Concussion Treatment in Arcadia, MO | Physical Therapy for Concussions

Concussion treatment in Arcadia, MO. Concussions are far beyond a knock on the head; they are serious injuries that require expert care and attention. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who’s had a fall, Axes Physical Therapy in Arcadia, MO can be an essential part of your recovery process that returns you to the activities you love most safely and effectively.

Based on research from the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, physical therapy as part of your concussion treatment:

Helps in easing post-concussion symptoms
Allows for earlier comebacks and/or shorter periods of recovery
Is considered safe for concussion treatment

If you or someone you know is facing concussion symptoms, contact the Axes location most convenient for you or request an appointment online to get started with your concussion treatment in Arcadia, MO today.

Understanding Concussions

A concussion is basically a type of traumatic brain injury usually caused by a blow to the head or a forceful jolt that causes the brain moving within the skull. This movement can result in a temporary interference in normal brain function, affecting cognitive processes, physical coordination, emotional stability, and even sleep. Unlike more severe brain injuries, concussions often do not lead to visible structural damage to the brain, which is why they are sometimes described as “invisible injuries.” Nevertheless, this does not lessen their potential severity, as concussions can have profound short-term and long-term effects on an individual’s overall health and quality of life.

Concussions can occur in numerous circumstances, making them a risk for nearly everyone. Common causes include falls, sports injuries, car crashes, and any other type of blow to the head. In sports, concussions are commonly associated with high-impact or contact sports like football and hockey, but they can occur in all athletic activity, including non-contact sports. Outside of sports, concussions can result from incidents such as falling on icy surfaces, minor car collisions, or even a sudden jolt during a roller coaster ride. It’s important to mention that you don’t need a direct blow to the head to get a concussion, as any action that causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth inside the skull — such as whiplash — can be sufficient to cause a concussion.

It’s important to note that many of these changes are short-term and reversible, which is why a large number of people fully recover from concussions. However, the extent and seriousness of symptoms can differ greatly depending on the person and the particulars of the injury. That’s why correct diagnosis and management, frequently involving rest and a gradual return to normal activities, are crucial to a complete recovery from a concussion. If symptoms persist even after rest.

Concussion Symptoms

Concussions can cause both immediate and longer-term symptoms:

Immediate Symptoms

Pain in the head or a feeling of pressure in the head
Brief unconsciousness or feeling confused
Disorientation or feeling as if in a haze
Dizziness or visual disorientation
Ringing in the ears
Nausea or vomiting
Slurred speech
Delayed response to questions
Tiredness

Long-Term Symptoms

Continual headaches
Concentration and memory issues
Irritability and other mood swings
Hypersensitivity to light and noise
Sleep disturbances
Disorders of taste and smell
Disorders of balance and coordination

Which symptoms you experience and how long they last depend on your specific injury and situation. If you think you might have a concussion, whether due to the presence of immediate or prolonged symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical treatment immediately. A healthcare professional in Arcadia, MO, such as those at Axes Physical Therapy, can diagnose your condition and recommend the right course of action, including rest and specific concussion treatments suited to your needs. You can come to any of our locations for a free injury screening.

What to Do if You Think You Have a Concussion in Arcadia, MO

Acknowledging that you could have a concussion is the first vital step in getting the appropriate concussion treatment. Here’s what you should do if you think you have a concussion:

Seek Medical Attention Right Away: It’s crucial to visit a healthcare professional immediately. Even if the symptoms feel mild, obtaining a proper diagnosis is vital because the impacts of a concussion can be not always obvious and often delayed.
Rest and Limit Activities: Until you can consult a medical professional, rest is essential. Avoid physical activities, notably sports or exercises that may result in another head injury. Also, limit activities that require focus or mental strain, as these can worsen symptoms.
Monitor Symptoms: Monitor your symptoms, noting any changes or new symptoms that occur. This information can be essential for healthcare providers in assessing and addressing your concussion.
Avoid Alcohol and Certain Medications: Alcohol and medications that can affect the nervous system should be avoided unless explicitly advised by a healthcare professional.
Don’t Drive: Until approved by a medical professional, avoid driving as your responsiveness and cognitive abilities could be impaired.
Follow Professional Guidance: Once you’ve visited a healthcare provider, adhere to their recommendations strictly. This might include a set of instructions for slowly returning to normal activities, tailored concussion treatments, follow-up appointments, or an extended physical therapy plan.

Remember, adhering to these steps not only aids in your recovery but also minimizes the risk of aggravating your condition. Concussions need careful management, and the advice of medical professionals in Arcadia, MO, like those at Axes Physical Therapy, is crucial.

Physical Therapy for Concussion Treatment in Arcadia, MO

Physical therapy can be integral in concussion treatment as it tackles a range of post-concussion symptoms through personalized, scientifically-backed rehabilitation plans. Arcadia, MO physical therapists employ techniques like vestibular rehabilitation and vision therapy to reduce balance and visual disturbances and adjust your gait. Additionally, physical therapy aids in safely regaining physical function and endurance, while also providing guidance on the right rest and the gradual return to daily activities. Axes’ holistic approach ensures you can get back to the activities you love in Arcadia, MO with safety, with a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

20% concussions require longer than three weeks to heal, and physical therapy is essential in those cases. Concussions can impair the brain’s regular functioning, leading to a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Physical therapy offers a focused approach to manage these varied effects, enabling a safer and more effective recovery. Your concussion treatment plan in Arcadia, MO may include:

Personalized Recovery Plans: Physical therapists develop tailored recovery plans based on the unique symptoms and needs of each patient. These plans often include exercises and activities designed to gradually restore normal function without aggravating symptoms.
Vestibular Therapy: Numerous concussion patients encounter dizziness and balance issues. Physical therapists are trained in vestibular rehabilitation, which comprises exercises to enhance balance and lessen dizziness-related problems.
Visual and Cognitive Exercises: Concussions can influence visual and cognitive functions. Therapists use specific exercises to help restore these functions, such as eye-tracking and coordination activities, which are vital for tasks like reading and driving.
Cervical Spine Treatment: Neck injuries frequently accompany concussions. Physical therapists can offer treatments for the cervical spine, which comprise exercises to enhance neck strength, flexibility, and reduce pain.
Exercise Therapy: Progressive exercise programs are formulated to securely increase physical activity without making your symptoms worse. These exercises assist in restoring physical endurance, strength, and cardiovascular health.
Manual Therapy: Techniques such as soft tissue mobilization and gentle joint mobilizations are able to relieve headaches and neck pain associated with concussions.
Education and Guidance: A vital part of physical therapy is teaching you about concussion management, including modifying activities and strategies to deal with symptoms. This education empowers you to take an engaged role in your recovery.

Choosing physical therapy for concussion treatment within the first two weeks might reduce chances of persisting symptoms. Physical therapy in Arcadia, MO is not a standardized solution; it’s a flexible approach that responds to the ongoing needs of each individual recovering from a concussion. By addressing the particular challenges and symptoms each patient faces, physical therapy can greatly boost the recovery process and help patients get back to their daily activities – and the activities they love most – safely and successfully.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Arcadia, MO

Choosing the right physical therapy provider for your concussion treatment in Arcadia, MO is essential. Axes Physical Therapy in Arcadia, MO stands out as a leading choice for many compelling reasons:

Locally Owned and Operated

Axes is a locally operated entity, firmly entrenched in the Arcadia, MO community. This local connection builds a greater understanding and commitment to the healthcare needs of the residents. Being managed by physical therapists who are integrated into the local fabric, Axes brings a customized touch to our services, ensuring that your treatment feels more like a community effort than a typical procedure.

Expertise and Experience

With over two decades of expertise in the physical therapy industry in Arcadia, MO, Axes features a team of very knowledgeable clinicians. This broad experience is in handling a wide range of conditions, including understanding the details of concussion management. Our team’s expertise ensures that your treatment is guided by experienced professionals who are highly proficient in the latest and most advanced concussion treatment methodologies.

Patient-Centered Approach

At Axes, your healing and needs take center stage. Understanding that each concussion patient has distinct challenges and recovery trajectories, we focus on a patient-centered approach. This means your treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs, helping you get back to the activities you love with a focus on quality and sustainable recovery.

Commitment to Positive Outcomes

A positive experience during your recovery is equally important as the clinical outcomes. Axes Physical Therapy prides ourselves on creating an environment where patients feel cared for, acknowledged, and motivated. Our dedication for helping others shines through in every interaction, ensuring that your journey to recovery is as positive and positive as possible.

Emphasis on Relationships

As a patient-focused business, Axes sets a high value on the relationships between our staff and patients. Our belief in the significance of connection and relationship-building in a healthcare setting means you’re not just a patient; you’re part of the Axes family. This emphasis on human connection is a breath of fresh air in a world where these qualities can occasionally be overlooked in healthcare.

Comprehensive Approach to Wellness

While the emphasis of your treatment at Axes will be on concussion recovery, our comprehensive approach to physical therapy means that your total wellness is always in view. Our Arcadia, MO team recognizes the intricate interplay between physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing, especially in conditions like post-concussion syndrome, and aims to handle all aspects of your health.

Concussion Treatment in Arcadia, MO | Vestibular Therapy | Physical Therapy for Concussions Near Arcadia

Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Arcadia, MO

Navigating the path to recovery after a concussion can be difficult, but with the correct care and support, it is entirely achievable. When you trust in Axes for your concussion treatment in Arcadia, MO, we form a team with you and your doctor to develop an research-supported treatment plan that gets you back to the activities you love securely and effectively. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy for a consultation and take the first step towards a secure and thorough recovery. Call the Axes location nearest you or request an appointment online for your concussion treatment in Arcadia, MO.