Concussion Treatment in Clearwater, MO | Physical Therapy for Concussions

Concussion treatment in Clearwater, 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 experienced a fall, Axes Physical Therapy in Clearwater, MO can be an effective part of your healing journey that returns you 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:

Is beneficial at easing post-concussion symptoms
Enables earlier comebacks and/or shorter days to recovery
Is widely recognized as safe for concussion treatment

If you or someone you love has gotten a concussion, reach out to the Axes location nearest you or make an appointment through our website to get started with your concussion treatment in Clearwater, MO today.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is considered a traumatic brain injury typically 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 temporary disruption in healthy brain function, affecting mental functions, physical coordination, mood, and even sleep. Unlike more severe brain injuries, concussions generally do not result in visible structural damage to the brain, and therefore they are sometimes called “invisible injuries.” Nevertheless, this does not lessen their potential severity, as concussions can have serious short-term and long-term effects on an individual’s overall health and ability to function normally.

Concussions happen for a variety of reasons, making them a risk for almost anyone. Common causes include falls, sports injuries, car crashes, and any other type of blow to the head. In sports, concussions are commonly associated with intense 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 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 sufficient to cause a concussion.

It’s important to note that most of these changes are temporary and reversible, which is why most people fully recover from concussions. However, the extent and intensity of symptoms can vary widely depending on the individual and the details of the injury. That’s why appropriate diagnosis and management, typically involving rest and a steady return to normal activities, are crucial to a healthy recovery from a concussion. If symptoms linger even after rest.

Concussion Symptoms

Concussions can cause not only immediate and extended symptoms:

Immediate Symptoms

Headache or a sense of pressure in the head
Brief unconsciousness or feeling confused
Disorientation or feeling as if in a fog
A sense of dizziness or experiencing visual disturbances
Tinnitus
Nausea or vomiting
Difficulty speaking clearly
Slowed response to questions
Fatigue

Long-Term Symptoms

Continual headaches
Concentration and memory complaints
Irritability and other emotional changes
Hypersensitivity to light and noise
Trouble sleeping
Disorders of taste and smell
Disorders of balance and coordination

Not every person will experience all these symptoms, and their severity can fluctuate. If you suspect a concussion, whether due to the presence of immediate or lingering symptoms, it is vital to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional in Clearwater, MO, such as those at Axes Physical Therapy, can evaluate your condition and recommend the right course of action, including rest and tailored 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 Clearwater, MO

Identifying that you might have a concussion is the first vital step in getting the proper concussion treatment. Here’s what you should do if you believe you have a concussion:

Seek Medical Attention Immediately: It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional without delay. Even if the symptoms appear mild, securing a proper diagnosis is crucial because the impacts of a concussion can be not always obvious and sometimes delayed.
Rest and Limit Activities: Until you can consult a medical professional, rest is crucial. Avoid physical activities, especially sports or exercises that could result in another head injury. Moreover, limit activities that require concentration or mental strain, as these might worsen symptoms.
Monitor Symptoms: Monitor your symptoms, observing any differences or new symptoms that arise. This information is essential for healthcare providers in assessing and addressing your concussion.
Stay Away From 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, refrain from driving as your reflexes and judgment might be impaired.
Follow Professional Guidance: Once you’ve consulted a healthcare provider, follow their recommendations strictly. This might include a set of instructions for progressively returning to normal activities, particular concussion treatments, subsequent visits, or an ongoing physical therapy plan.

Remember, following these steps not only aids in your recovery but also minimizes the risk of exacerbating your condition. Concussions demand careful management, and the advice of medical professionals in Clearwater, MO, like those at Axes Physical Therapy, is essential.

Physical Therapy for Concussion Treatment in Clearwater, MO

Physical therapy can be integral in concussion treatment as it manages various post-concussion symptoms through customized, scientifically-backed treatment plans. Clearwater, MO physical therapists employ techniques like vestibular rehabilitation and vision therapy to alleviate balance and visual disturbances and adjust your gait. Additionally, physical therapy helps with safely regaining physical function and stamina, while also giving guidance on the right rest and a gradual return to normal activities. Axes’ multi-faceted approach ensures you can resume the activities you love in Clearwater, MO with safety, with a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

A fifth of concussions take more than three weeks to resolve, and physical therapy is vital in those cases. Concussions can impair the brain’s usual functioning, leading to a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Physical therapy offers a specific approach to address these varied effects, enabling a more controlled and better recovery. Your concussion treatment plan in Clearwater, MO may include:

Personalized Recovery Plans: Physical therapists formulate tailored recovery plans based on the particular symptoms and needs of each patient. These plans often include exercises and activities designed to gradually restore normal function without aggravating symptoms.
Vestibular Therapy: A significant number of concussion patients suffer from dizziness and balance issues. Physical therapists are trained in vestibular rehabilitation, which comprises exercises to enhance balance and minimize dizziness-related problems.
Visual and Cognitive Exercises: Concussions can affect visual and cognitive functions. Therapists employ specific exercises to aid in restoring these functions, such as eye-tracking and coordination activities, which are vital for tasks like reading and driving.
Cervical Spine Treatment: Neck injuries often accompany concussions. Physical therapists can provide treatments for the cervical spine, which involve exercises to enhance neck strength, flexibility, and reduce pain.
Exercise Therapy: Progressive exercise programs are crafted to effectively increase physical activity without making your symptoms worse. These exercises aid in restoring physical endurance, strength, and cardiovascular health.
Manual Therapy: Techniques like 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 modifying activities and strategies to deal with symptoms. This education equips you to take an active role in your recovery.

Choosing physical therapy for concussion treatment within the first two weeks can reduce chances of persisting symptoms. Physical therapy in Clearwater, MO is not a standardized solution; it’s a dynamic approach that adapts to the ongoing needs of each individual recovering from a concussion. By targeting the unique challenges and symptoms each patient faces, physical therapy can significantly boost the recovery process and help patients resume their daily activities – and the activities they love most – safely and effectively.

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

Choosing the appropriate physical therapy provider for your concussion treatment in Clearwater, MO is one of the most important aspects of your recovery. Axes Physical Therapy in Clearwater, MO stands out as a premier choice for many compelling reasons:

Locally Owned and Operated

Axes is a locally owned entity, strongly integrated in the Clearwater, MO community. This local connection fosters a stronger understanding and commitment to the healthcare needs of the residents. Being managed 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 clinical procedure.

Expertise and Experience

With more than 20 years of leadership in the physical therapy industry in Clearwater, MO, Axes boasts a team of very knowledgeable clinicians. This vast 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 led by skilled professionals who are experts in the latest and most advanced concussion treatment methodologies.

Patient-Centered Approach

At Axes, your healing and needs take center stage. Understanding that every individual’s recovery is unique, we focus on a patient-centered approach. This means your treatment plan is personalized to your unique needs, helping you get back to the activities you love with a focus on long-term and sustainable recovery.

Commitment to Positive Outcomes

A rewarding experience during your recovery is just as crucial as the clinical outcomes. Axes Physical Therapy prides ourselves on establishing an environment where patients feel cared for, understood, 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 refreshing approach in a world where these qualities can often be overlooked in healthcare.

Comprehensive Approach to Wellness

While the concentration of your treatment at Axes will be on concussion recovery, our holistic approach to physical therapy means that your overall wellness is always in view. Our Clearwater, MO team recognizes the complex interplay between physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing, especially in conditions like post-concussion syndrome, and strives to handle all aspects of your health.

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

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

Navigating the path to recovery after a concussion can be challenging, but with the appropriate care and support, it is entirely achievable. When you trust in Axes for your concussion treatment in Clearwater, 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 securely and effectively. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy for a consultation and take the first step towards a protected and thorough recovery. Call the Axes location nearest you or request an appointment online for your concussion treatment in Clearwater, MO.