Concussion treatment in Flint Hill, MO. Concussions are far beyond 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 suffered a fall, Axes Physical Therapy in Flint Hill, MO can be an essential part of your treatment plan that returns you to the activities you love in the safest manner possible 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 decreasing post-concussion symptoms
- Facilitates earlier returns and/or shorter periods of recovery
- Is widely recognized as safe for treating post-concussion symptoms
If you or someone you love is dealing with concussion symptoms, call the Axes location nearest you or make an appointment through our website to initiate your concussion treatment in Flint Hill, MO today.
About Concussions
A concussion is essentially a type of traumatic brain injury typically caused by a hit to the head or a forceful jolt that causes the brain moving within the skull. This movement can cause a temporary interference in healthy brain function, impacting cognitive processes, physical coordination, mood, and even sleep. Unlike life-threatening brain injuries, concussions usually do not lead to visible structural damage to the brain, and therefore they are sometimes described as “invisible injuries.” Still, this does not minimize their potential severity, as concussions can have profound 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 nearly everyone. Common causes include falls, sports injuries, auto accidents, and any other type of blow to the head. In sports, concussions are commonly associated with intense or contact sports like football and soccer, but they can occur in any athletic activity, including non-contact sports. Outside of sports, concussions can result 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 rapidly back and forth 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 most people fully recover from concussions. However, the duration and intensity of symptoms can differ greatly depending on the specific individual and the details of the injury. That’s why proper diagnosis and management, typically involving rest and a steady return to normal activities, are essential to a successful recovery from a concussion. If symptoms persist even after rest.
Concussion Symptoms
Concussions can cause not only immediate and extended symptoms:
Immediate Symptoms
- Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
- Temporary loss of consciousness or feeling dazed
- A sense of confusion or feeling as if in a haze
- Feeling dizzy or visual disorientation
- Ringing in the ears
- Feeling nauseous or vomiting
- Impaired speech
- Delayed response to questions
- Exhaustion
Lingering Symptoms
- Continual headaches
- Concentration and memory problems
- Irritability and other emotional changes
- 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 are concerned about a concussion, whether due to the presence of immediate or lingering symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical treatment immediately. A healthcare professional in Flint Hill, 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 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 Flint Hill, MO
Acknowledging that you could 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 crucial to see a healthcare professional without delay. Even if the symptoms appear mild, obtaining a proper diagnosis is vital because the consequences of a concussion can be subtle and occasionally delayed.
- Rest and Limit Activities: Until you can visit a medical professional, rest is essential. Steer clear of physical activities, especially sports or exercises that might result in another head injury. Moreover, limit activities that require focus or mental strain, as these might worsen symptoms.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, keeping an eye on any changes or new symptoms that arise. This information can be valuable for healthcare providers in diagnosing and treating your concussion.
- Stay Away From Alcohol and Certain Medications: Alcohol and medications that can affect the nervous system should be avoided unless explicitly advised by a healthcare professional.
- Don’t Drive: Until approved by a medical professional, avoid driving as your reaction times and decision-making abilities could be impaired.
- Follow Professional Guidance: Once you’ve seen a healthcare provider, stick to their recommendations closely. This might include a series of steps for slowly returning to normal activities, tailored concussion treatments, follow-up appointments, or an ongoing physical therapy plan.
Remember, adhering to these steps not only helps in your recovery but also minimizes the risk of aggravating your condition. Concussions need careful management, and the advice of medical professionals in Flint Hill, MO, like those at Axes Physical Therapy, is crucial.
Physical Therapy for Concussion Treatment in Flint Hill, MO
Physical therapy can be crucial in concussion treatment as it addresses various post-concussion symptoms through individualized, evidence-backed rehabilitation plans. Flint Hill, 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 the safe restoration of physical function and endurance, while also offering guidance on the right rest and a gradual return to daily activities. Axes’ holistic approach ensures you can get back to the activities you love in Flint Hill, MO safely, with a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
A fifth of concussions need longer than three weeks to recover from, 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 controlled and better recovery. Your concussion treatment plan in Flint Hill, MO may include:
- Personalized Recovery Plans: Physical therapists develop individualized recovery plans based on the specific symptoms and needs of each patient. These plans commonly include exercises and activities designed to steadily restore normal function without aggravating symptoms.
- Vestibular Therapy: Numerous concussion patients suffer from dizziness and balance issues. Physical therapists are skilled at vestibular rehabilitation, which comprises exercises to enhance balance and reduce dizziness-related problems.
- Visual and Cognitive Exercises: Concussions can impact visual and cognitive functions. Therapists employ specific exercises to assist in the recovery of these functions, such as eye-tracking and coordination activities, which are vital for tasks like reading and driving.
- Cervical Spine Treatment: Neck injuries often accompany concussions. Physical therapists can offer treatments for the cervical spine, which include exercises to enhance neck strength, flexibility, and minimize pain.
- Exercise Therapy: Progressive exercise programs are formulated to safely increase physical activity without worsening concussion symptoms. These exercises aid in restoring endurance, strength, and cardiovascular health.
- Manual Therapy: Techniques including soft tissue mobilization and gentle joint mobilizations have the potential to relieve headaches and neck pain related to concussions.
- Education and Guidance: A crucial part of physical therapy is informing you about concussion management, including activity modification and strategies to cope 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 may reduce chances of persisting symptoms. Physical therapy in Flint Hill, MO is not a universal solution; it’s a patient-centered approach that evolves with the changing needs of each individual recovering from a concussion. By targeting the specific challenges and symptoms each patient faces, physical therapy can greatly 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 Flint Hill, MO
Choosing the appropriate physical therapy provider for your concussion treatment in Flint Hill, MO is one of the most important aspects of your recovery. Axes Physical Therapy in Flint Hill, MO stands out as a top choice for many compelling reasons:
Locally Owned and Operated
Axes is a locally operated entity, strongly integrated in the Flint Hill, MO community. This local connection fosters a deeper understanding and commitment to the healthcare needs of the residents. Being run by physical therapists who are part of the local fabric, Axes brings a personalized 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 experience in the physical therapy industry in Flint Hill, MO, Axes features a team of very knowledgeable clinicians. This vast 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 experienced professionals who are well-versed in the latest and most advanced concussion treatment methodologies.
Patient-Centered Approach
At Axes, your rehabilitation 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 personalized to your particular needs, helping you resume the activities you love with a focus on sustainable and sustainable recovery.
Commitment to Positive Outcomes
A satisfactory experience during your recovery is equally important as the clinical outcomes. Axes Physical Therapy takes pride in establishing an environment where patients feel cared for, understood, and motivated. Our dedication for helping others is evident in every interaction, ensuring that your journey to recovery is as comfortable and positive as possible.
Emphasis on Relationships
As a patient-focused business, Axes puts 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 welcomed change 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 holistic approach to physical therapy means that your complete wellness is always in view. Our Flint Hill, MO team understands the sophisticated interplay between physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing, especially in conditions like post-concussion syndrome, and aims to address all aspects of your health.
Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Flint Hill, MO
Navigating the path to recovery after a concussion can be demanding, but with the appropriate care and support, it is entirely achievable. When you trust in Axes for your concussion treatment in Flint Hill, MO, we form a team with you and your doctor to establish an research-supported 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 protected and thorough recovery. Call the Axes location nearest you or request an appointment online for your concussion treatment in Flint Hill, MO.