Concussion treatment in Festus, MO. Concussions are not merely a knock on the head; they are serious injuries that require expert care and attention. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who’s got in a car accident, Axes Physical Therapy in Festus, MO can be an effective part of your treatment plan that gets you back to the activities you love in the safest manner possible and successfully.
Based on research from the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, physical therapy as part of your concussion treatment:
- Aids in managing post-concussion symptoms
- Allows for 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 most convenient for you or schedule an appointment online to initiate your concussion treatment in Festus, MO today.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is considered a traumatic brain injury commonly caused by a hit to the head or a forceful jolt that causes the brain moving within the skull. This movement can lead to a temporary interference in healthy brain function, impacting mental functions, physical coordination, emotional stability, and even sleep. Unlike life-threatening brain injuries, concussions often do not cause visible structural damage to the brain, and therefore they are sometimes called “invisible injuries.” Still, this does not lessen their potential severity, as concussions can have significant short-term and long-term effects on an individual’s health and quality of life.
Concussions can occur in numerous circumstances, 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 frequently associated with high-impact or contact sports like football and soccer, but they can occur in any athletic activity, including non-contact sports. Outside of sports, concussions typically occur 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 rapidly back and forth 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 most people fully recover from concussions. However, the duration and severity of symptoms can fluctuate significantly 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 healthy recovery from a concussion. If symptoms continue even after rest.
Concussion Symptoms
Concussions can cause both immediate and prolonged symptoms:
Immediate Symptoms
- Headache or a sense of pressure in the head
- Temporary loss of consciousness or feeling confused
- A sense of confusion or feeling as if in a haze
- Dizziness or “seeing stars”
- Tinnitus
- Nausea or vomiting
- Impaired speech
- Delayed response to questions
- Tiredness
Lingering Symptoms
- Ongoing headaches
- Focus and memory complaints
- Irritability and other mood swings
- Hypersensitivity to light and noise
- Trouble sleeping
- 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 lingering symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional in Festus, MO, such as those at Axes Physical Therapy, can diagnose your condition and recommend the suitable course of action, including rest and specific concussion treatments tailored 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 Festus, MO
Acknowledging that you could have a concussion is the first crucial step in getting the appropriate concussion treatment. Here’s what you should do if you suspect you have a concussion:
- Seek Medical Attention Right Away: It’s imperative to consult a healthcare professional immediately. Even if the symptoms feel mild, securing a proper diagnosis is important because the effects of a concussion can be hard to notice and occasionally delayed.
- Rest and Limit Activities: Until you can visit a medical professional, rest is key. Refrain from physical activities, notably sports or exercises that might result in another head injury. Additionally, limit activities that require focus or mental strain, as these can worsen symptoms.
- Monitor Symptoms: Monitor your symptoms, observing any differences or new symptoms that occur. This information is valuable for healthcare providers in diagnosing and addressing your concussion.
- Avoid Alcohol and Certain Medications: Alcohol and medications that impact the nervous system should be avoided unless directly advised by a healthcare professional.
- Don’t Drive: Until cleared by a medical professional, refrain from driving as your reaction times and cognitive abilities could be impaired.
- Follow Professional Guidance: Once you’ve visited a healthcare provider, follow their recommendations closely. This might include a series of steps for slowly returning to normal activities, particular concussion treatments, check-ups, or an ongoing physical therapy plan.
Remember, taking these steps not only aids in your recovery but also minimizes the risk of aggravating your condition. Concussions need careful management, and the direction of medical professionals in Festus, MO, like those at Axes Physical Therapy, is necessary.
Physical Therapy for Concussion Treatment in Festus, MO
Physical therapy can be integral in concussion treatment as it addresses a range of post-concussion symptoms through individualized, evidence-backed rehabilitation plans. Festus, MO physical therapists employ techniques like vestibular rehabilitation and vision therapy to alleviate balance and visual disturbances and improve your gait. Additionally, physical therapy contributes to the safe restoration of physical function and endurance, while also offering guidance on the right rest and the gradual return to normal activities. Axes’ holistic approach ensures you can get back to the activities you love in Festus, MO safely, with a treatment plan customized to your unique needs.
20% concussions take longer than three weeks to recover from, and physical therapy is crucial in those cases. Concussions can disrupt the brain’s normal 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 controlled and effective recovery. Your concussion treatment plan in Festus, MO may include:
- Personalized Recovery Plans: Physical therapists develop individualized recovery plans based on the unique symptoms and needs of each patient. These plans commonly include exercises and activities designed to steadily restore normal function without worsening symptoms.
- Vestibular Therapy: Many concussion patients encounter dizziness and balance issues. Physical therapists are trained in vestibular rehabilitation, which comprises exercises to improve balance and minimize dizziness-related problems.
- Visual and Cognitive Exercises: Concussions can influence visual and cognitive functions. Therapists employ specific exercises to assist in the recovery of these functions, such as visual tracking and coordination activities, which are vital for tasks like reading and driving.
- Cervical Spine Treatment: Neck injuries commonly accompany concussions. Physical therapists can deliver treatments for the cervical spine, which comprise exercises to enhance neck strength, flexibility, and alleviate pain.
- Exercise Therapy: Gradual exercise programs are formulated to effectively increase physical activity without making your symptoms worse. These exercises aid in restoring endurance, strength, and cardiovascular health.
- Manual Therapy: Techniques including 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 activity modification and strategies to deal with symptoms. This education equips you to take an involved role in your recovery.
Choosing physical therapy for concussion treatment within the first two weeks might reduce chances of persisting symptoms. Physical therapy in Festus, MO is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s a dynamic approach that evolves with the ongoing needs of each individual recovering from a concussion. By targeting the specific challenges and symptoms each patient faces, physical therapy can markedly boost the recovery process and help patients resume their daily activities – and favorite activities – safely and successfully.
Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Festus, MO
Choosing the appropriate physical therapy provider for your concussion treatment in Festus, MO is one of the most important aspects of your recovery. Axes Physical Therapy in Festus, MO stands out as a leading choice for several compelling reasons:
Locally Owned and Operated
Axes is a locally owned entity, firmly entrenched in the Festus, 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 clinical procedure.
Expertise and Experience
With in excess of 20 years of expertise in the physical therapy industry in Festus, MO, Axes presents a team of very knowledgeable clinicians. This broad experience is in treating a wide range of conditions, including understanding the nuances of concussion management. Our team’s expertise ensures that your treatment is guided by skilled professionals who are highly proficient in the latest and most advanced concussion treatment methodologies.
Patient-Centered Approach
At Axes, your healing and needs take center stage. 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 get back to the activities you love with a focus on sustainable and sustainable recovery.
Commitment to Positive Outcomes
A rewarding experience during your recovery is as vital as the clinical outcomes. Axes Physical Therapy takes pride in fostering an environment where patients feel supported, listened to, and motivated. Our passion 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 puts a high value on the relationships between our staff and patients. Our belief in the power 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 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 complete wellness is always in view. Our Festus, MO team acknowledges the complex interplay between physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing, particularly in conditions like post-concussion syndrome, and aims to handle all aspects of your health.
Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Festus, MO
Navigating the path to recovery after a concussion can be challenging, but with the right care and support, it is entirely achievable. When you trust in Axes for your concussion treatment in Festus, 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 secure and thorough recovery. Call the Axes location nearest you or request an appointment online for your concussion treatment in Festus, MO.