Concussion treatment in Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO. Concussions are more than just a knock on the head; they are serious injuries that can have long-term effects if not treated properly. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who’s had a fall, Axes Physical Therapy in Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO can be an integral part of your recovery process 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:

• Helps in decreasing post-concussion symptoms
• Enables earlier comebacks and/or shorter days to recovery
• Is widely recognized as safe for treating post-concussion symptoms

If you or someone you know is dealing with concussion symptoms, call the Axes location nearest you or schedule an appointment online to initiate your concussion treatment in Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO today.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is considered a traumatic brain injury usually caused by an impact to the head or a sudden, violent shaking that results in the brain moving within the skull. This movement can lead to a temporary disruption in healthy brain function, influencing cognitive processes, balance, 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.” However, this does not diminish their potential severity, as concussions can have serious short-term and long-term effects on an individual’s overall health and ability to function normally.

Concussions can occur in a variety of situations, 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 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 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 the majority of these changes are temporary and reversible, which is why many people fully recover from concussions. However, the duration and intensity of symptoms can vary widely depending on the individual and the particulars of the injury. That’s why appropriate diagnosis and management, often involving rest and a steady return to normal activities, are crucial to a healthy recovery from a concussion. If symptoms linger even after rest.

Concussion Symptoms

Concussions can cause not only immediate and longer-term symptoms:

Immediate Symptoms

• Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
• Brief unconsciousness or feeling dazed
• Disorientation or feeling as if in a fog
• A sense of dizziness or visual disorientation
• Ringing in the ears
• Feeling nauseous or vomiting
• Impaired speech
• Slowed response to questions
• Fatigue

Long-Term Symptoms

• Ongoing headaches
• Concentration and memory problems
• Irritability 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 suffer from each of these symptoms, and their severity can vary. If you suspect a concussion, whether due to the presence of immediate or lingering symptoms, it is essential to seek medical treatment immediately. A healthcare professional in Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO, such as those at Axes Physical Therapy, can diagnose your condition and recommend the appropriate course of action, including rest and particular concussion treatments tailored to your needs. You can visit any of our locations for a free injury screening.

What to Do if You Think You Have a Concussion in Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO

Identifying that you might have a concussion is the initial important step in getting the right concussion treatment. Here’s what you need to do if you suspect you have a concussion:

• Seek Medical Attention Immediately: It’s imperative to consult 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 subtle and often delayed.
• Rest and Limit Activities: Until you can consult a medical professional, rest is essential. Avoid physical activities, particularly sports or exercises that could result in another head injury. Also, limit activities that require concentration or mental strain, as these may worsen symptoms.
• Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, noting any differences or new symptoms that emerge. This information can be valuable for healthcare providers in diagnosing and treating your concussion.
• Avoid Alcohol and Certain Medications: Alcohol and medications that can affect the nervous system ought to be avoided unless directly advised by a healthcare professional.
• Don’t Drive: Until approved by a medical professional, avoid driving as your reflexes and cognitive abilities may be impaired.
• Follow Professional Guidance: Once you’ve consulted a healthcare provider, follow their recommendations closely. This might include a series of steps for slowly returning to normal activities, specific concussion treatments, follow-up appointments, or an ongoing physical therapy plan.

Remember, taking these steps not only helps in your recovery but also minimizes the risk of exacerbating your condition. Concussions need careful management, and the guidance of medical professionals in Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO, like those at Axes Physical Therapy, is crucial.

Physical Therapy for Concussion Treatment in Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO

Physical therapy can be crucial in concussion treatment as it tackles various post-concussion symptoms through individualized, evidence-backed treatment plans. Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO physical therapists employ techniques like vestibular rehabilitation and vision therapy to alleviate balance and visual disturbances and adjust your gait. Additionally, physical therapy helps with the safe restoration of physical function and endurance, while also providing guidance on proper rest and a gradual return to daily activities. Axes’ multi-faceted approach ensures you can return to the activities you love in Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO with safety, with a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

A fifth of concussions require more than three weeks to heal, and physical therapy is vital in those cases. Concussions can impair the brain’s regular functioning, leading to a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Physical therapy offers a focused approach to tackle these multiple effects, facilitating a more secure and better recovery. Your concussion treatment plan in Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO may include:

• Personalized Recovery Plans: Physical therapists develop individualized recovery plans based on the unique symptoms and needs of each patient. These plans often include exercises and activities intended to gradually restore normal function without aggravating symptoms.
• Vestibular Therapy: Numerous concussion patients encounter dizziness and balance issues. Physical therapists are experienced with vestibular rehabilitation, which comprises exercises to better balance and reduce 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 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 comprise exercises to enhance neck strength, flexibility, and reduce pain.
• Exercise Therapy: Progressive exercise programs are formulated to effectively increase physical activity without making your symptoms worse. These exercises help in restoring stamina, strength, and cardiovascular health.
• Manual Therapy: Techniques including soft tissue mobilization and gentle joint mobilizations have the potential to relieve headaches and neck pain associated with concussions.
• Education and Guidance: A crucial part of physical therapy is educating you about concussion management, including modifying activities and strategies to cope with symptoms. This education equips 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 Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s a dynamic approach that adapts to the evolving needs of each individual recovering from a concussion. By targeting the specific challenges and symptoms each patient faces, physical therapy can significantly enhance the recovery process and help patients resume their daily activities – and the activities they love most – safely and successfully.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO

Choosing the best physical therapy provider for your concussion treatment in Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO is vital. Axes Physical Therapy in Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO stands out as a top choice for many compelling reasons:

Locally Owned and Operated

Axes is a locally operated entity, firmly entrenched in the Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO community. This local connection fosters a greater understanding and commitment to the healthcare needs of the residents. Being run by physical therapists who are members of the local fabric, Axes brings a personalized 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 leadership in the physical therapy industry in Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO, Axes presents a team of extremely skilled clinicians. This vast 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 led by skilled 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 distinct challenges and recovery trajectories, we focus on a patient-centered approach. This means your treatment plan is personalized to your unique needs, helping you return to the activities you love with a focus on long-term and sustainable recovery.

Commitment to Positive Outcomes

A satisfactory experience during your recovery is just as crucial as the clinical outcomes. Axes Physical Therapy prides ourselves on establishing an environment where patients feel cared for, listened to, and motivated. Our passion 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 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 focus of your treatment at Axes will be on concussion recovery, our holistic approach to physical therapy means that your overall wellness is always in view. Our Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO team recognizes the complex interplay between physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing, especially in conditions like post-concussion syndrome, and aims to tackle all aspects of your health.

Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, 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 Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO, we form a team with you and your doctor to establish an scientifically validated treatment plan that gets you back to the activities you love safely and effectively. Reach out to Axes Physical Therapy for a consultation and take the first step towards a secure and complete recovery. Call the Axes location nearest you or request an appointment online for your concussion treatment in Grand Center Arts District, St. Louis, MO.