Concussion treatment in Cottleville, MO. Concussions are not merely a knock on the head; they are serious injuries that can have long-term effects if not treated properly. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who’s got in an auto accident, Axes Physical Therapy in Cottleville, MO can be an essential part of your recovery process that gets you back to the activities you love most safely and effectively.

According to the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, research indicates that physical therapy as part of your concussion treatment:

• Is beneficial at managing post-concussion symptoms
• Facilitates earlier comebacks and/or shorter periods of recovery
• Is considered safe for treating post-concussion symptoms

If you or someone you know has gotten a concussion, contact the Axes location nearest you or schedule an appointment online to get started with your concussion treatment in Cottleville, MO today.

About Concussions

A concussion is considered a traumatic brain injury usually caused by a blow to the head or a sudden, violent shaking that leads to the brain moving within the skull. This movement can result in a brief disruption in normal brain function, influencing cognitive processes, physical coordination, emotional stability, and even sleep. Unlike life-threatening brain injuries, concussions generally do not result in visible structural damage to the brain, and therefore they are sometimes described as “invisible injuries.” However, this does not lessen their potential severity, as concussions can have serious short-term and long-term effects on an individual’s well-being and ability to function normally.

Concussions happen for a variety of reasons, making them a risk for virtually anyone. Common causes include falls, sports injuries, auto accidents, and any other type of blow to the head. In sports, concussions are often 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 note 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 most people fully recover from concussions. However, the extent and seriousness of symptoms can differ greatly depending on the individual and the particulars of the injury. That’s why proper diagnosis and management, typically involving rest and a steady return to normal activities, are crucial to a successful recovery from a concussion. If symptoms continue even after rest.

Concussion Symptoms

Concussions can cause not only immediate and longer-term symptoms:

Immediate Symptoms

• Headache or a sensation of pressure in the head
• Brief unconsciousness or feeling confused
• Disorientation or feeling as if in a fog
• Feeling dizzy or experiencing visual disturbances
• Ear ringing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Impaired speech
• Delayed response to questions
• Fatigue

Lingering Symptoms

• Ongoing headaches
• Concentration and memory complaints
• Irritability and other mood changes
• Hypersensitivity to light and noise
• Sleep disturbances
• Disorders of taste and smell
• Disorders of balance and coordination

Not every person will suffer from each of these symptoms, and their severity can vary. If you are concerned about a concussion, whether due to the presence of immediate or prolonged symptoms, it is vital to seek medical treatment immediately. A healthcare professional in Cottleville, MO, such as those at Axes Physical Therapy, can evaluate your condition and recommend the suitable course of action, including rest and particular 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 Cottleville, MO

Identifying that you may have a concussion is the first crucial step in getting the proper concussion treatment. Here’s what you should do if you suspect you have a concussion:

• Seek Medical Attention Right Away: It’s crucial 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 not always obvious and sometimes delayed.
• Rest and Limit Activities: Until you can visit a medical professional, rest is key. Refrain from physical activities, especially sports or exercises that might result in another head injury. Additionally, limit activities that require concentration or mental strain, as these may worsen symptoms.
• Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, noting any alterations or new symptoms that emerge. This information becomes essential for healthcare providers in assessing and managing your concussion.
• Stay Away From Alcohol and Certain Medications: Alcohol and medications that can affect the nervous system ought to be avoided unless directly advised by a healthcare professional.
• Don’t Drive: Until approved by a medical professional, refrain from driving as your responsiveness and decision-making abilities could be impaired.
• Follow Professional Guidance: Once you’ve seen a healthcare provider, adhere to their recommendations diligently. This might include a set of instructions for progressively returning to normal activities, tailored concussion treatments, check-ups, or an extended physical therapy plan.

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

Physical Therapy for Concussion Treatment in Cottleville, MO

Physical therapy can be essential in concussion treatment as it addresses a range of post-concussion symptoms through individualized, evidence-backed treatment plans. Cottleville, 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 safely regaining physical function and endurance, while also providing guidance on proper rest and a gradual return to daily activities. Axes’ multi-faceted approach ensures you can resume the activities you love in Cottleville, MO with safety, with a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

One in five concussions need more than three weeks to heal, and physical therapy is essential in those cases. Concussions can affect the brain’s regular functioning, leading to a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Physical therapy offers a specific approach to manage these varied effects, facilitating a more controlled and effective recovery. Your concussion treatment plan in Cottleville, MO may include:

• Personalized Recovery Plans: Physical therapists create customized recovery plans based on the specific symptoms and needs of each patient. These plans often include exercises and activities intended to slowly restore normal function without worsening symptoms.
• Vestibular Therapy: Many concussion patients encounter dizziness and balance issues. Physical therapists are skilled at vestibular rehabilitation, which involves exercises to improve balance and minimize 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 deliver treatments for the cervical spine, which involve exercises to improve neck strength, flexibility, and minimize pain.
• Exercise Therapy: Gradual exercise programs are formulated to effectively increase physical activity without exacerbating concussion symptoms. These exercises help 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 linked to concussions.
• Education and Guidance: A vital part of physical therapy is informing you about concussion management, including modifying activities and strategies to manage symptoms. This education equips 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 Cottleville, MO is not a standardized solution; it’s a dynamic approach that evolves with the evolving needs of each individual recovering from a concussion. By tackling the specific challenges and symptoms each patient faces, physical therapy can significantly improve the recovery process and help patients return to their daily activities – and the activities they love most – safely and successfully.

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

Choosing the appropriate physical therapy provider for your concussion treatment in Cottleville, MO is essential. Axes Physical Therapy in Cottleville, MO stands out as a premier choice for several compelling reasons:

Locally Owned and Operated

Axes is a community-based entity, deeply rooted in the Cottleville, MO community. This local connection fosters a greater understanding and commitment to the healthcare needs of the residents. Being operated by physical therapists who are part of 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 more than two decades of leadership in the physical therapy industry in Cottleville, MO, Axes features a team of highly experienced clinicians. This extensive 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 knowledgeable professionals who are experts in the latest and most efficient concussion treatment methodologies.

Patient-Centered Approach

At Axes, your recovery and needs take the forefront. Understanding that each concussion patient has unique challenges and recovery trajectories, we focus on a patient-centered approach. This means your treatment plan is personalized to your specific needs, helping you resume the activities you love with a focus on quality 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 fostering 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 comfortable and positive as possible.

Emphasis on Relationships

As a care-centered business, Axes puts a high value on the relationships between our staff and patients. Our belief in the importance 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 sometimes 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 total wellness is always in view. Our Cottleville, MO team acknowledges the sophisticated interplay between physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing, especially in conditions like post-concussion syndrome, and aims to handle all aspects of your health.

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

Navigating the path to recovery after a concussion can be demanding, but with the right care and support, it is entirely achievable. When you trust in Axes for your concussion treatment in Cottleville, MO, we form a team with you and your doctor to establish an evidence-backed 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 safe and thorough recovery. Call the Axes location nearest you or request an appointment online for your concussion treatment in Cottleville, MO.