Concussion treatment in Florissant, MO. Concussions are more than just a knock on the head; they are intricate injuries that require specialized care and attention. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who’s got in an auto accident, Axes Physical Therapy in Florissant, 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 shows that physical therapy as part of your concussion treatment:
- Helps in decreasing post-concussion symptoms
- Allows for earlier returns and/or shorter days to recovery
- Is considered safe for concussion treatment
If you or someone you know has gotten a concussion, contact the Axes location nearest you or request an appointment through our website to initiate your concussion treatment in Florissant, MO today.
About Concussions
A concussion is considered a traumatic brain injury commonly caused by an impact to the head or a forceful jolt that leads to the brain moving within the skull. This movement can result in a temporary interference in healthy brain function, impacting cognitive processes, physical coordination, emotional stability, and sleep patterns. Unlike life-threatening brain injuries, concussions usually do not lead to visible structural damage to the brain, which is why they are sometimes called “invisible injuries.” Nevertheless, this does not lessen their potential severity, as concussions can have significant short-term and long-term effects on an individual’s health and day-to-day life.
Concussions can occur in numerous circumstances, making them a risk for nearly everyone. Common causes include falls, sports injuries, car accidents, and any other type of blow to the head. In sports, concussions are frequently associated with intense or contact sports like football and hockey, but they can occur in every 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 violently inside the skull — such as whiplash — can be sufficient to cause a concussion.
It’s important to note that many of these changes are transient and reversible, which is why most people fully recover from concussions. However, the extent and intensity of symptoms can vary widely depending on the individual and the details of the injury. That’s why correct diagnosis and treatment, typically involving rest and gradual return to normal activities, are critical to a successful 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 feeling of pressure in the head
- Temporary loss of consciousness or feeling confused
- Confusion or feeling as if in a cloud
- Feeling dizzy or visual disorientation
- Tinnitus
- Stomach upset or vomiting
- Impaired speech
- Delayed response to questions
- Tiredness
Lingering Symptoms
- Persistent headaches
- Focus and memory problems
- Grumpiness and other changes in mood
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Sleep problems
- Disorders of taste and smell
- Disorders of balance and coordination
Not everyone will experience all these symptoms, and their severity can vary. If you think you might have a concussion, whether due to the presence of immediate or persistent symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical treatment immediately. A healthcare professional in Florissant, MO, such as those at Axes Physical Therapy, can diagnose your condition and recommend the right course of action, including rest and specific 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 Florissant, MO
Identifying that you could have a concussion is the first vital step in getting the proper concussion treatment. Here’s what you ought to do if you believe you have a concussion:
- Seek Medical Attention Right Away: It’s essential to see a healthcare professional immediately. Even if the symptoms seem 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 see a medical professional, rest is crucial. Avoid physical activities, especially sports or exercises that could result in another head injury. Also, limit activities that require mental effort or mental strain, as these might worsen symptoms.
- Monitor Symptoms: Monitor your symptoms, noting any changes or new symptoms that occur. This information is essential for healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing your concussion.
- Stay Away From 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 may be impaired.
- Follow Professional Guidance: Once you’ve visited a healthcare provider, stick to their recommendations closely. This might include a set of instructions for slowly returning to normal activities, tailored concussion treatments, check-ups, or an continued 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 guidance of medical professionals in Florissant, MO, like those at Axes Physical Therapy, is essential.
Physical Therapy for Concussion Treatment in Florissant, MO
Physical therapy can be integral in concussion treatment as it manages various post-concussion symptoms through personalized, evidence-backed treatment plans. Florissant, MO physical therapists employ techniques like vestibular rehabilitation and vision therapy to reduce balance and visual disturbances and correct your gait. Additionally, physical therapy contributes to the safe restoration of physical function and endurance, while also providing guidance on the right rest and a gradual return to normal activities. Axes’ multi-faceted approach ensures you can return to the activities you love in Florissant, MO securely, with a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
A fifth of concussions need longer than three weeks to heal, and physical therapy is essential in those cases. Concussions can impair the brain’s usual functioning, leading to a array of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Physical therapy offers a targeted approach to address these multiple effects, facilitating a more controlled and more effective recovery. Your concussion treatment plan in Florissant, MO may include:
- Personalized Recovery Plans: Physical therapists develop customized recovery plans based on the unique symptoms and needs of each patient. These plans often include exercises and activities designed to gradually restore normal function without exacerbating symptoms.
- Vestibular Therapy: A significant number of concussion patients experience dizziness and balance issues. Physical therapists are skilled at vestibular rehabilitation, which comprises exercises to improve balance and minimize dizziness-related problems.
- Visual and Cognitive Exercises: Concussions can affect visual and cognitive functions. Therapists utilize specific exercises to help restore these functions, such as visual tracking and coordination activities, which are vital for tasks like reading and driving.
- Cervical Spine Treatment: Neck injuries often accompany concussions. Physical therapists can provide treatments for the cervical spine, which comprise exercises to increase neck strength, flexibility, and alleviate pain.
- Exercise Therapy: Progressive exercise programs are formulated to effectively increase physical activity without making your symptoms worse. These exercises assist in restoring endurance, strength, and cardiovascular health.
- Manual Therapy: Techniques such as soft tissue mobilization and gentle joint mobilizations have the potential to relieve headaches and neck pain associated with concussions.
- Education and Guidance: A key part of physical therapy is informing you about concussion management, including activity modification and strategies to manage symptoms. This education enables 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 Florissant, MO is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s a patient-centered approach that responds to the changing needs of each individual recovering from a concussion. By tackling the unique 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 – securely and successfully.
Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Florissant, MO
Choosing the appropriate physical therapy provider for your concussion treatment in Florissant, MO is essential. Axes Physical Therapy in Florissant, MO stands out as a premier choice for multiple compelling reasons:
Locally Owned and Operated
Axes is a locally operated entity, strongly integrated in the Florissant, MO community. This local connection creates 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 standard procedure.
Expertise and Experience
With more than 20 years of experience in the physical therapy industry in Florissant, MO, Axes presents a team of highly experienced clinicians. This broad experience is in managing 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 highly proficient in the latest and most advanced concussion treatment methodologies.
Patient-Centered Approach
At Axes, your rehabilitation and needs take priority. Understanding that each concussion patient has unique challenges and recovery trajectories, we focus on a patient-focused approach. This means your treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs, helping you get back to the activities you love with a focus on long-term and sustainable recovery.
Commitment to Positive Outcomes
A rewarding experience during your recovery is just as crucial as the clinical outcomes. Axes Physical Therapy takes pride in creating an environment where patients feel supported, understood, and motivated. Our enthusiasm for helping others is evident in every interaction, ensuring that your journey to recovery is as positive and positive as possible.
Emphasis on Relationships
As a service-oriented 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 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 all-encompassing approach to physical therapy means that your complete wellness is always in view. Our Florissant, MO team recognizes the sophisticated interplay between physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing, specifically in conditions like post-concussion syndrome, and aims to address all aspects of your health.
Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO, we form a team with you and your doctor to develop an scientifically validated 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 complete recovery. Call the Axes location nearest you or request an appointment online for your concussion treatment in Florissant, MO.