Concussion Treatment in Farmington, MO | Physical Therapy for Concussions

Concussion treatment in Farmington, MO. Concussions are more than just a knock on the head; they are complex 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 Farmington, MO can be an essential part of your treatment plan that gets you back to the activities you love most safely and successfully.

According to the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, research shows that 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 considered safe for concussion treatment

If you or someone you know has gotten a concussion, reach out to the Axes location most convenient for you or request an appointment through our website to initiate your concussion treatment in Farmington, MO today.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is fundamentally a type of traumatic brain injury usually caused by a hit to the head or a rapid, aggressive shaking that causes the brain moving within the skull. This movement can lead to a temporary interference in healthy brain function, impacting mental functions, balance, emotional stability, and even sleep. Unlike more severe brain injuries, concussions generally do not cause visible structural damage to the brain, and therefore they are sometimes referred to as “invisible injuries.” Still, this does not minimize their potential severity, as concussions can have serious short-term and long-term effects on an individual’s health and day-to-day life.

Concussions can occur in many different scenarios, making them a risk for almost anyone. Common causes include falls, sports injuries, car accidents, and any other type of blow to the head. In sports, concussions are commonly associated with high-impact or contact sports like football and hockey, but they can occur in every 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 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 violently inside the skull — such as whiplash — can be enough 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 severity of symptoms can differ greatly depending on the specific individual and the specifics of the injury. That’s why appropriate diagnosis and management, often involving rest and gradual return to normal activities, are essential to a healthy recovery from a concussion. If symptoms persist even after rest.

Concussion Symptoms

Concussions can cause not only immediate and extended symptoms:

Immediate Symptoms

A headache or a sensation of pressure in the head
Temporary loss of consciousness or feeling dazed
Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
A sense of dizziness or “seeing stars”
Tinnitus
Stomach upset or vomiting
Slurred speech
Delayed response to questions
Fatigue

Long-Term Symptoms

Persistent headaches
Focus and memory complaints
Irritability and other changes in mood
Hypersensitivity 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 suspect a concussion, whether due to the presence of immediate or prolonged symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional in Farmington, MO, such as those at Axes Physical Therapy, can diagnose your condition and recommend the appropriate course of action, including rest and specific concussion treatments customized 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 Farmington, MO

Identifying that you may have a concussion is the initial important step in getting the proper concussion treatment. Here’s what you should do if you believe you have a concussion:

Seek Medical Attention Right Away: It’s crucial to visit a healthcare professional without delay. Even if the symptoms feel mild, securing 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 visit a medical professional, rest is crucial. Avoid physical activities, notably sports or exercises that could result in another head injury. Moreover, limit activities that require focus or mental strain, as these can worsen symptoms.
Monitor Symptoms: Record your symptoms, observing any alterations or new symptoms that arise. This information becomes crucial for healthcare providers in evaluating and managing your concussion.
Avoid Alcohol and Certain Medications: Alcohol and medications that can affect the nervous system must be avoided unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.
Don’t Drive: Until cleared by a medical professional, avoid driving as your reflexes and decision-making abilities may be impaired.
Follow Professional Guidance: Once you’ve visited a healthcare provider, adhere to their recommendations diligently. This might include a series of steps for slowly returning to normal activities, tailored concussion treatments, follow-up appointments, or an continued physical therapy plan.

Remember, adhering to these steps not only aids in your recovery but also lowers the risk of aggravating your condition. Concussions demand careful management, and the guidance of medical professionals in Farmington, MO, like those at Axes Physical Therapy, is essential.

Physical Therapy for Concussion Treatment in Farmington, MO

Physical therapy can be essential in concussion treatment as it addresses various post-concussion symptoms through personalized, evidence-backed rehabilitation plans. Farmington, MO physical therapists employ techniques like vestibular rehabilitation and vision therapy to ease balance and visual disturbances and correct your gait. Additionally, physical therapy contributes to safely regaining physical function and endurance, while also offering guidance on the right rest and gradual return to daily activities. Axes’ multi-faceted approach ensures you can resume the activities you love in Farmington, MO with safety, with a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

A fifth of concussions need longer than three weeks to resolve, and physical therapy is essential in those cases. Concussions can disrupt the brain’s regular functioning, leading to a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Physical therapy offers a targeted approach to manage these varied effects, facilitating a more secure and effective recovery. Your concussion treatment plan in Farmington, MO may include:

Personalized Recovery Plans: Physical therapists formulate individualized recovery plans based on the unique symptoms and needs of each patient. These plans often include exercises and activities crafted to slowly restore normal function without exacerbating symptoms.
Vestibular Therapy: Many concussion patients encounter dizziness and balance issues. Physical therapists are experienced with vestibular rehabilitation, which includes exercises to improve balance and lessen dizziness-related problems.
Visual and Cognitive Exercises: Concussions can impact visual and cognitive functions. Therapists employ 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 offer treatments for the cervical spine, which include exercises to increase neck strength, flexibility, and reduce pain.
Exercise Therapy: Progressive exercise programs are crafted to securely increase physical activity without making your symptoms worse. These exercises assist in restoring endurance, strength, and cardiovascular health.
Manual Therapy: Techniques like soft tissue mobilization and gentle joint mobilizations are able to relieve headaches and neck pain linked to concussions.
Education and Guidance: A crucial part of physical therapy is educating you about concussion management, including activity modification and strategies to cope with symptoms. This education empowers 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 Farmington, MO is not a standardized solution; it’s a flexible approach that adapts to the changing needs of each individual recovering from a concussion. By addressing the specific challenges and symptoms each patient faces, physical therapy can significantly improve the recovery process and help patients resume their daily activities – and the activities they love most – securely and effectively.

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

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

Locally Owned and Operated

Axes is a locally operated entity, strongly integrated in the Farmington, MO community. This local connection creates a deeper understanding and commitment to the healthcare needs of the residents. Being operated by physical therapists who are integrated into the local fabric, Axes brings a customized 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 two decades of experience in the physical therapy industry in Farmington, MO, Axes boasts a team of very knowledgeable clinicians. This broad 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 directed by knowledgeable professionals who are well-versed in the latest and most effective concussion treatment methodologies.

Patient-Centered Approach

At Axes, your recovery 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 particular 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 as vital as the clinical outcomes. Axes Physical Therapy takes pride in establishing an environment where patients feel encouraged, acknowledged, and motivated. Our passion for helping others shines through in every interaction, ensuring that your journey to recovery is as pleasant and positive as possible.

Emphasis on Relationships

As a service-oriented business, Axes places 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 welcomed change in a world where these qualities can occasionally 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 total wellness is always in view. Our Farmington, MO team recognizes the complex interplay between physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing, particularly in conditions like post-concussion syndrome, and works to address all aspects of your health.

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

Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Farmington, 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 Farmington, 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 securely and effectively. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy for a consultation and take the first step towards a protected and comprehensive recovery. Call the Axes location nearest you or request an appointment online for your concussion treatment in Farmington, MO.