Concussion treatment in Parkway, MO. Concussions are more than just 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 had a fall, Axes Physical Therapy in Parkway, MO can be an essential part of your treatment plan that returns you to the activities you love most safely and successfully.

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

• Is beneficial at decreasing post-concussion symptoms
• Facilitates earlier returns and/or shorter periods of recovery
• Is considered safe for treating post-concussion symptoms

If you or someone you know has gotten a concussion, reach out to the Axes location most convenient for you or make an appointment through our website to get started with your concussion treatment in Parkway, MO today.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is basically a type of traumatic brain injury commonly caused by an impact to the head or a forceful jolt that results in the brain moving within the skull. This movement can result in a temporary interference in healthy brain function, influencing cognitive processes, balance, emotional stability, and sleep patterns. Unlike more severe brain injuries, concussions often do not lead to visible structural damage to the brain, and therefore they are sometimes referred to as “invisible injuries.” However, 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 day-to-day life.

Concussions happen for a variety of reasons, making them a risk for nearly everyone. Common causes include falls, sports injuries, auto crashes, and any other type of blow to the head. In sports, concussions are often associated with high-impact 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 note 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 adequate to cause a concussion.

It’s important to note that the majority of these changes are transient and reversible, which is why most people fully recover from concussions. However, the length and seriousness of symptoms can differ greatly depending on the person and the particulars of the injury. That’s why appropriate diagnosis and treatment, often involving rest and a steady return to normal activities, are essential to a healthy recovery from a concussion. If symptoms linger even after rest.

Concussion Symptoms

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

Immediate Symptoms

• Pain in the head or a feeling of pressure in the head
• Brief unconsciousness or feeling dazed
• A sense of confusion or feeling as if in a haze
• Feeling dizzy or experiencing visual disturbances
• Ringing in the ears
• Nausea or vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Slowed response to questions
• Tiredness

Lingering Symptoms

• Ongoing headaches
• Concentration and memory issues
• Grumpiness and other mood swings
• Increased 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 are concerned about a concussion, whether due to the presence of immediate or persistent symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical treatment immediately. A healthcare professional in Parkway, 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 visit any of our locations for a free injury screening.

What to Do if You Think You Have a Concussion in Parkway, MO

Acknowledging that you may have a concussion is the initial important step in getting the proper concussion treatment. Here’s what you should do if you think you have a concussion:

• Seek Medical Attention Immediately: It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional immediately. Even if the symptoms appear mild, securing a proper diagnosis is important because the effects of a concussion can be hard to notice and often delayed.
• Rest and Limit Activities: Until you can see a medical professional, rest is crucial. Steer clear of physical activities, especially sports or exercises that might result in another head injury. Additionally, limit activities that require focus or mental strain, as these can worsen symptoms.
• Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, noting any changes or new symptoms that arise. This information becomes essential for healthcare providers in assessing and managing your concussion.
• Avoid Alcohol and Certain Medications: Alcohol and medications that can affect the nervous system should be avoided unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.
• Don’t Drive: Until approved by a medical professional, refrain from driving as your reaction times and cognitive abilities could be impaired.
• Follow Professional Guidance: Once you’ve seen a healthcare provider, stick to their recommendations strictly. This might include a gradual process for slowly returning to normal activities, specific concussion treatments, follow-up appointments, or an extended physical therapy plan.

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

Physical Therapy for Concussion Treatment in Parkway, MO

Physical therapy can be crucial in concussion treatment as it addresses various post-concussion symptoms through personalized, scientifically-backed rehabilitation plans. Parkway, MO physical therapists employ techniques like vestibular rehabilitation and vision therapy to ease balance and visual disturbances and improve your gait. Additionally, physical therapy contributes to safely restoring physical function and stamina, while also providing guidance on the right rest and gradual return to normal activities. Axes’ holistic approach ensures you can return to the activities you love in Parkway, MO securely, with a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

20% concussions require more than three weeks to recover from, and physical therapy is essential in those cases. Concussions can affect the brain’s normal functioning, leading to a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Physical therapy offers a specific approach to manage these multiple effects, enabling a more secure and better recovery. Your concussion treatment plan in Parkway, MO may include:

• Personalized Recovery Plans: Physical therapists formulate tailored recovery plans based on the specific symptoms and needs of each patient. These plans often include exercises and activities crafted to steadily restore normal function without exacerbating symptoms.
• Vestibular Therapy: Many concussion patients suffer from dizziness and balance issues. Physical therapists are trained in vestibular rehabilitation, which comprises exercises to improve balance and minimize dizziness-related problems.
• Visual and Cognitive Exercises: Concussions can influence visual and cognitive functions. Therapists utilize specific exercises to help restore these functions, such as visual tracking and coordination activities, which are vital for tasks like reading and driving.
• Cervical Spine Treatment: Neck injuries commonly accompany concussions. Physical therapists can deliver treatments for the cervical spine, which involve exercises to enhance neck strength, flexibility, and alleviate pain.
• Exercise Therapy: Progressive exercise programs are designed to safely increase physical activity without intensifying concussion symptoms. These exercises aid in restoring stamina, 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 key 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 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 Parkway, MO is not a standardized solution; it’s a flexible approach that responds to the ongoing needs of each individual recovering from a concussion. By addressing the unique challenges and symptoms each patient faces, physical therapy can markedly enhance the recovery process and help patients resume their daily activities – and favorite activities – securely and successfully.

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

Choosing the best physical therapy provider for your concussion treatment in Parkway, MO is one of the most important aspects of your recovery. Axes Physical Therapy in Parkway, MO stands out as a premier choice for many compelling reasons:

Locally Owned and Operated

Axes is a locally owned entity, deeply rooted in the Parkway, 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 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 typical procedure.

Expertise and Experience

With over 20 years of experience in the physical therapy industry in Parkway, MO, Axes presents a team of extremely skilled clinicians. This broad 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 knowledgeable 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 each concussion patient has unique challenges and recovery trajectories, we focus on a individual-centric approach. This means your treatment plan is personalized to your unique 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 equally important as the clinical outcomes. Axes Physical Therapy is proud to fostering an environment where patients feel cared for, acknowledged, and motivated. Our dedication for helping others manifests in every interaction, ensuring that your journey to recovery is as comfortable 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 sometimes be overlooked in healthcare.

Comprehensive Approach to Wellness

While the concentration of your treatment at Axes will be on concussion recovery, our comprehensive approach to physical therapy means that your complete wellness is always in view. Our Parkway, MO team understands the intricate interplay between physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing, particularly in conditions like post-concussion syndrome, and aims to tackle all aspects of your health.

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

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