Vestibular therapy in Town and Country, MO. It can be disorienting and scary to have problems with your balance or coordination. It’s particularly aggravating when issues like dizziness or other vestibular conditions keep us from participating in the activities we love. Vestibular therapy, a specialized form of physical therapy, is pivotal in managing and rehabilitating inner ear problems that typically present as dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues. This therapy focuses on reducing these symptoms. Through the use of treatment modalities proven to work, vestibular therapy at Axes Physical Therapy in Town and Country, MO aims to retrain the vestibular system to compensate for inner ear deficits, enhancing balance and minimizing problems related to dizziness and helping you return to the things you most enjoy.

Our clinic provides personalized treatment plans to our Town and Country, MO patients, formulated after an in-depth evaluation and configured to address the unique challenges every patient faces because 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 no-cost injury screening or to request an appointment online today. Our goal is to provide individualized care and effective solutions for those suffering from vestibular challenges.

How the Vestibular System Works

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

The vestibular system includes the semicircular canals and the otolith organs. While the semicircular canals detect rotational movements, such as turning the head, and the otolith organs sense linear movements, such as moving forward or sideways and changes in head position relative to gravity. Both parts work collectively, to transmit signals to the brain about where our body is located in space.

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

Many people may not appreciate the importance of this system until it’s not working properly. As the vestibular system functions normally, we can walk, run, and move through our daily lives (and favorite activities) without giving much thought to the complex processes that keep us balanced and oriented. But, if the system becomes disrupted, it can lead to significant challenges, affecting our ability to complete basic tasks 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 Town and Country, 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
• 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. Such disorders can significantly disrupt a person’s balance and spatial orientation. Some of the most common vestibular disorders our Town and Country, MO physical therapists treat include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is characterized by brief episodes of vertigo (a spinning sensation) usually triggered by changes in head position. BPPV occurs 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: Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis 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 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: As people get older, they can encounter 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, particularly in older adults.
• Post-Concussion Syndrome: Following a concussion, individuals often have vestibular issues such as dizziness, balance problems, and difficulty focusing the eyes.

How Town and Country, MO Physical Therapists Use Vestibular Therapy in Treatment

The practice of vestibular therapy involves a range of treatment modalities — proven to work through science — 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 Town and Country, 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 certain head and body movements. The objective is to move the dislodged crystals in the inner ear (otoliths) back to their appropriate place. The Epley maneuver is an often-used example of this technique.
• Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These exercises are essential for patients who have trouble focusing their eyes due to vestibular disorders. Practices like the VOR (Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex) exercises assist in improving the coordination between the eyes and the inner ear system, enhancing visual stability during head movements.
• Balance Training: Stability frequently suffers in individuals with vestibular disorders. Exercises focused on balance training are aimed at enhancing steadiness and lessen the risk of falls. These exercises slowly advance 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 encounter dizziness as a result of certain movements or positions. Such exercises include repeated exposure to these specific movements to lessen the sensitivity of the vestibular system to them over time.
• Functional Retraining: Functional retraining encompasses integrating vestibular exercises into daily activities to improve mobility and independence. The aim is making the therapy applicable and useful 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, exercises to improve neck strength and flexibility are also incorporated into the therapy regimen.
• Oculomotor Exercises: To address issues with eye tracking and movement, exercises that focus on boosting control, coordination, and focus of the eyes are used. These are especially important for those with oculomotor dysfunction.

Customized Treatment Options for Town and Country, MO Vestibular Therapy

Each patient’s experience with vestibular disorders is unique and requires an individualized treatment plans. Our Town and Country, MO physical therapists create customized plans based on what has been proven to work and your unique situation, including:

• Individual Symptom Profile: Treatments are designed around the specific symptoms and challenges you encounter.
• Severity and Duration of the Disorder: Therapy intensity and duration 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 Town and Country, MO

This is why Axes Physical Therapy is the top choice for vestibular therapy in Town and Country, MO:

• Expertise in Vestibular Therapy: We are proud to have a team of highly skilled Town and Country, 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 experience and recovery process of each individual are at the forefront. We acknowledge 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 Town and Country, MO vestibular therapy team at Axes is not only qualified but also brings years of 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 root cause of the vestibular disorder. Following this, we develop an individualized treatment plan 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 community-based clinic, Axes has built a recognized reputation within the Town and Country, MO community for our dedication to patient care and successful treatment outcomes.

Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Town and Country, MO for Your Vestibular Therapy

Coping with a vestibular disorder can be a difficult and frequently disorienting journey. These conditions not only impact physical equilibrium and mobility but influence our capability to live in and interact with the world. Vestibular disorders often do not naturally get better and can worsen over time. Professional vestibular therapy in Town and Country, MO, like that offered by Axes Physical Therapy, provides a specialized approach to alleviate symptoms, restore 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 Town and Country, 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. Call the Axes location nearest you or contact us online to get started.