Concussion Treatment in O'Fallon, MO | Physical Therapy for Concussions

Concussion treatment in O’Fallon, MO. Concussions are not merely a knock on the head; they are serious 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 O’Fallon, MO can be an integral part of your treatment plan 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:

Helps in easing post-concussion symptoms
Facilitates earlier comebacks and/or shorter periods of recovery
Is widely recognized as safe for concussion treatment

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

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is considered a traumatic brain injury usually caused by a hit to the head or a rapid, aggressive shaking that leads to the brain moving within the skull. This movement can cause a temporary interference in healthy brain function, influencing mental functions, physical coordination, mood, and even sleep. Unlike life-threatening brain injuries, concussions often do not result in visible structural damage to the brain, which is why 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 crashes, and blows to the head during routine activities. In sports, concussions are often associated with intense or contact sports like football and soccer, but they can occur in every 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 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 most of these changes are short-term and reversible, which is why most people fully recover from concussions. However, the duration and severity of symptoms can fluctuate significantly depending on the person and the particulars of the injury. That’s why proper diagnosis and management, often involving rest and a steady return to normal activities, are crucial to a successful 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 feeling of pressure in the head
Temporary loss of consciousness or feeling dazed
Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
Dizziness or experiencing visual disturbances
Tinnitus
Feeling nauseous or vomiting
Difficulty speaking clearly
Slowed response to questions
Fatigue

Long-Term Symptoms

Continual headaches
Concentration and memory problems
Irritability and other mood swings
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 suspect a concussion, whether due to the presence of immediate or lingering symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional in O’Fallon, MO, such as those at Axes Physical Therapy, can assess your condition and recommend the suitable course of action, including rest and tailored concussion treatments tailored 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 O’Fallon, MO

Acknowledging that you could have a concussion is the initial important step in getting the appropriate concussion treatment. Here’s what you need to do if you think you have a concussion:

Seek Medical Attention Right Away: It’s essential to visit a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Even if the symptoms appear mild, obtaining a proper diagnosis is crucial because the effects of a concussion can be hard to notice and sometimes delayed.
Rest and Limit Activities: Until you can consult a medical professional, rest is crucial. Refrain from physical activities, particularly sports or exercises that may 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, noting any alterations or new symptoms that emerge. This information is essential for healthcare providers in assessing and treating your concussion.
Stay Away From Alcohol and Certain Medications: Alcohol and medications that can affect the nervous system must be avoided unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.
Don’t Drive: Until cleared by a medical professional, steer clear of driving as your responsiveness and judgment may be impaired.
Follow Professional Guidance: Once you’ve visited a healthcare provider, follow their recommendations diligently. This might include a series of steps for gradually returning to normal activities, specific concussion treatments, follow-up appointments, or an continued physical therapy plan.

Remember, adhering to these steps not only aids in your recovery but also minimizes the risk of exacerbating your condition. Concussions require careful management, and the direction of medical professionals in O’Fallon, MO, like those at Axes Physical Therapy, is crucial.

Physical Therapy for Concussion Treatment in O’Fallon, MO

Physical therapy can be integral in concussion treatment as it manages various post-concussion symptoms through customized, scientifically-backed treatment plans. O’Fallon, MO physical therapists employ techniques like vestibular rehabilitation and vision therapy to reduce balance and visual disturbances and adjust your gait. Additionally, physical therapy aids in safely restoring physical function and stamina, while also offering guidance on appropriate rest and a gradual return to normal activities. Axes’ holistic approach ensures you can resume the activities you love in O’Fallon, MO safely, with a treatment plan customized to your unique needs.

20% concussions take more than three weeks to recover from, and physical therapy is vital in those cases. Concussions can impair the brain’s regular functioning, leading to a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Physical therapy offers a targeted approach to manage these diverse effects, facilitating a safer and better recovery. Your concussion treatment plan in O’Fallon, MO may include:

Personalized Recovery Plans: Physical therapists develop customized recovery plans based on the specific symptoms and needs of each patient. These plans frequently include exercises and activities designed to gradually restore normal function without worsening 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 lessen dizziness-related problems.
Visual and Cognitive Exercises: Concussions can influence visual and cognitive functions. Therapists employ specific exercises to aid in restoring 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 provide treatments for the cervical spine, which involve exercises to increase neck strength, flexibility, and minimize pain.
Exercise Therapy: Progressive exercise programs are crafted to securely increase physical activity without exacerbating concussion symptoms. These exercises assist in restoring endurance, strength, and cardiovascular health.
Manual Therapy: Techniques like soft tissue mobilization and gentle joint mobilizations can relieve headaches and neck pain related to concussions.
Education and Guidance: A crucial part of physical therapy is informing you about concussion management, including modifying activities and strategies to manage symptoms. This education empowers 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 O’Fallon, MO is not a standardized solution; it’s a patient-centered approach that responds to the changing needs of each individual recovering from a concussion. By targeting the unique challenges and symptoms each patient faces, physical therapy can significantly enhance the recovery process and help patients get back to their daily activities – and favorite activities – safely and successfully.

Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in O’Fallon, MO

Choosing the best physical therapy provider for your concussion treatment in O’Fallon, MO is critical. Axes Physical Therapy in O’Fallon, MO stands out as a top choice for many compelling reasons:

Locally Owned and Operated

Axes is a community-based entity, strongly integrated in the O’Fallon, MO community. This local connection creates a stronger understanding and commitment to the healthcare needs of the residents. Being operated by physical therapists who are part of the local fabric, Axes brings a customized touch to our services, ensuring that your treatment feels more like a community effort than a clinical procedure.

Expertise and Experience

With over 20 years of experience in the physical therapy industry in O’Fallon, MO, Axes boasts a team of highly experienced clinicians. This extensive experience is in managing a wide range of conditions, including understanding the details of concussion management. Our team’s expertise ensures that your treatment is directed by experienced professionals who are experts in the latest and most efficient concussion treatment methodologies.

Patient-Centered Approach

At Axes, your healing and needs take center stage. Understanding that each concussion patient has individual challenges and recovery trajectories, we focus on a individual-centric approach. This means your treatment plan is personalized to your particular 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 takes pride in establishing an environment where patients feel supported, understood, and motivated. Our enthusiasm for helping others shines through in every interaction, ensuring that your journey to recovery is as comfortable and positive as possible.

Emphasis on Relationships

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

Comprehensive Approach to Wellness

While the emphasis 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 O’Fallon, MO team acknowledges the intricate interplay between physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing, especially in conditions like post-concussion syndrome, and aims to address all aspects of your health.

Concussion Treatment in O'Fallon, MO | Vestibular Therapy | Physical Therapy for Concussions Near O'Fallon

Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in O’Fallon, 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 O’Fallon, 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 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 O’Fallon, MO.