques 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 a reputation within the The Gate District, St. Louis, MO community for our commitment to patient well-being and effective treatment results.

Contact Axes Physical Therapy in The Gate District, St. Louis, MO for Your Vestibular Therapy

Coping with a vestibular disorder can be a challenging and often disorienting experience. 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 The Gate District, St. Louis, MO, like that offered by Axes Physical Therapy, provides a specialized approach to alleviate symptoms, restore function, and get you resume the activities you cherish, all while using evidence-based treatment techniques.

If you or someone you know in The Gate District, St. Louis, MO is experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, or complications following a concussion, reach out to Axes Physical Therapy today. Initiating the first step towards 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
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Work Conditioning/Hardening
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations
  • Vestibular Therapy and Post-Concussion Rehabilitation
  • 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

Our Team

Zac Schniers
PT, DPT, CMPT
Ashley Kraus
Front Office
Carly Donahue
PT, DPT, CMPT

Locations

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