Concussion treatment in Femme Osage, MO. Concussions are more than just a knock on the head; they are complex injuries that require specialized care and attention. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who’s experienced a fall, Axes Physical Therapy in Femme Osage, MO can be an essential part of your healing journey that gets you back to the activities you love most safely and effectively.
According to the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, research shows that physical therapy as part of your concussion treatment:
- Aids in decreasing post-concussion symptoms
- Allows for earlier returns and/or shorter days to recovery
- Is widely recognized as safe for concussion treatment
If you or someone you love has gotten a concussion, contact the Axes location nearest you or request an appointment online to begin your concussion treatment in Femme Osage, MO today.
About Concussions
A concussion is essentially a type of traumatic brain injury typically caused by an impact to the head or a forceful jolt that results in the brain moving within the skull. This movement can cause a brief disruption in normal brain function, influencing mental functions, balance, emotional stability, and sleep patterns. Unlike more severe brain injuries, concussions usually do not lead to visible structural damage to the brain, and therefore they are sometimes referred to as “invisible injuries.” Nevertheless, this does not diminish 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 happen for a variety of reasons, making them a risk for virtually anyone. Common causes include falls, sports injuries, auto crashes, and any other type of blow to the head. In sports, concussions are frequently associated with forceful or contact sports like football and soccer, but they can occur in all 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 mention 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 adequate to cause a concussion.
It’s important to note that the majority of these changes are transient and reversible, which is why a large number of people fully recover from concussions. However, the length and seriousness of symptoms can vary widely depending on the person and the particulars of the injury. That’s why proper diagnosis and treatment, frequently involving rest and a steady return to normal activities, are critical to a complete recovery from a concussion. If symptoms persist even after rest.
Concussion Symptoms
Concussions can cause both immediate and longer-term symptoms:
Short-Term Symptoms
- A headache or a sense of pressure in the head
- Temporary loss of consciousness or feeling confused
- Disorientation or feeling as if in a haze
- Feeling dizzy or experiencing visual disturbances
- Ringing in the ears
- Stomach upset or vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Delayed response to questions
- Tiredness
Long-Term Symptoms
- Ongoing headaches
- Focus and memory issues
- Irritability and other changes in mood
- Increased sensitivity to light and noise
- Trouble sleeping
- Disorders of taste and smell
- Disorders of balance and coordination
Not every person will experience each of these symptoms, and their severity can vary. If you think you might have a concussion, whether due to the presence of immediate or prolonged symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional in Femme Osage, MO, such as those at Axes Physical Therapy, can diagnose your condition and recommend the appropriate course of action, including rest and tailored 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 Femme Osage, MO
Recognizing that you could have a concussion is the first crucial step in getting the proper concussion treatment. Here’s what you should do if you think you have a concussion:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: It’s essential to see a healthcare professional immediately. Even if the symptoms feel mild, getting a proper diagnosis is important because the consequences of a concussion can be not always obvious and occasionally delayed.
- Rest and Limit Activities: Until you can consult a medical professional, rest is key. Refrain from physical activities, notably sports or exercises that could result in another head injury. Moreover, limit activities that require focus or mental strain, as these may worsen symptoms.
- Monitor Symptoms: Monitor your symptoms, noting any differences or new symptoms that emerge. This information becomes valuable for healthcare providers in diagnosing and treating your concussion.
- Stay Away From Alcohol and Certain Medications: Alcohol and medications that impact the nervous system must be avoided unless specifically 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 might 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, adhering to these steps not only assists in your recovery but also minimizes the risk of exacerbating your condition. Concussions require careful management, and the advice of medical professionals in Femme Osage, MO, like those at Axes Physical Therapy, is necessary.
Physical Therapy for Concussion Treatment in Femme Osage, MO
Physical therapy can be integral in concussion treatment as it manages various post-concussion symptoms through personalized, scientifically-backed rehabilitation plans. Femme Osage, MO physical therapists employ techniques like vestibular rehabilitation and vision therapy to reduce balance and visual disturbances and adjust your gait. Additionally, physical therapy contributes to safely regaining physical function and stamina, while also providing 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 Femme Osage, MO safely, with a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
20% concussions take longer than three weeks to resolve, and physical therapy is essential in those cases. Concussions can disrupt the brain’s usual functioning, leading to a array of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Physical therapy offers a focused approach to tackle these diverse effects, enabling a more secure and more effective recovery. Your concussion treatment plan in Femme Osage, MO may include:
- Personalized Recovery Plans: Physical therapists create individualized recovery plans based on the specific 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 encounter dizziness and balance issues. Physical therapists are skilled at vestibular rehabilitation, which comprises 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 aid in restoring these functions, such as visual tracking and coordination activities, which are critical for tasks like reading and driving.
- Cervical Spine Treatment: Neck injuries commonly accompany concussions. Physical therapists can offer treatments for the cervical spine, which involve exercises to enhance neck strength, flexibility, and minimize pain.
- Exercise Therapy: Progressive exercise programs are designed to effectively increase physical activity without intensifying concussion symptoms. 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 related to concussions.
- Education and Guidance: A key part of physical therapy is teaching you about concussion management, including activity modification and strategies to cope with 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 Femme Osage, MO is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s a flexible approach that responds to the ongoing needs of each individual recovering from a concussion. By tackling the particular challenges and symptoms each patient faces, physical therapy can significantly enhance 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 Femme Osage, MO
Choosing the right physical therapy provider for your concussion treatment in Femme Osage, MO is vital. Axes Physical Therapy in Femme Osage, MO stands out as a top choice for several compelling reasons:
Locally Owned and Operated
Axes is a locally owned entity, strongly integrated in the Femme Osage, 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 personalized touch to our services, ensuring that your treatment feels more like a community effort than a typical procedure.
Expertise and Experience
With more than 20 years of leadership in the physical therapy industry in Femme Osage, MO, Axes features a team of very knowledgeable clinicians. This extensive experience is in treating a wide range of conditions, including understanding the details 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 healing 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 tailored to your particular needs, helping you resume the activities you love with a focus on sustainable and sustainable recovery.
Commitment to Positive Outcomes
A positive experience during your recovery is just as crucial as the clinical outcomes. Axes Physical Therapy prides ourselves on creating an environment where patients feel encouraged, understood, and motivated. Our enthusiasm 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 service-oriented business, Axes sets 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 breath of fresh air in a world where these qualities can sometimes be overlooked in healthcare.
Comprehensive Approach to Wellness
While the concentration of your treatment at Axes will be on concussion recovery, our comprehensive approach to physical therapy means that your overall wellness is always in view. Our Femme Osage, MO team understands the intricate interplay between physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing, especially in conditions like post-concussion syndrome, and strives to address all aspects of your health.
Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Femme Osage, 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 Femme Osage, MO, we form a team with you and your doctor to create 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 comprehensive recovery. Call the Axes location nearest you or request an appointment online for your concussion treatment in Femme Osage, MO.