Concussion treatment in Calverton Park, MO. Concussions are far beyond a knock on the head; they are intricate injuries that can have long-term effects if not handled properly. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who’s got in an auto accident, Axes Physical Therapy in Calverton Park, MO can be an integral part of your treatment plan that gets you back to the activities you love most safely and successfully.
Based on research from the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, physical therapy as part of your concussion treatment:
- Aids in decreasing post-concussion symptoms
- Facilitates earlier comebacks and/or shorter days to recovery
- Is considered safe for treating post-concussion symptoms
If you or someone you love is experiencing concussion symptoms, contact the Axes location most convenient for you or schedule an appointment through our website to get started with your concussion treatment in Calverton Park, MO today.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is basically a type of traumatic brain injury commonly caused by a hit to the head or a rapid, aggressive shaking that causes the brain moving within the skull. This movement can cause a brief disruption in normal brain function, impacting mental functions, balance, emotional stability, and sleep patterns. Unlike life-threatening brain injuries, concussions often do not lead to visible structural damage to the brain, which is why they are sometimes called “invisible injuries.” Nevertheless, this does not minimize their potential severity, as concussions can have serious short-term and long-term effects on an individual’s overall health and day-to-day life.
Concussions can occur in numerous circumstances, making them a risk for nearly everyone. Common causes include falls, sports injuries, auto accidents, and blows to the head during routine activities. In sports, concussions are commonly associated with forceful or contact sports like football and hockey, but they can occur in all athletic activity, including non-contact sports. Outside of sports, concussions typically occur from incidents such as slipping on ice, minor car collisions, or even a sudden jolt during a roller coaster ride. It’s important to note that you don’t need a direct blow to the head to get a concussion, as any action that causes the brain to move aggressively inside the skull — such as whiplash — can be sufficient to cause a concussion.
It’s important to note that many of these changes are transient and reversible, which is why a large number of people fully recover from concussions. However, the length and intensity of symptoms can differ greatly depending on the individual and the particulars of the injury. That’s why correct diagnosis and management, often involving rest and gradual return to normal activities, are crucial to a healthy recovery from a concussion. If symptoms linger even after rest.
Concussion Symptoms
Concussions can cause both immediate and extended symptoms:
Immediate Symptoms
- Headache or a sense of pressure in the head
- Temporary loss of consciousness or feeling dazed
- Disorientation or feeling as if in a cloud
- Feeling dizzy or “seeing stars”
- Tinnitus
- Feeling nauseous or vomiting
- Difficulty speaking clearly
- Slowed response to questions
- Fatigue
Long-Term Symptoms
- Continual headaches
- Concentration and memory problems
- Grumpiness and other changes in mood
- Increased sensitivity to light and noise
- Sleep disturbances
- Disorders of taste and smell
- Disorders of balance and coordination
Not everyone will experience each of these symptoms, and their severity can vary. If you suspect a concussion, whether due to the presence of immediate or prolonged symptoms, it is vital to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional in Calverton Park, MO, such as those at Axes Physical Therapy, can evaluate your condition and recommend the right course of action, including rest and specific concussion treatments tailored 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 Calverton Park, MO
Acknowledging that you could have a concussion is the first crucial step in getting the right concussion treatment. Here’s what you ought to do if you think you have a concussion:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: It’s imperative to consult a healthcare professional immediately. Even if the symptoms appear mild, securing a proper diagnosis is crucial because the consequences of a concussion can be hard to notice and often delayed.
- Rest and Limit Activities: Until you can consult a medical professional, rest is crucial. Avoid physical activities, especially sports or exercises that may result in another head injury. Additionally, limit activities that require mental effort or mental strain, as these may worsen symptoms.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, keeping an eye on any alterations or new symptoms that emerge. This information is essential for healthcare providers in assessing and addressing your concussion.
- Avoid Alcohol and Certain Medications: Alcohol and medications that can affect the nervous system ought to 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 reaction times and decision-making abilities may be impaired.
- Follow Professional Guidance: Once you’ve seen a healthcare provider, adhere to their recommendations strictly. This might include a gradual process for gradually returning to normal activities, specific concussion treatments, subsequent visits, or an ongoing physical therapy plan.
Remember, following these steps not only assists in your recovery but also reduces the risk of aggravating your condition. Concussions require careful management, and the direction of medical professionals in Calverton Park, MO, like those at Axes Physical Therapy, is essential.
Physical Therapy for Concussion Treatment in Calverton Park, MO
Physical therapy can be crucial in concussion treatment as it addresses various post-concussion symptoms through customized, scientifically-backed treatment plans. Calverton Park, MO physical therapists employ techniques like vestibular rehabilitation and vision therapy to alleviate balance and visual disturbances and improve your gait. Additionally, physical therapy helps with the safe restoration of physical function and stamina, while also offering guidance on appropriate rest and the gradual return to normal activities. Axes’ holistic approach ensures you can get back to the activities you love in Calverton Park, MO securely, with a treatment plan customized to your unique needs.
A fifth of concussions take longer than three weeks to resolve, and physical therapy is crucial in those cases. Concussions can disrupt the brain’s normal functioning, leading to a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Physical therapy offers a focused approach to manage these varied effects, enabling a more secure and more effective recovery. Your concussion treatment plan in Calverton Park, MO may include:
- Personalized Recovery Plans: Physical therapists formulate individualized recovery plans based on the specific symptoms and needs of each patient. These plans often include exercises and activities crafted to slowly restore normal function without worsening symptoms.
- Vestibular Therapy: Numerous concussion patients encounter dizziness and balance issues. Physical therapists are skilled at vestibular rehabilitation, which includes exercises to better balance and minimize dizziness-related problems.
- Visual and Cognitive Exercises: Concussions can impact visual and cognitive functions. Therapists employ specific exercises to aid in restoring these functions, such as visual tracking and coordination activities, which are essential for tasks like reading and driving.
- Cervical Spine Treatment: Neck injuries frequently accompany concussions. Physical therapists can provide treatments for the cervical spine, which comprise exercises to increase neck strength, flexibility, and alleviate pain.
- Exercise Therapy: Gradual exercise programs are designed to safely increase physical activity without making your symptoms worse. These exercises help in restoring stamina, strength, and cardiovascular health.
- Manual Therapy: Techniques including soft tissue mobilization and gentle joint mobilizations can relieve headaches and neck pain linked to concussions.
- Education and Guidance: A crucial part of physical therapy is teaching you about concussion management, including activity modification and strategies to cope with symptoms. This education enables you to take an engaged role in your recovery.
Choosing physical therapy for concussion treatment within the first two weeks may reduce chances of persisting symptoms. Physical therapy in Calverton Park, MO is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s a patient-centered approach that responds to the changing needs of each individual recovering from a concussion. By tackling the specific challenges and symptoms each patient faces, physical therapy can markedly enhance the recovery process and help patients resume their daily activities – and favorite activities – securely and effectively.
Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Calverton Park, MO
Choosing the appropriate physical therapy provider for your concussion treatment in Calverton Park, MO is one of the most important aspects of your recovery. Axes Physical Therapy in Calverton Park, MO stands out as a premier choice for multiple compelling reasons:
Locally Owned and Operated
Axes is a locally owned entity, firmly entrenched in the Calverton Park, MO community. This local connection builds a greater understanding and commitment to the healthcare needs of the residents. Being run by physical therapists who are part of the local fabric, Axes brings a personalized touch to our services, ensuring that your treatment feels more like a community effort than a standard procedure.
Expertise and Experience
With in excess of 20 years of experience in the physical therapy industry in Calverton Park, MO, Axes features a team of extremely skilled 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 led by experienced professionals who are well-versed in the latest and most advanced concussion treatment methodologies.
Patient-Centered Approach
At Axes, your healing and needs take the forefront. Understanding that each concussion patient has unique challenges and recovery trajectories, we focus on a patient-focused approach. This means your treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs, helping you resume the activities you love with a focus on sustainable and sustainable recovery.
Commitment to Positive Outcomes
A satisfactory experience during your recovery is equally important as the clinical outcomes. Axes Physical Therapy prides ourselves on fostering an environment where patients feel encouraged, listened to, and motivated. Our enthusiasm for helping others manifests 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 puts 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 all-encompassing approach to physical therapy means that your complete wellness is always in view. Our Calverton Park, MO team understands the complex interplay between physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing, particularly in conditions like post-concussion syndrome, and strives to handle all aspects of your health.
Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Calverton Park, MO
Navigating the path to recovery after a concussion can be difficult, but with the appropriate care and support, it is entirely achievable. When you trust in Axes for your concussion treatment in Calverton Park, MO, we form a team with you and your doctor to establish an scientifically validated treatment plan that gets you back to the activities you love with confidence and effectively. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy for a consultation and take the first step towards a protected and complete recovery. Call the Axes location nearest you or request an appointment online for your concussion treatment in Calverton Park, MO.