Concussion treatment in North Hampton, 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 experienced a fall, Axes Physical Therapy in North Hampton, MO can be an effective part of your healing journey that gets you back to the activities you love in the safest manner possible and successfully.
According to the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, research demonstrates that physical therapy as part of your concussion treatment:
- Aids in decreasing post-concussion symptoms
- Facilitates earlier returns and/or shorter periods of recovery
- Has been deemed safe for concussion treatment
If you or someone you know has gotten a concussion, contact the Axes location nearest you or request an appointment online to begin your concussion treatment in North Hampton, MO today.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is considered a traumatic brain injury typically caused by an impact to the head or a forceful jolt that causes the brain moving within the skull. This movement can cause a temporary interference in healthy brain function, influencing cognitive processes, physical coordination, emotional stability, and sleep patterns. Unlike life-threatening brain injuries, concussions usually do not cause visible structural damage to the brain, and therefore they are sometimes called “invisible injuries.” Still, this does not diminish their potential severity, as concussions can have significant short-term and long-term effects on an individual’s well-being and quality of life.
Concussions can occur in many different scenarios, making them a risk for virtually anyone. Common causes include falls, sports injuries, auto crashes, and blows to the head during everyday activities. In sports, concussions are commonly associated with forceful or contact sports like football and soccer, but they can occur in every athletic activity, including non-contact sports. Outside of sports, concussions can result 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 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 enough to cause a concussion.
It’s important to note that the majority of these changes are transient and reversible, which is why a large number of people fully recover from concussions. However, the extent and severity of symptoms can fluctuate significantly depending on the individual and the specifics of the injury. That’s why appropriate diagnosis and management, frequently involving rest and a steady return to normal activities, are crucial to a healthy recovery from a concussion. If symptoms persist 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 haze
- A sense of dizziness or “seeing stars”
- Ear ringing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty speaking clearly
- Delayed response to questions
- Exhaustion
Long-Term Symptoms
- Ongoing headaches
- Concentration and memory issues
- Irritability and other changes in mood
- Sensitivity 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 prolonged symptoms, it is essential to seek medical treatment immediately. A healthcare professional in North Hampton, MO, such as those at Axes Physical Therapy, can evaluate your condition and recommend the appropriate course of action, including rest and specific 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 North Hampton, MO
Identifying that you could have a concussion is the first crucial step in getting the right concussion treatment. Here’s what you need to do if you believe you have a concussion:
- Seek Medical Attention Right Away: It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional immediately. Even if the symptoms feel mild, securing a proper diagnosis is vital because the effects of a concussion can be hard to notice and often delayed.
- Rest and Limit Activities: Until you can consult a medical professional, rest is key. Avoid physical activities, notably sports or exercises that might result in another head injury. Also, limit activities that require mental effort or mental strain, as these may worsen symptoms.
- Monitor Symptoms: Record your symptoms, noting any differences or new symptoms that arise. This information becomes valuable for healthcare providers in diagnosing and treating your concussion.
- Avoid Alcohol and Certain Medications: Alcohol and medications that impact the nervous system should 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 might be impaired.
- Follow Professional Guidance: Once you’ve consulted a healthcare provider, adhere to their recommendations diligently. This might include a gradual process for slowly returning to normal activities, tailored concussion treatments, subsequent visits, or an ongoing physical therapy plan.
Remember, following these steps not only helps in your recovery but also lowers the risk of exacerbating your condition. Concussions need careful management, and the guidance of medical professionals in North Hampton, MO, like those at Axes Physical Therapy, is crucial.
Physical Therapy for Concussion Treatment in North Hampton, MO
Physical therapy can be essential in concussion treatment as it addresses various post-concussion symptoms through personalized, scientifically-backed rehabilitation plans. North Hampton, MO physical therapists employ techniques like vestibular rehabilitation and vision therapy to ease balance and visual disturbances and correct your gait. Additionally, physical therapy contributes to the safe restoration of physical function and endurance, while also offering guidance on appropriate rest and the gradual return to normal activities. Axes’ holistic approach ensures you can get back to the activities you love in North Hampton, MO securely, with a treatment plan specifically designed to your unique needs.
A fifth of concussions require longer than three weeks to heal, and physical therapy is vital in those cases. Concussions can disrupt the brain’s usual functioning, leading to a array of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Physical therapy offers a specific approach to address these diverse effects, aiding in a more controlled and more effective recovery. Your concussion treatment plan in North Hampton, MO may include:
- Personalized Recovery Plans: Physical therapists create customized recovery plans based on the unique symptoms and needs of each patient. These plans commonly include exercises and activities intended to steadily restore normal function without aggravating symptoms.
- Vestibular Therapy: Many concussion patients suffer from dizziness and balance issues. Physical therapists are skilled at vestibular rehabilitation, which involves exercises to better balance and minimize 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 essential 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 reduce pain.
- Exercise Therapy: Progressive exercise programs are crafted to effectively increase physical activity without exacerbating concussion symptoms. These exercises aid in restoring physical endurance, strength, and cardiovascular health.
- Manual Therapy: Techniques such as soft tissue mobilization and gentle joint mobilizations are able 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 manage symptoms. This education equips you to take an involved role in your recovery.
Choosing physical therapy for concussion treatment within the first two weeks can reduce chances of persisting symptoms. Physical therapy in North Hampton, MO is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s a dynamic approach that responds to the changing needs of each individual recovering from a concussion. By targeting the specific challenges and symptoms each patient faces, physical therapy can greatly boost the recovery process and help patients get back to their daily activities – and the activities they love most – safely and successfully.
Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in North Hampton, MO
Choosing the appropriate physical therapy provider for your concussion treatment in North Hampton, MO is one of the most important aspects of your recovery. Axes Physical Therapy in North Hampton, MO stands out as a premier choice for multiple compelling reasons:
Locally Owned and Operated
Axes is a locally owned entity, strongly integrated in the North Hampton, MO community. This local connection creates 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 customized 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 20 years of experience in the physical therapy industry in North Hampton, MO, Axes presents a team of very knowledgeable clinicians. This broad experience is in managing a wide range of conditions, including understanding the nuances of concussion management. Our team’s expertise ensures that your treatment is directed by experienced professionals who are highly proficient in the latest and most efficient 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-centered approach. This means your treatment plan is customized to your specific needs, helping you resume the activities you love with a focus on sustainable and sustainable recovery.
Commitment to Positive Outcomes
A positive experience during your recovery is as vital as the clinical outcomes. Axes Physical Therapy is proud to creating an environment where patients feel cared for, listened to, and motivated. Our enthusiasm for helping others manifests in every interaction, ensuring that your journey to recovery is as positive and positive as possible.
Emphasis on Relationships
As a patient-focused business, Axes sets a high value on the relationships between our staff and patients. Our belief in the significance 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 welcomed change in a world where these qualities can occasionally be overlooked in healthcare.
Comprehensive Approach to Wellness
While the concentration 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 North Hampton, MO team acknowledges the complex interplay between physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing, particularly in conditions like post-concussion syndrome, and works to address all aspects of your health.
Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in North Hampton, MO
Navigating the path to recovery after a concussion can be challenging, but with the appropriate care and support, it is entirely achievable. When you trust in Axes for your concussion treatment in North Hampton, MO, we form a team with you and your doctor to create an scientifically validated 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 complete recovery. Call the Axes location nearest you or request an appointment online for your concussion treatment in North Hampton, MO.