Concussion treatment in Kimmswick, MO. Concussions are far beyond a knock on the head; they are serious injuries that can have long-term effects if not handled properly. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who’s got in a car accident, Axes Physical Therapy in Kimmswick, MO can be an effective part of your healing journey that returns you to the activities you love most safely and effectively.

Based on research from the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, physical therapy as part of your concussion treatment:

• Helps in managing post-concussion symptoms
• Facilitates earlier returns and/or shorter periods of recovery
• Has been deemed safe for treating post-concussion symptoms

If you or someone you love is experiencing concussion symptoms, reach out to the Axes location most convenient for you or make an appointment online to begin your concussion treatment in Kimmswick, MO today.

Understanding Concussions

A concussion is considered a traumatic brain injury usually caused by an impact to the head or a rapid, aggressive shaking that leads to the brain moving within the skull. This movement can cause a brief disruption in normal brain function, impacting mental functions, balance, mood, and even sleep. Unlike more severe brain injuries, concussions often do not cause visible structural damage to the brain, and therefore they are sometimes referred to as “invisible injuries.” Still, this does not minimize their potential severity, as concussions can have serious short-term and long-term effects on an individual’s overall health and quality of life.

Concussions happen for a variety of reasons, making them a risk for nearly everyone. Common causes include falls, sports injuries, car accidents, and blows to the head during everyday activities. In sports, concussions are often 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 can result 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 rapidly back and forth inside the skull — such as whiplash — can be adequate 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 seriousness of symptoms can fluctuate significantly depending on the person and the specifics of the injury. That’s why correct diagnosis and treatment, typically involving rest and a steady return to normal activities, are essential to a complete recovery from a concussion. If symptoms persist even after rest.

Concussion Symptoms

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

Immediate Symptoms

• Pain in the head or a sense of pressure in the head
• Brief unconsciousness or feeling confused
• A sense of confusion or feeling as if in a haze
• Feeling dizzy or visual disorientation
• Tinnitus
• Stomach upset or vomiting
• Difficulty speaking clearly
• Slowed response to questions
• Exhaustion

Long-Term Symptoms

• Ongoing headaches
• Focus and memory issues
• Grumpiness and other emotional changes
• Hypersensitivity to light and noise
• Sleep problems
• 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 persistent symptoms, it is essential to seek medical treatment immediately. A healthcare professional in Kimmswick, MO, such as those at Axes Physical Therapy, can assess your condition and recommend the right course of action, including rest and tailored concussion treatments customized 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 Kimmswick, MO

Recognizing that you could have a concussion is the initial important step in getting the right concussion treatment. Here’s what you should do if you suspect you have a concussion:

• Seek Medical Attention Immediately: It’s crucial to see a healthcare professional without delay. Even if the symptoms seem mild, securing a proper diagnosis is crucial because the consequences of a concussion can be subtle and often delayed.
• Rest and Limit Activities: Until you can see 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 mental effort or mental strain, as these might worsen symptoms.
• Monitor Symptoms: Monitor your symptoms, observing any changes or new symptoms that arise. This information becomes valuable for healthcare providers in assessing and addressing your concussion.
• Avoid Alcohol and Certain Medications: Alcohol and medications that impact the nervous system must be avoided unless explicitly advised by a healthcare professional.
• Don’t Drive: Until given the green light by a medical professional, refrain from driving as your reflexes and decision-making abilities might be impaired.
• Follow Professional Guidance: Once you’ve visited a healthcare provider, stick to their recommendations strictly. This might include a set of instructions for progressively returning to normal activities, particular concussion treatments, subsequent visits, or an ongoing physical therapy plan.

Remember, adhering to these steps not only assists in your recovery but also reduces the risk of exacerbating your condition. Concussions need careful management, and the direction of medical professionals in Kimmswick, MO, like those at Axes Physical Therapy, is crucial.

Physical Therapy for Concussion Treatment in Kimmswick, MO

Physical therapy can be crucial in concussion treatment as it addresses a range of post-concussion symptoms through individualized, scientifically-backed rehabilitation plans. Kimmswick, MO physical therapists employ techniques like vestibular rehabilitation and vision therapy to reduce balance and visual disturbances and correct your gait. Additionally, physical therapy helps with safely regaining physical function and stamina, while also providing guidance on the right rest and a gradual return to daily activities. Axes’ multi-faceted approach ensures you can get back to the activities you love in Kimmswick, MO with safety, with a treatment plan customized to your unique needs.

20% concussions require longer than three weeks to recover from, and physical therapy is crucial in those cases. Concussions can impair the brain’s usual functioning, leading to a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Physical therapy offers a specific approach to address these multiple effects, aiding in a safer and more effective recovery. Your concussion treatment plan in Kimmswick, MO may include:

• Personalized Recovery Plans: Physical therapists formulate individualized recovery plans based on the specific symptoms and needs of each patient. These plans frequently include exercises and activities intended to gradually restore normal function without exacerbating symptoms.
• Vestibular Therapy: Numerous concussion patients suffer from dizziness and balance issues. Physical therapists are trained in vestibular rehabilitation, which comprises exercises to better 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 essential for tasks like reading and driving.
• Cervical Spine Treatment: Neck injuries often accompany concussions. Physical therapists can offer treatments for the cervical spine, which comprise exercises to increase neck strength, flexibility, and minimize pain.
• Exercise Therapy: Gradual exercise programs are designed to effectively 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 have the potential to relieve headaches and neck pain associated with concussions.
• Education and Guidance: A vital part of physical therapy is informing you about concussion management, including activity modification and strategies to deal 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 can reduce chances of persisting symptoms. Physical therapy in Kimmswick, MO is not a standardized solution; it’s a patient-centered approach that responds to the evolving needs of each individual recovering from a concussion. By addressing the particular challenges and symptoms each patient faces, physical therapy can markedly enhance the recovery process and help patients get back to their daily activities – and the activities they love most – securely and successfully.

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

Choosing the best physical therapy provider for your concussion treatment in Kimmswick, MO is essential. Axes Physical Therapy in Kimmswick, MO stands out as a leading choice for many compelling reasons:

Locally Owned and Operated

Axes is a locally operated entity, deeply rooted in the Kimmswick, MO community. This local connection builds a stronger understanding and commitment to the healthcare needs of the residents. Being run by physical therapists who are integrated into 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 more than two decades of experience in the physical therapy industry in Kimmswick, MO, Axes presents a team of highly experienced clinicians. This extensive experience is in handling a wide range of conditions, including understanding the nuances of concussion management. Our team’s expertise ensures that your treatment is led by experienced professionals who are highly proficient in the latest and most efficient concussion treatment methodologies.

Patient-Centered Approach

At Axes, your rehabilitation and needs take priority. Understanding that each concussion patient has individual challenges and recovery trajectories, we focus on a patient-focused approach. This means your treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs, helping you return 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 prides ourselves on fostering 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 pleasant and positive as possible.

Emphasis on Relationships

As a care-centered 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 emphasis of your treatment at Axes will be on concussion recovery, our all-encompassing approach to physical therapy means that your total wellness is always in view. Our Kimmswick, MO team acknowledges the sophisticated interplay between physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing, particularly in conditions like post-concussion syndrome, and strives to tackle all aspects of your health.

Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Kimmswick, MO

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