Concussion treatment in Hazelwood, MO. Concussions are not merely 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 a car accident, Axes Physical Therapy in Hazelwood, MO can be an integral part of your recovery process that gets you back to the activities you love most safely and successfully.

According to the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, research indicates that physical therapy as part of your concussion treatment:

• Aids in easing post-concussion symptoms
• Enables earlier comebacks and/or shorter days to recovery
• Has been deemed safe for treating post-concussion symptoms

If you or someone you know has gotten a concussion, call the Axes location nearest you or make an appointment through our website to get started with your concussion treatment in Hazelwood, MO today.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is considered a traumatic brain injury typically caused by a hit to the head or a forceful jolt that leads to the brain moving within the skull. This movement can result in a brief disruption in normal brain function, affecting cognitive processes, balance, mood, and sleep patterns. Unlike life-threatening brain injuries, concussions often do not result in visible structural damage to the brain, and therefore they are sometimes described as “invisible injuries.” However, this does not lessen their potential severity, as concussions can have serious short-term and long-term effects on an individual’s overall health and day-to-day life.

Concussions happen for a variety of reasons, 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 commonly associated with intense or contact sports like football and soccer, but they can occur in all 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 mention that a concussion can happen even without a direct blow to the head, as any action that causes the brain to move aggressively inside the skull — such as whiplash — can be sufficient to cause a concussion.

It’s important to note that most of these changes are transient and reversible, which is why a large number of people fully recover from concussions. However, the duration and seriousness of symptoms can differ greatly depending on the specific individual and the details of the injury. That’s why correct diagnosis and management, typically involving rest and a gradual return to normal activities, are crucial to a healthy recovery from a concussion. If symptoms linger even after rest.

Concussion Symptoms

Concussions can cause both immediate and longer-term symptoms:

Short-Term Symptoms

• Headache or a sense of pressure in the head
• Brief unconsciousness or feeling dazed
• Disorientation or feeling as if in a fog
• Dizziness or visual disorientation
• Ringing in the ears
• Stomach upset or vomiting
• Difficulty speaking clearly
• Delayed response to questions
• Exhaustion

Lingering Symptoms

• Ongoing headaches
• Concentration and memory problems
• Grumpiness and other mood swings
• 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 think you might have a concussion, whether due to the presence of immediate or lingering symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional in Hazelwood, MO, such as those at Axes Physical Therapy, can diagnose your condition and recommend the right course of action, including rest and particular concussion treatments suited 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 Hazelwood, MO

Acknowledging that you might have a concussion is the initial important step in getting the appropriate concussion treatment. Here’s what you should do if you believe you have a concussion:

• Seek Medical Attention Right Away: It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional without delay. Even if the symptoms feel mild, securing a proper diagnosis is important because the effects of a concussion can be not always obvious and occasionally delayed.
• Rest and Limit Activities: Until you can visit a medical professional, rest is crucial. Avoid physical activities, especially sports or exercises that might result in another head injury. Additionally, limit activities that require mental effort or mental strain, as these can worsen symptoms.
• Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, keeping an eye on any changes or new symptoms that arise. This information becomes crucial for healthcare providers in assessing and treating your concussion.
• Avoid 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 cleared by a medical professional, refrain from driving as your reaction times and cognitive abilities may be impaired.
• Follow Professional Guidance: Once you’ve consulted a healthcare provider, follow their recommendations closely. This might include a set of instructions for slowly returning to normal activities, particular concussion treatments, check-ups, or an extended physical therapy plan.

Remember, following these steps not only assists in your recovery but also reduces the risk of exacerbating your condition. Concussions demand careful management, and the guidance of medical professionals in Hazelwood, MO, like those at Axes Physical Therapy, is necessary.

Physical Therapy for Concussion Treatment in Hazelwood, MO

Physical therapy can be integral in concussion treatment as it tackles a range of post-concussion symptoms through customized, evidence-backed treatment plans. Hazelwood, MO physical therapists employ techniques like vestibular rehabilitation and vision therapy to reduce balance and visual disturbances and adjust your gait. Additionally, physical therapy helps with safely regaining physical function and stamina, while also providing guidance on appropriate rest and a gradual return to daily activities. Axes’ multi-faceted approach ensures you can resume the activities you love in Hazelwood, MO safely, with a treatment plan specifically designed to your unique needs.

A fifth of concussions require longer than three weeks to recover from, and physical therapy is vital in those cases. Concussions can disrupt the brain’s normal functioning, leading to a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Physical therapy offers a specific approach to manage these varied effects, enabling a more secure and more effective recovery. Your concussion treatment plan in Hazelwood, MO may include:

• Personalized Recovery Plans: Physical therapists formulate 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 aggravating symptoms.
• Vestibular Therapy: Numerous concussion patients suffer from dizziness and balance issues. Physical therapists are skilled at vestibular rehabilitation, which includes exercises to enhance balance and lessen dizziness-related problems.
• Visual and Cognitive Exercises: Concussions can affect visual and cognitive functions. Therapists employ specific exercises to aid in restoring these functions, such as eye-tracking and coordination activities, which are vital for tasks like reading and driving.
• Cervical Spine Treatment: Neck injuries commonly accompany concussions. Physical therapists can offer treatments for the cervical spine, which involve exercises to increase neck strength, flexibility, and reduce pain.
• Exercise Therapy: Progressive exercise programs are formulated to securely increase physical activity without intensifying concussion symptoms. These exercises assist 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 related to concussions.
• Education and Guidance: A vital part of physical therapy is educating you about concussion management, including modifying activities and strategies to cope with symptoms. This education enables you to take an engaged role in your recovery.

Choosing physical therapy for concussion treatment within the first two weeks might reduce chances of persisting symptoms. Physical therapy in Hazelwood, MO is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s a patient-centered approach that evolves with the ongoing needs of each individual recovering from a concussion. By tackling the unique challenges and symptoms each patient faces, physical therapy can significantly boost 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 Hazelwood, MO

Choosing the appropriate physical therapy provider for your concussion treatment in Hazelwood, MO is essential. Axes Physical Therapy in Hazelwood, MO stands out as a premier choice for several compelling reasons:

Locally Owned and Operated

Axes is a locally owned entity, strongly integrated in the Hazelwood, MO community. This local connection builds a deeper understanding and commitment to the healthcare needs of the residents. Being managed by physical therapists who are part of 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 experience in the physical therapy industry in Hazelwood, MO, Axes features a team of extremely skilled 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 led by knowledgeable professionals who are experts in the latest and most advanced concussion treatment methodologies.

Patient-Centered Approach

At Axes, your healing and needs take center stage. Understanding that every individual’s recovery is unique, we focus on a patient-focused approach. This means your treatment plan is personalized 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 positive experience during your recovery is just as crucial 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 pleasant and positive as possible.

Emphasis on Relationships

As a patient-focused business, Axes places 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 refreshing approach in a world where these qualities can occasionally be overlooked in healthcare.

Comprehensive Approach to Wellness

While the focus of your treatment at Axes will be on concussion recovery, our comprehensive approach to physical therapy means that your total wellness is always in view. Our Hazelwood, 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 Hazelwood, MO

Navigating the path to recovery after a concussion can be difficult, but with the right care and support, it is entirely achievable. When you trust in Axes for your concussion treatment in Hazelwood, MO, we form a team with you and your doctor to establish an evidence-backed 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 secure and thorough recovery. Call the Axes location nearest you or request an appointment online for your concussion treatment in Hazelwood, MO.