Concussion treatment in Roxana, IL. Concussions are more than just a knock on the head; they are complex injuries that require specialized care and attention. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who’s got in an auto accident, Axes Physical Therapy in Roxana, IL can be an essential part of your treatment plan that returns you 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:
- Helps in managing post-concussion symptoms
- Enables earlier returns and/or shorter days to recovery
- Has been deemed safe for concussion treatment
If you or someone you love is experiencing concussion symptoms, call the Axes location nearest you or request an appointment through our website to get started with your concussion treatment in Roxana, IL today.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is considered a traumatic brain injury commonly caused by an impact to the head or a rapid, aggressive shaking that leads to the brain moving within the skull. This movement can result in a temporary interference in normal brain function, influencing cognitive processes, balance, mood, and even sleep. Unlike life-threatening brain injuries, concussions often do not result in visible structural damage to the brain, and therefore they are sometimes called “invisible injuries.” However, this does not lessen their potential severity, as concussions can have profound short-term and long-term effects on an individual’s overall health and day-to-day life.
Concussions can occur in numerous circumstances, making them a risk for virtually anyone. Common causes include falls, sports injuries, car crashes, and blows to the head during routine activities. In sports, concussions are commonly associated with forceful or contact sports like football and soccer, but they can occur in any 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 you don’t need a direct blow to the head to get a concussion, as any action that causes the brain to move violently inside the skull — such as whiplash — can be enough to cause a concussion.
It’s important to note that most of these changes are transient and reversible, which is why many people fully recover from concussions. However, the duration and seriousness of symptoms can fluctuate significantly depending on the individual and the particulars of the injury. That’s why appropriate diagnosis and management, typically involving rest and a gradual return to normal activities, are crucial to a complete recovery from a concussion. If symptoms persist even after rest.
Concussion Symptoms
Concussions can cause not only immediate and prolonged symptoms:
Immediate Symptoms
- Pain in the head or a sense of pressure in the head
- Brief unconsciousness or feeling confused
- Disorientation or feeling as if in a fog
- A sense of dizziness or experiencing visual disturbances
- Ear ringing
- Feeling nauseous or vomiting
- Impaired speech
- Delayed response to questions
- Tiredness
Lingering Symptoms
- Continual headaches
- Focus and memory issues
- Grumpiness and other mood swings
- Increased sensitivity to light and noise
- Trouble sleeping
- Disorders of taste and smell
- Disorders of balance and coordination
Not everyone will encounter all these symptoms, and their severity can vary. If you suspect a concussion, whether due to the presence of immediate or prolonged symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional in Roxana, IL, such as those at Axes Physical Therapy, can evaluate your condition and recommend the appropriate course of action, including rest and specific concussion treatments suited 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 Roxana, IL
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 Immediately: It’s imperative to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Even if the symptoms feel mild, obtaining 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 key. Avoid physical activities, particularly sports or exercises that may result in another head injury. Moreover, limit activities that require focus or mental strain, as these can worsen symptoms.
- Monitor Symptoms: Record your symptoms, noting any alterations or new symptoms that emerge. This information becomes crucial for healthcare providers in diagnosing and addressing your concussion.
- Avoid Alcohol and Certain Medications: Alcohol and medications that impact the nervous system should be avoided unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.
- Don’t Drive: Until given the green light by a medical professional, refrain from driving as your reaction times and decision-making abilities may be impaired.
- Follow Professional Guidance: Once you’ve consulted a healthcare provider, adhere to their recommendations closely. This might include a set of instructions for progressively returning to normal activities, specific concussion treatments, check-ups, or an extended physical therapy plan.
Remember, taking these steps not only assists in your recovery but also lowers the risk of exacerbating your condition. Concussions demand careful management, and the direction of medical professionals in Roxana, IL, like those at Axes Physical Therapy, is crucial.
Physical Therapy for Concussion Treatment in Roxana, IL
Physical therapy can be integral in concussion treatment as it tackles a range of post-concussion symptoms through individualized, scientifically-backed treatment plans. Roxana, IL physical therapists employ techniques like vestibular rehabilitation and vision therapy to reduce balance and visual disturbances and adjust your gait. Additionally, physical therapy helps with safely regaining physical function and stamina, while also providing guidance on the right rest and gradual return to daily activities. Axes’ multi-faceted approach ensures you can get back to the activities you love in Roxana, IL securely, with a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
One in five concussions take longer than three weeks to heal, and physical therapy is vital in those cases. Concussions can impair the brain’s regular functioning, leading to a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Physical therapy offers a focused approach to address these multiple effects, aiding in a more controlled and better recovery. Your concussion treatment plan in Roxana, IL may include:
- Personalized Recovery Plans: Physical therapists formulate customized recovery plans based on the specific symptoms and needs of each patient. These plans commonly include exercises and activities crafted to steadily restore normal function without worsening symptoms.
- Vestibular Therapy: A significant number of concussion patients experience dizziness and balance issues. Physical therapists are trained in vestibular rehabilitation, which comprises exercises to enhance balance and minimize dizziness-related problems.
- Visual and Cognitive Exercises: Concussions can impact visual and cognitive functions. Therapists utilize 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 often accompany concussions. Physical therapists can provide treatments for the cervical spine, which involve exercises to increase neck strength, flexibility, and alleviate pain.
- Exercise Therapy: Progressive exercise programs are designed to safely increase physical activity without intensifying concussion symptoms. These exercises help in restoring stamina, strength, and cardiovascular health.
- Manual Therapy: Techniques such as soft tissue mobilization and gentle joint mobilizations are able to relieve headaches and neck pain linked to concussions.
- Education and Guidance: A crucial 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 Roxana, IL 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 targeting 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 the activities they love most – safely and effectively.
Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Roxana, IL
Choosing the best physical therapy provider for your concussion treatment in Roxana, IL is essential. Axes Physical Therapy in Roxana, IL stands out as a leading choice for several compelling reasons:
Locally Owned and Operated
Axes is a locally operated entity, deeply rooted in the Roxana, IL community. This local connection fosters a deeper understanding and commitment to the healthcare needs of the residents. Being operated by physical therapists who are integrated into the local fabric, Axes brings a tailored touch to our services, ensuring that your treatment feels more like a community effort than a typical procedure.
Expertise and Experience
With more than two decades of experience in the physical therapy industry in Roxana, IL, Axes presents a team of highly experienced 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 guided by skilled professionals who are experts in the latest and most efficient concussion treatment methodologies.
Patient-Centered Approach
At Axes, your recovery and needs take center stage. Understanding that every individual’s recovery is unique, we focus on a patient-focused 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 as vital as the clinical outcomes. Axes Physical Therapy takes pride in fostering an environment where patients feel cared for, listened to, and motivated. Our enthusiasm for helping others is evident in every interaction, ensuring that your journey to recovery is as pleasant 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 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 Roxana, IL team recognizes 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 Roxana, IL
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 Roxana, IL, 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 Roxana, IL.