Vestibular therapy in Wildwood, MO. Experiencing balance or coordination issues can be unsettling and frightening. It can be especially frustrating when issues like dizziness or other inner ear issues keep us from participating in the activities we love. Vestibular therapy, a specialized form of physical therapy, plays a crucial role in the management and recovery of vestibular (inner ear) disorders that often manifest as dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues. This specific therapy approach focuses on reducing these symptoms. Through the use of treatment modalities proven to work, vestibular therapy at Axes Physical Therapy in Wildwood, MO aims to retrain the vestibular system to compensate for inner ear deficits, thereby improving balance and reducing problems related to dizziness and helping you return to the activities you love most.

At Axes, we specialize in offering personalized treatment plans for Wildwood, MO patients, crafted after a comprehensive evaluation and configured to tackle the unique challenges each patient faces due to their vestibular disorder. If you or anyone you know is dealing with vertigo, dizziness, or balance issues, feel free to visit the Axes location nearest you for a complimentary injury screening or to request an appointment online immediately. We strive to give each patient individualized care and comprehensive solutions for those suffering from vestibular difficulties.

Understanding the Vestibular System

Residing within the inner ear, the vestibular system plays a key role in detecting changes in our head position and movement, consequently helping us to understand where we are in space and traverse our environment correctly.

This 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, like moving forward or sideways and your head moving up and down. These components 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, notably the visual system and proprioceptors in our muscles and joints. Such a combination 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. As the vestibular system functions normally, we can walk, run, and move through our daily lives (and favorite activities) without having to worry too much about 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 perform even the simplest of tasks.

Signs and Symptoms of Vestibular Disorders

Vestibular disorders are characterized by a broad spectrum of symptoms, varying in severity and duration. You should seek a consultation with a healthcare professional like a physical therapist at Axes in Wildwood, 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
• 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. These conditions can significantly disrupt a person’s balance and spatial orientation. The common vestibular disorders our Wildwood, 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 arises 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: Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis 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 continuous experience of unsteadiness or a spinning sensation, greatly affecting daily activities.
• Age-Related Vestibular Loss: As people age, they may experience a decline in vestibular function, causing balance issues and a heightened 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 may experience vestibular issues such as dizziness, balance problems, and coordinating the eyes.

How Wildwood, MO Physical Therapists Use Vestibular Therapy in Treatment

Vestibular therapy employs a range of treatment modalities — proven to work through research — crafted to alleviate the symptoms caused by vestibular disorders. Such techniques are tailored to your unique needs and are based on a thorough assessment by a skilled Wildwood, 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 specific head and body movements. The objective is to move the dislodged 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: Such exercises are vital 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, increasing visual stability during head movements.
• Balance Training: Stability frequently suffers in individuals with vestibular disorders. Exercises focused on balance training are intended to boost 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 test and enhance the patient’s balance.
• Habituation Exercises: The purpose of these exercises for patients who experience 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 practical and applicable 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, 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, 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 Wildwood, MO Vestibular Therapy

Every individual’s journey with vestibular disorders is unique and requires an individualized approach to treatment. Our Wildwood, MO physical therapists create tailored plans based on what is scientifically 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: 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 Wildwood, MO

This is why Axes Physical Therapy is a preferred choice for vestibular therapy in Wildwood, MO:

• Expertise in Vestibular Therapy: We are proud to have a team of highly skilled Wildwood, 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 ability to apply this knowledge to create effective, personalized treatment plans.
• Patient-Centered Care: At Axes, each patient’s experience and recovery journey are at the forefront. We acknowledge that your condition and needs are unique. Our approach is deeply rooted in actively listening and comprehending our patients’ specific needs and goals.
• Experienced Staff: The Wildwood, MO vestibular therapy team at Axes is not only qualified but also brings years of 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 competent hands, benefiting from a wealth of knowledge and a track record of successful treatment outcomes.
• Comprehensive Assessment and Personalized Treatment: Axes begins with a thorough assessment to understand the root cause of the vestibular disorder. Following this, we develop an individualized treatment plan 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 clinic deeply rooted in the community, Axes has built a reputation within the Wildwood, MO community for our dedication to patient care and successful treatment outcomes.

Contact Axes Physical Therapy in Wildwood, MO for Your Vestibular Therapy

Managing a vestibular disorder can be a challenging and often disorienting experience. These conditions not only influence physical balance and mobility but influence our capability to live in and interact with the world. Vestibular disorders often do not spontaneously improve and can worsen over time. Professional vestibular therapy in Wildwood, MO, like that offered by Axes Physical Therapy, provides an individualized approach to reduce symptoms, regain functionality, and get you return to the activities you enjoy, all while using scientifically supported treatment methods.

If you or someone you know in Wildwood, MO is struggling with symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, balance problems, or complications following a concussion, reach out to 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.