Concussion treatment in Green Park, MO. Concussions are more than just a knock on the head; they are intricate injuries that require expert care and attention. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who’s got in an auto accident, Axes Physical Therapy in Green Park, 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:

• Is beneficial at easing post-concussion symptoms
• Enables earlier comebacks and/or shorter periods of recovery
• Is widely recognized as safe for concussion treatment

If you or someone you love is dealing with concussion symptoms, call the Axes location most convenient for you or make an appointment through our website to begin your concussion treatment in Green Park, MO today.

Understanding Concussions

A concussion is considered a traumatic brain injury typically caused by a blow to the head or a forceful jolt that causes the brain moving within the skull. This movement can lead to a brief disruption in normal brain function, impacting cognitive processes, physical coordination, emotional stability, and even sleep. Unlike more severe brain injuries, concussions often do not lead to visible structural damage to the brain, and therefore they are sometimes called “invisible injuries.” However, this does not lessen their potential severity, as concussions can have significant short-term and long-term effects on an individual’s health and ability to function normally.

Concussions can occur in numerous circumstances, making them a risk for almost anyone. Common causes include falls, sports injuries, auto accidents, and blows to the head during routine activities. 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 typically occur from incidents such as slipping on ice, 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 violently inside the skull — such as whiplash — can be enough to cause a concussion.

It’s important to note that most of these changes are transient and reversible, which is why numerous people fully recover from concussions. However, the length and intensity of symptoms can vary widely depending on the specific individual and the particulars of the injury. That’s why correct diagnosis and treatment, typically involving rest and a gradual return to normal activities, are essential to a healthy recovery from a concussion. If symptoms persist even after rest.

Concussion Symptoms

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

Short-Term Symptoms

• Pain in the head or a sensation of pressure in the head
• Temporary loss of consciousness or feeling dazed
• A sense of confusion or feeling as if in a fog
• A sense of dizziness or “seeing stars”
• Ear ringing
• Stomach upset or vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Slowed response to questions
• Tiredness

Lingering Symptoms

• Ongoing headaches
• Focus and memory problems
• Irritability and other mood changes
• Increased sensitivity 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 suspect a concussion, whether due to the presence of immediate or prolonged symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional in Green Park, 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 customized 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 Green Park, MO

Recognizing that you might have a concussion is the first crucial step in getting the appropriate concussion treatment. Here’s what you should do if you think you have a concussion:

• Seek Medical Attention Immediately: It’s crucial to visit 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 not always obvious and sometimes delayed.
• Rest and Limit Activities: Until you can visit a medical professional, rest is key. Refrain from physical activities, notably sports or exercises that may result in another head injury. Additionally, limit activities that require focus or mental strain, as these might worsen symptoms.
• Monitor Symptoms: Record your symptoms, observing any differences or new symptoms that emerge. This information can be essential for healthcare providers in evaluating and managing your concussion.
• Stay Away From Alcohol and Certain Medications: Alcohol and medications that can affect the nervous system ought to be avoided unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.
• Don’t Drive: Until cleared by a medical professional, refrain from driving as your reaction times and decision-making abilities could be impaired.
• Follow Professional Guidance: Once you’ve consulted a healthcare provider, follow their recommendations diligently. This might include a set of instructions for slowly returning to normal activities, specific concussion treatments, subsequent visits, or an extended physical therapy plan.

Remember, taking these steps not only helps in your recovery but also minimizes the risk of worsening your condition. Concussions require careful management, and the direction of medical professionals in Green Park, MO, like those at Axes Physical Therapy, is necessary.

Physical Therapy for Concussion Treatment in Green Park, MO

Physical therapy can be crucial in concussion treatment as it tackles a range of post-concussion symptoms through personalized, scientifically-backed rehabilitation plans. Green Park, MO physical therapists employ techniques like vestibular rehabilitation and vision therapy to reduce 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 proper rest and a gradual return to daily activities. Axes’ multi-faceted approach ensures you can return to the activities you love in Green Park, MO with safety, with a treatment plan customized to your unique needs.

20% concussions need longer than three weeks to heal, and physical therapy is vital in those cases. Concussions can impair the brain’s usual functioning, leading to a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Physical therapy offers a specific approach to manage these diverse effects, aiding in a safer and more effective recovery. Your concussion treatment plan in Green Park, MO may include:

• Personalized Recovery Plans: Physical therapists formulate individualized recovery plans based on the specific symptoms and needs of each patient. These plans often include exercises and activities crafted to gradually restore normal function without aggravating symptoms.
• Vestibular Therapy: A significant number of concussion patients encounter dizziness and balance issues. Physical therapists are trained in vestibular rehabilitation, which comprises exercises to enhance balance and minimize dizziness-related problems.
• Visual and Cognitive Exercises: Concussions can affect visual and cognitive functions. Therapists use specific exercises to assist in the recovery of these functions, such as visual tracking and coordination activities, which are critical for tasks like reading and driving.
• Cervical Spine Treatment: Neck injuries frequently accompany concussions. Physical therapists can deliver treatments for the cervical spine, which include exercises to increase neck strength, flexibility, and reduce pain.
• Exercise Therapy: Gradual exercise programs are crafted to safely increase physical activity without making your symptoms worse. These exercises aid in restoring physical endurance, strength, and cardiovascular health.
• Manual Therapy: Techniques including soft tissue mobilization and gentle joint mobilizations can relieve headaches and neck pain associated with concussions.
• Education and Guidance: A vital part of physical therapy is teaching you about concussion management, including changes in activity and strategies to cope with 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 Green Park, MO is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s a dynamic approach that adapts to the ongoing needs of each individual recovering from a concussion. By targeting the specific challenges and symptoms each patient faces, physical therapy can markedly enhance the recovery process and help patients get back to their daily activities – and favorite activities – securely and effectively.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Green Park, MO

Choosing the right physical therapy provider for your concussion treatment in Green Park, MO is critical. Axes Physical Therapy in Green Park, 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 Green Park, 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 members of the local fabric, Axes brings a customized 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 expertise in the physical therapy industry in Green Park, MO, Axes boasts a team of very knowledgeable clinicians. This broad experience is in handling a wide range of conditions, including understanding the complexities of concussion management. Our team’s expertise ensures that your treatment is guided by experienced professionals who are highly proficient in the latest and most efficient concussion treatment methodologies.

Patient-Centered Approach

At Axes, your recovery and needs take center stage. Understanding that each concussion patient has individual challenges and recovery trajectories, we focus on a patient-centered approach. This means your treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs, helping you resume the activities you love with a focus on long-term and sustainable recovery.

Commitment to Positive Outcomes

A positive experience during your recovery is as vital as the clinical outcomes. Axes Physical Therapy prides ourselves on establishing an environment where patients feel encouraged, acknowledged, and motivated. Our enthusiasm 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 service-oriented 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 sometimes 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 total wellness is always in view. Our Green Park, MO team recognizes the sophisticated interplay between physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing, particularly in conditions like post-concussion syndrome, and aims to address all aspects of your health.

Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Green Park, MO

Navigating the path to recovery after a concussion can be challenging, but with the correct care and support, it is entirely achievable. When you trust in Axes for your concussion treatment in Green Park, 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 safely 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 Green Park, MO.