Vestibular therapy in Tower Grove, MO. Having trouble with balance or coordination can feel disorienting and alarming. It can be especially frustrating when issues like 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 inner ear problems that often manifest as dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues. This specific therapy approach is tailored to alleviate these symptoms. Through the use of evidence-backed treatment methods, vestibular therapy at Axes Physical Therapy in Tower Grove, 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 activities you most enjoy.

At Axes, we specialize in offering personalized treatment plans for Tower Grove, MO patients, developed after a comprehensive evaluation and tailored to tackle the unique challenges every patient faces as a result of their vestibular disorder. If you or someone you know experiences 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 today. We strive to give each patient individualized care and comprehensive solutions to individuals suffering from vestibular difficulties.

How the Vestibular System Works

Residing within the inner ear, the vestibular system is crucial in detecting changes in our head position and movement, thus enabling us to understand where we are in space and move through our environment correctly.

The vestibular system consists of the semicircular canals and the otolith organs. Semicircular canals respond to rotational movements, like turning the head, and the otolith organs are attuned to linear movements, such as moving forward or sideways and your head moving up and down. These components work collectively, to send signals to the brain about our body’s position and motion.

The brain processes these signals, integrating them with information from other systems, notably the visual system and proprioceptors in our muscles and joints. Through the amalgamation of these diverse sensory data, the brain effectively 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. In times when the vestibular system operates correctly, we can walk, run, and move through our daily lives (and favorite activities) without having to worry too much about 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 just move around our homes comfortably.

Signs and Symptoms of Vestibular Disorders

A wide range of symptoms can be indicative of vestibular disorders, varying in intensity and length. You should seek a consultation with a healthcare professional like a physical therapist at Axes in Tower Grove, 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

The vestibular system, while robust, is not immune to disorders. These issues can significantly disrupt a person’s balance and spatial orientation. The common vestibular disorders our Tower Grove, MO physical therapists treat include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This condition is characterized by short periods of vertigo (a spinning sensation) usually triggered by head movement. BPPV occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) gather in the canals of the inner ear, altering 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). 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, significantly impacting daily activities.
• Age-Related Vestibular Loss: As people get older, they often face a decline in vestibular function, causing balance issues and an 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 trouble with focusing the eyes.

How Tower Grove, MO Physical Therapists Use Vestibular Therapy in Treatment

Vestibular therapy utilizes a range of treatment modalities — proven to work through research — crafted 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 Tower Grove, MO physical therapist. Below 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 aim is to move the reposition crystals in the inner ear (otoliths) back to their correct position. The Epley maneuver is an often-used example of this technique.
• Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are essential for patients who experience difficulty 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, increasing visual stability during head movements.
• Balance Training: Balance is often significantly affected in individuals with vestibular disorders. Balance training exercises are aimed at enhancing steadiness and minimize 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 exercises are designed 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 relevant and practical 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 to improve neck strength and flexibility are also integrated into the therapy regimen.
• Oculomotor Exercises: For addressing issues with eye tracking and movement, activities that focus on enhancing control, coordination, and focus of the eyes are used. They are especially important for those with oculomotor dysfunction.

Personalized Treatment Plans for Tower Grove, MO Vestibular Therapy

Each patient’s experience with vestibular disorders is unique and requires an individualized treatment plans. Our Tower Grove, MO physical therapists create customized 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 encounter.
• Severity and Duration of the Disorder: The intensity and length of therapy are adapted 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 Tower Grove, MO

Here’s why Axes Physical Therapy is the preferred option for vestibular therapy in Tower Grove, MO:

• Expertise in Vestibular Therapy: At Axes Physical Therapy, we take pride in a team of highly skilled Tower Grove, 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 skill in applying this knowledge to create effective, personalized treatment plans.
• Patient-Centered Care: At Axes, the journey of every patient are at the forefront. We acknowledge that your condition and life are unique. Our approach is deeply rooted in attentively listening to and comprehending our patients’ specific needs and goals.
• Experienced Staff: The Tower Grove, MO vestibular therapy team at Axes is not only qualified but also brings a wealth of experience to the table. 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 a vast knowledge base 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 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 dedicated to enhancing our patients’ overall quality of life, facilitating 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 Tower Grove, MO community for our focus on patient care and successful treatment outcomes.

Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Tower Grove, MO for Your Vestibular Therapy

Managing a vestibular disorder can be a tough and disorienting journey. These conditions not only affect physical balance and mobility but affect our ability to live in and interact with the world. Vestibular disorders often do not naturally get better and can get worse over time. Professional vestibular therapy in Tower Grove, MO, like that offered by Axes Physical Therapy, provides a targeted approach to alleviate symptoms, recover function, and get you back to the activities you love, all while using treatment modalities that have all been backed by science.

If you or someone you know in Tower Grove, MO is dealing with symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, or complications following a concussion, contact Axes Physical Therapy today. Initiating the first step towards treatment can be transformative. Call the Axes location nearest you or contact us online to get started.