Concussion treatment in Boles, MO. Concussions are not merely a knock on the head; they are serious injuries that require specialized care and attention. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who’s got in a car accident, Axes Physical Therapy in Boles, MO can be an integral part of your healing journey that gets you back to the activities you love in the safest manner possible and successfully.
Based on research from the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, physical therapy as part of your concussion treatment:
- Aids in easing post-concussion symptoms
- Facilitates earlier comebacks and/or shorter periods of recovery
- Is widely recognized as safe for concussion treatment
If you or someone you love has gotten a concussion, call the Axes location nearest you or schedule an appointment online to get started with your concussion treatment in Boles, MO today.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is considered a traumatic brain injury commonly caused by a blow to the head or a sudden, violent shaking that results in the brain moving within the skull. This movement can result in a temporary disruption in healthy brain function, impacting mental functions, balance, mood, and even sleep. Unlike more severe brain injuries, concussions often do not cause visible structural damage to the brain, and therefore they are sometimes called “invisible injuries.” However, this does not minimize their potential severity, as concussions can have profound short-term and long-term effects on an individual’s well-being and quality of life.
Concussions happen for a variety of reasons, making them a risk for almost anyone. Common causes include falls, sports injuries, auto crashes, and any other type of blow to the head. In sports, concussions are frequently associated with high-impact or contact sports like football and hockey, but they can occur in any athletic activity, including non-contact sports. Outside of sports, concussions can result from incidents such as ice-related falls, minor car collisions, or even a sudden jolt during a roller coaster ride. It’s important to mention that a concussion can happen even without a direct blow to the head, as any action that causes the brain to move aggressively inside the skull — such as whiplash — can be adequate to cause a concussion.
It’s important to note that many of these changes are temporary and reversible, which is why many people fully recover from concussions. However, the duration and seriousness of symptoms can vary widely depending on the person and the particulars of the injury. That’s why appropriate diagnosis and management, frequently involving rest and a gradual return to normal activities, are essential to a healthy recovery from a concussion. If symptoms linger even after rest.
Concussion Symptoms
Concussions can cause both immediate and longer-term symptoms:
Short-Term Symptoms
- Pain in the head or a sense of pressure in the head
- Brief unconsciousness or feeling dazed
- Confusion or feeling as if in a haze
- Feeling dizzy or experiencing visual disturbances
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea or vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Slowed response to questions
- Fatigue
Lingering Symptoms
- Ongoing headaches
- Concentration and memory problems
- Grumpiness and other emotional changes
- Hypersensitivity to light and noise
- Sleep disturbances
- Disorders of taste and smell
- Disorders of balance and coordination
Not all individuals will experience each of these symptoms, and their severity can differ. If you are concerned about a concussion, whether due to the presence of immediate or lingering symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical treatment immediately. A healthcare professional in Boles, MO, such as those at Axes Physical Therapy, can assess your condition and recommend the appropriate course of action, including rest and particular concussion treatments suited to your needs. You can visit any of our locations for a free injury screening.
What to Do if You Think You Have a Concussion in Boles, MO
Acknowledging that you could have a concussion is the initial important step in getting the appropriate concussion treatment. Here’s what you should do if you suspect you have a concussion:
- Seek Medical Attention Right Away: It’s imperative to consult a healthcare professional without delay. Even if the symptoms feel mild, securing a proper diagnosis is important because the effects of a concussion can be hard to notice and sometimes delayed.
- Rest and Limit Activities: Until you can visit a medical professional, rest is crucial. Avoid physical activities, notably sports or exercises that could result in another head injury. Also, limit activities that require mental effort or mental strain, as these can worsen symptoms.
- Monitor Symptoms: Monitor your symptoms, noting any differences or new symptoms that arise. This information can be essential for healthcare providers in assessing and managing your concussion.
- Avoid Alcohol and Certain Medications: Alcohol and medications that influence the nervous system must be avoided unless explicitly advised by a healthcare professional.
- Don’t Drive: Until given the green light by a medical professional, avoid driving as your reflexes and cognitive abilities might be impaired.
- Follow Professional Guidance: Once you’ve visited a healthcare provider, follow their recommendations diligently. This might include a series of steps for slowly returning to normal activities, specific concussion treatments, subsequent visits, or an continued physical therapy plan.
Remember, taking these steps not only helps in your recovery but also minimizes the risk of aggravating your condition. Concussions require careful management, and the advice of medical professionals in Boles, MO, like those at Axes Physical Therapy, is essential.
Physical Therapy for Concussion Treatment in Boles, MO
Physical therapy can be essential in concussion treatment as it addresses various post-concussion symptoms through customized, evidence-backed rehabilitation plans. Boles, MO physical therapists employ techniques like vestibular rehabilitation and vision therapy to alleviate balance and visual disturbances and adjust your gait. Additionally, physical therapy contributes to safely regaining physical function and endurance, while also providing guidance on proper rest and the gradual return to daily activities. Axes’ holistic approach ensures you can resume the activities you love in Boles, MO with safety, with a treatment plan customized to your unique needs.
One in five concussions require more than three weeks to resolve, and physical therapy is vital in those cases. Concussions can disrupt the brain’s usual functioning, leading to a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Physical therapy offers a specific approach to manage these diverse effects, enabling a more secure and better recovery. Your concussion treatment plan in Boles, MO may include:
- Personalized Recovery Plans: Physical therapists formulate tailored recovery plans based on the particular symptoms and needs of each patient. These plans frequently include exercises and activities designed to steadily restore normal function without exacerbating symptoms.
- Vestibular Therapy: A significant number of concussion patients suffer from dizziness and balance issues. Physical therapists are trained in vestibular rehabilitation, which includes exercises to enhance balance and reduce dizziness-related problems.
- Visual and Cognitive Exercises: Concussions can influence visual and cognitive functions. Therapists utilize specific exercises to aid in restoring these functions, such as eye-tracking and coordination activities, which are critical for tasks like reading and driving.
- Cervical Spine Treatment: Neck injuries commonly accompany concussions. Physical therapists can deliver treatments for the cervical spine, which comprise exercises to enhance neck strength, flexibility, and minimize pain.
- Exercise Therapy: Gradual exercise programs are crafted to effectively increase physical activity without making your symptoms worse. These exercises help in restoring physical endurance, strength, and cardiovascular health.
- Manual Therapy: Techniques including soft tissue mobilization and gentle joint mobilizations can relieve headaches and neck pain associated with concussions.
- Education and Guidance: A key part of physical therapy is teaching you about concussion management, including changes in activity and strategies to manage symptoms. This education equips you to take an involved role in your recovery.
Choosing physical therapy for concussion treatment within the first two weeks can reduce chances of persisting symptoms. Physical therapy in Boles, MO is not a universal solution; it’s a dynamic approach that adapts to the evolving needs of each individual recovering from a concussion. By targeting the unique challenges and symptoms each patient faces, physical therapy can markedly improve the recovery process and help patients get back to their daily activities – and favorite activities – safely and effectively.
Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Boles, MO
Choosing the best physical therapy provider for your concussion treatment in Boles, MO is vital. Axes Physical Therapy in Boles, MO stands out as a leading choice for many compelling reasons:
Locally Owned and Operated
Axes is a locally operated entity, strongly integrated in the Boles, MO community. This local connection fosters a deeper understanding and commitment to the healthcare needs of the residents. Being run by physical therapists who are members of the local fabric, Axes brings a tailored touch to our services, ensuring that your treatment feels more like a community effort than a clinical procedure.
Expertise and Experience
With more than 20 years of leadership in the physical therapy industry in Boles, MO, Axes boasts a team of very knowledgeable clinicians. This extensive experience is in managing a wide range of conditions, including understanding the complexities of concussion management. Our team’s expertise ensures that your treatment is guided by experienced professionals who are well-versed in the latest and most efficient concussion treatment methodologies.
Patient-Centered Approach
At Axes, your recovery and needs take center stage. Understanding that each concussion patient has individual challenges and recovery trajectories, we focus on a patient-focused approach. This means your treatment plan is customized to your specific needs, helping you get back to the activities you love with a focus on long-term and sustainable recovery.
Commitment to Positive Outcomes
A positive experience during your recovery is just as crucial as the clinical outcomes. Axes Physical Therapy takes pride in establishing an environment where patients feel cared for, acknowledged, and motivated. Our passion for helping others is evident in every interaction, ensuring that your journey to recovery is as comfortable 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 welcomed change in a world where these qualities can sometimes be overlooked in healthcare.
Comprehensive Approach to Wellness
While the focus of your treatment at Axes will be on concussion recovery, our holistic approach to physical therapy means that your total wellness is always in view. Our Boles, MO team recognizes the sophisticated interplay between physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing, especially in conditions like post-concussion syndrome, and aims to tackle all aspects of your health.
Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Boles, MO
Navigating the path to recovery after a concussion can be demanding, but with the correct care and support, it is entirely achievable. When you trust in Axes for your concussion treatment in Boles, MO, we form a team with you and your doctor to establish an research-supported treatment plan that gets you back to the activities you love safely and effectively. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy for a consultation and take the first step towards a secure and comprehensive recovery. Call the Axes location nearest you or request an appointment online for your concussion treatment in Boles, MO.