Concussion treatment in Maplewood, MO. Concussions are more than just a knock on the head; they are serious injuries that require professional care and attention. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who’s got in an auto accident, Axes Physical Therapy in Maplewood, MO can be an effective part of your healing journey that gets you back 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 easing post-concussion symptoms
• Enables earlier comebacks and/or shorter days to recovery
• Is considered safe for treating post-concussion symptoms

If you or someone you know is facing concussion symptoms, contact the Axes location nearest you or make an appointment online to get started with your concussion treatment in Maplewood, MO today.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is essentially a type of traumatic brain injury commonly caused by a blow to the head or a rapid, aggressive shaking that leads to the brain moving within the skull. This movement can lead to a brief disruption in healthy brain function, affecting cognitive processes, physical coordination, emotional stability, 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.” However, this does not diminish their potential severity, as concussions can have serious short-term and long-term effects on an individual’s health and day-to-day life.

Concussions can occur in many different scenarios, making them a risk for virtually anyone. Common causes include falls, sports injuries, auto accidents, 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 typically occur from incidents such as ice-related falls, minor car collisions, or even a sudden jolt during a roller coaster ride. It’s important to note that a concussion can happen even without a direct blow to the head, as any action that causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth inside the skull — such as whiplash — can be enough to cause a concussion.

It’s important to note that the majority of these changes are transient and reversible, which is why many people fully recover from concussions. However, the duration and seriousness of symptoms can vary widely depending on the specific individual and the particulars of the injury. That’s why appropriate diagnosis and treatment, often involving rest and a gradual return to normal activities, are essential to a complete recovery from a concussion. If symptoms linger even after rest.

Concussion Symptoms

Concussions can cause both immediate and prolonged symptoms:

Short-Term Symptoms

• A headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
• Brief unconsciousness or feeling dazed
• A sense of confusion or feeling as if in a haze
• A sense of dizziness or visual disorientation
• Ear ringing
• Stomach upset or vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Delayed response to questions
• Fatigue

Lingering Symptoms

• Persistent headaches
• Concentration and memory issues
• Grumpiness and other mood changes
• Increased sensitivity to light and noise
• Trouble sleeping
• 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 are concerned about a concussion, whether due to the presence of immediate or lingering symptoms, it is vital to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional in Maplewood, MO, such as those at Axes Physical Therapy, can diagnose your condition and recommend the suitable course of action, including rest and particular concussion treatments tailored 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 Maplewood, MO

Acknowledging that you may have a concussion is the first crucial step in getting the appropriate concussion treatment. Here’s what you ought to do if you think you have a concussion:

• Seek Medical Attention Immediately: It’s crucial to visit a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Even if the symptoms appear mild, securing a proper diagnosis is crucial because the consequences of a concussion can be hard to notice and sometimes delayed.
• Rest and Limit Activities: Until you can see a medical professional, rest is essential. Steer clear of 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 may worsen symptoms.
• Monitor Symptoms: Monitor your symptoms, noting any alterations or new symptoms that arise. This information is valuable for healthcare providers in assessing and managing your concussion.
• Avoid Alcohol and Certain Medications: Alcohol and medications that influence the nervous system ought to 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 responsiveness and cognitive abilities could be impaired.
• Follow Professional Guidance: Once you’ve seen a healthcare provider, stick to their recommendations closely. This might include a gradual process for progressively returning to normal activities, tailored concussion treatments, follow-up appointments, or an continued physical therapy plan.

Remember, adhering to these steps not only helps in your recovery but also minimizes the risk of worsening your condition. Concussions require careful management, and the advice of medical professionals in Maplewood, MO, like those at Axes Physical Therapy, is essential.

Physical Therapy for Concussion Treatment in Maplewood, MO

Physical therapy can be crucial in concussion treatment as it addresses a range of post-concussion symptoms through individualized, evidence-backed treatment plans. Maplewood, MO physical therapists employ techniques like vestibular rehabilitation and vision therapy to alleviate balance and visual disturbances and improve your gait. Additionally, physical therapy helps with the safe restoration of physical function and endurance, while also offering guidance on appropriate rest and gradual return to normal activities. Axes’ comprehensive approach ensures you can return to the activities you love in Maplewood, MO safely, with a treatment plan customized to your unique needs.

20% concussions need longer than three weeks to resolve, and physical therapy is vital in those cases. Concussions can affect the brain’s regular functioning, leading to a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Physical therapy offers a specific approach to address these varied effects, enabling a safer and more effective recovery. Your concussion treatment plan in Maplewood, MO may include:

• Personalized Recovery Plans: Physical therapists develop customized recovery plans based on the particular symptoms and needs of each patient. These plans often include exercises and activities crafted to gradually restore normal function without worsening symptoms.
• Vestibular Therapy: Many concussion patients encounter dizziness and balance issues. Physical therapists are experienced with vestibular rehabilitation, which includes exercises to enhance balance and minimize dizziness-related problems.
• Visual and Cognitive Exercises: Concussions can affect visual and cognitive functions. Therapists utilize 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 frequently accompany concussions. Physical therapists can provide treatments for the cervical spine, which involve exercises to enhance neck strength, flexibility, and minimize pain.
• Exercise Therapy: Gradual exercise programs are formulated to safely increase physical activity without intensifying concussion symptoms. These exercises assist in restoring stamina, strength, and cardiovascular health.
• Manual Therapy: Techniques like soft tissue mobilization and gentle joint mobilizations are able to relieve headaches and neck pain related to concussions.
• Education and Guidance: A crucial part of physical therapy is educating you about concussion management, including changes in activity and strategies to cope with symptoms. This education enables 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 Maplewood, MO is not a universal solution; it’s a flexible approach that responds to the ongoing needs of each individual recovering from a concussion. By tackling the unique challenges and symptoms each patient faces, physical therapy can markedly improve the recovery process and help patients get back to their daily activities – and favorite activities – safely and effectively.

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

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

Locally Owned and Operated

Axes is a community-based entity, firmly entrenched in the Maplewood, MO community. This local connection builds 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 personalized touch to our services, ensuring that your treatment feels more like a community effort than a typical procedure.

Expertise and Experience

With in excess of two decades of experience in the physical therapy industry in Maplewood, MO, Axes presents a team of very knowledgeable clinicians. This extensive experience is in treating 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 experts in the latest and most efficient concussion treatment methodologies.

Patient-Centered Approach

At Axes, your rehabilitation and needs take priority. Understanding that every individual’s recovery is unique, we focus on a patient-centered approach. This means your treatment plan is personalized to your specific needs, helping you resume the activities you love with a focus on quality and sustainable recovery.

Commitment to Positive Outcomes

A satisfactory experience during your recovery is equally important as the clinical outcomes. Axes Physical Therapy prides ourselves on fostering an environment where patients feel encouraged, acknowledged, and motivated. Our passion 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 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 complete wellness is always in view. Our Maplewood, MO team understands the sophisticated interplay between physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing, specifically in conditions like post-concussion syndrome, and works to handle all aspects of your health.

Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Maplewood, 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 Maplewood, MO, we form a team with you and your doctor to create an research-supported 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 comprehensive recovery. Call the Axes location nearest you or request an appointment online for your concussion treatment in Maplewood, MO.