Concussion Treatment in Concord, MO | Physical Therapy for Concussions

Concussion treatment in Concord, MO. Concussions are more than just a knock on the head; they are intricate injuries that can have long-term effects if not treated properly. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who’s suffered a fall, Axes Physical Therapy in Concord, MO can be an essential part of your treatment plan that gets you back to the activities you love in the safest manner possible and effectively.

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

Helps in managing post-concussion symptoms
Facilitates earlier comebacks and/or shorter periods of recovery
Has been deemed safe for concussion treatment

If you or someone you love has gotten a concussion, call the Axes location nearest you or make an appointment online to initiate your concussion treatment in Concord, MO today.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is fundamentally a type of traumatic brain injury typically caused by a blow to the head or a forceful jolt that leads to the brain moving within the skull. This movement can cause a temporary disruption in healthy brain function, affecting mental functions, balance, mood, and sleep patterns. Unlike more severe brain injuries, concussions often do not cause visible structural damage to the brain, which is why 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 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 frequently associated with intense or contact sports like football and hockey, but they can occur in any athletic activity, including non-contact sports. Outside of sports, concussions typically occur 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 adequate to cause a concussion.

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

Concussion Symptoms

Concussions can cause both immediate and prolonged symptoms:

Short-Term Symptoms

Headache or a sense of pressure in the head
Temporary loss of consciousness or feeling dazed
Confusion or feeling as if in a haze
Dizziness or experiencing visual disturbances
Ringing in the ears
Nausea or vomiting
Difficulty speaking clearly
Slowed response to questions
Exhaustion

Lingering Symptoms

Continual headaches
Concentration and memory complaints
Grumpiness and other emotional changes
Increased sensitivity 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 lingering symptoms, it is vital to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional in Concord, MO, such as those at Axes Physical Therapy, can assess your condition and recommend the suitable course of action, including rest and specific concussion treatments suited to your needs. You can go to any of our locations for a free injury screening.

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

Identifying that you might have a concussion is the initial important step in getting the right concussion treatment. Here’s what you ought to do if you think you have a concussion:

Seek Medical Attention Right Away: It’s imperative to see a healthcare professional immediately. Even if the symptoms feel mild, obtaining a proper diagnosis is crucial because the impacts of a concussion can be not always obvious and often delayed.
Rest and Limit Activities: Until you can see a medical professional, rest is crucial. Avoid physical activities, notably sports or exercises that might result in another head injury. Moreover, limit activities that require mental effort or mental strain, as these may worsen symptoms.
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, noting any alterations or new symptoms that occur. This information becomes essential for healthcare providers in evaluating and treating your concussion.
Avoid Alcohol and Certain Medications: Alcohol and medications that impact the nervous system ought to be avoided unless directly advised by a healthcare professional.
Don’t Drive: Until approved by a medical professional, steer clear of driving as your reaction times and cognitive abilities could be impaired.
Follow Professional Guidance: Once you’ve seen a healthcare provider, stick to their recommendations diligently. This might include a gradual process for gradually returning to normal activities, particular concussion treatments, follow-up appointments, or an continued physical therapy plan.

Remember, taking these steps not only aids in your recovery but also reduces the risk of aggravating your condition. Concussions require careful management, and the direction of medical professionals in Concord, MO, like those at Axes Physical Therapy, is necessary.

Physical Therapy for Concussion Treatment in Concord, MO

Physical therapy can be essential in concussion treatment as it tackles a range of post-concussion symptoms through individualized, evidence-backed treatment plans. Concord, MO physical therapists employ techniques like vestibular rehabilitation and vision therapy to ease balance and visual disturbances and improve your gait. Additionally, physical therapy aids in safely regaining physical function and endurance, while also giving guidance on proper rest and gradual return to daily activities. Axes’ holistic approach ensures you can get back to the activities you love in Concord, MO securely, with a treatment plan customized to your unique needs.

One in five concussions take more than three weeks to resolve, and physical therapy is essential in those cases. Concussions can disrupt the brain’s normal functioning, leading to a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Physical therapy offers a specific approach to manage these multiple effects, enabling a more controlled and effective recovery. Your concussion treatment plan in Concord, MO may include:

Personalized Recovery Plans: Physical therapists develop individualized recovery plans based on the particular symptoms and needs of each patient. These plans often include exercises and activities designed to slowly restore normal function without aggravating symptoms.
Vestibular Therapy: Many concussion patients encounter 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 influence visual and cognitive functions. Therapists utilize specific exercises to help restore these functions, such as eye-tracking and coordination activities, which are critical for tasks like reading and driving.
Cervical Spine Treatment: Neck injuries frequently accompany concussions. Physical therapists can deliver treatments for the cervical spine, which comprise exercises to increase 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 aid in restoring physical endurance, strength, and cardiovascular health.
Manual Therapy: Techniques like soft tissue mobilization and gentle joint mobilizations have the potential to relieve headaches and neck pain related to concussions.
Education and Guidance: A vital part of physical therapy is educating you about concussion management, including changes in activity and strategies to deal with symptoms. This education empowers 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 Concord, MO is not a standardized solution; it’s a patient-centered approach that responds to the ongoing needs of each individual recovering from a concussion. By addressing the unique challenges and symptoms each patient faces, physical therapy can markedly enhance the recovery process and help patients return to their daily activities – and the activities they love most – safely and effectively.

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

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

Locally Owned and Operated

Axes is a community-based entity, deeply rooted in the Concord, MO community. This local connection builds a stronger 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 tailored touch to our services, ensuring that your treatment feels more like a community effort than a typical procedure.

Expertise and Experience

With in excess of 20 years of leadership in the physical therapy industry in Concord, MO, Axes features a team of extremely skilled clinicians. This extensive experience is in managing a wide range of conditions, including understanding the nuances of concussion management. Our team’s expertise ensures that your treatment is led by skilled professionals who are highly proficient in the latest and most efficient 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 individual-centric approach. This means your treatment plan is customized to your particular needs, helping you return 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 is proud to fostering an environment where patients feel cared for, listened to, and motivated. Our enthusiasm 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 care-centered 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 focus of your treatment at Axes will be on concussion recovery, our all-encompassing approach to physical therapy means that your overall wellness is always in view. Our Concord, MO team understands the intricate interplay between physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing, particularly in conditions like post-concussion syndrome, and aims to handle all aspects of your health.

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

Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Concord, 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 Concord, MO, we form a team with you and your doctor to develop an evidence-backed 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 safe and thorough recovery. Call the Axes location nearest you or request an appointment online for your concussion treatment in Concord, MO.