Concussion treatment in Scotsdale, MO. Concussions are more than just a knock on the head; they are complex injuries that can have long-term effects if not treated properly. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who’s got in a car accident, Axes Physical Therapy in Scotsdale, MO can be an integral part of your healing journey that gets you back 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 managing post-concussion symptoms
- Allows for earlier comebacks and/or shorter periods of recovery
- Is widely recognized as safe for treating post-concussion symptoms
If you or someone you know has gotten a concussion, call the Axes location nearest you or make an appointment through our website to get started with your concussion treatment in Scotsdale, MO today.
About Concussions
A concussion is considered a traumatic brain injury commonly caused by a hit to the head or a forceful jolt that causes the brain moving within the skull. This movement can cause a brief disruption in healthy brain function, influencing cognitive processes, physical coordination, emotional stability, and sleep patterns. Unlike life-threatening brain injuries, concussions generally do not result in visible structural damage to the brain, and therefore they are sometimes referred to as “invisible injuries.” However, this does not lessen their potential severity, as concussions can have significant short-term and long-term effects on an individual’s overall health and day-to-day life.
Concussions can occur in many different scenarios, making them a risk for almost anyone. Common causes include falls, sports injuries, auto 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 falling on icy surfaces, 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 transient and reversible, which is why numerous people fully recover from concussions. However, the length and severity of symptoms can differ greatly depending on the specific individual and the details of the injury. That’s why appropriate diagnosis and treatment, often involving rest and gradual return to normal activities, are crucial to a healthy recovery from a concussion. If symptoms continue even after rest.
Concussion Symptoms
Concussions can cause not only immediate and prolonged symptoms:
Short-Term Symptoms
- A headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
- Brief unconsciousness or feeling confused
- A sense of confusion or feeling as if in a haze
- Feeling dizzy or “seeing stars”
- Ringing in the ears
- Feeling nauseous or vomiting
- Difficulty speaking clearly
- Delayed response to questions
- Exhaustion
Lingering Symptoms
- Continual headaches
- Concentration and memory issues
- Grumpiness and other emotional changes
- 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 think you might have a concussion, whether due to the presence of immediate or lingering symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional in Scotsdale, MO, such as those at Axes Physical Therapy, can diagnose your condition and recommend the appropriate course of action, including rest and specific 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 Scotsdale, MO
Identifying that you may have a concussion is the first crucial step in getting the proper 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 consult a healthcare professional without delay. Even if the symptoms feel mild, getting a proper diagnosis is important because the effects of a concussion can be subtle and often delayed.
- Rest and Limit Activities: Until you can visit a medical professional, rest is key. Refrain from physical activities, particularly sports or exercises that could result in another head injury. Additionally, limit activities that require concentration or mental strain, as these may worsen symptoms.
- Monitor Symptoms: Record your symptoms, noting any changes or new symptoms that emerge. This information is essential for healthcare providers in assessing and addressing your concussion.
- Avoid Alcohol and Certain Medications: Alcohol and medications that can affect the nervous system ought to be avoided unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.
- Don’t Drive: Until given the green light by a medical professional, avoid driving as your reflexes and cognitive abilities may be impaired.
- Follow Professional Guidance: Once you’ve seen a healthcare provider, follow their recommendations strictly. This might include a gradual process for progressively returning to normal activities, tailored concussion treatments, check-ups, or an ongoing physical therapy plan.
Remember, following these steps not only aids in your recovery but also minimizes the risk of worsening your condition. Concussions demand careful management, and the direction of medical professionals in Scotsdale, MO, like those at Axes Physical Therapy, is crucial.
Physical Therapy for Concussion Treatment in Scotsdale, MO
Physical therapy can be crucial in concussion treatment as it manages a range of post-concussion symptoms through individualized, evidence-backed rehabilitation plans. Scotsdale, MO physical therapists employ techniques like vestibular rehabilitation and vision therapy to reduce balance and visual disturbances and improve your gait. Additionally, physical therapy contributes to safely restoring physical function and stamina, while also offering guidance on the right rest and the gradual return to normal activities. Axes’ comprehensive approach ensures you can return to the activities you love in Scotsdale, MO securely, with a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
20% concussions need more than three weeks to heal, and physical therapy is essential in those cases. Concussions can disrupt the brain’s usual functioning, leading to a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Physical therapy offers a specific approach to tackle these multiple effects, enabling a more secure and better recovery. Your concussion treatment plan in Scotsdale, MO may include:
- Personalized Recovery Plans: Physical therapists formulate 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: Numerous concussion patients suffer from dizziness and balance issues. Physical therapists are experienced with vestibular rehabilitation, which involves exercises to improve balance and reduce dizziness-related problems.
- Visual and Cognitive Exercises: Concussions can impact visual and cognitive functions. Therapists use specific exercises to assist in the recovery of these functions, such as eye-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 comprise exercises to enhance neck strength, flexibility, and alleviate pain.
- Exercise Therapy: Progressive exercise programs are designed to securely increase physical activity without worsening concussion symptoms. These exercises assist in restoring stamina, strength, and cardiovascular health.
- Manual Therapy: Techniques such as soft tissue mobilization and gentle joint mobilizations have the potential to relieve headaches and neck pain associated with concussions.
- Education and Guidance: A crucial part of physical therapy is teaching you about concussion management, including activity modification and strategies to manage symptoms. This education enables you to take an active role in your recovery.
Choosing physical therapy for concussion treatment within the first two weeks may reduce chances of persisting symptoms. Physical therapy in Scotsdale, MO is not a standardized solution; it’s a flexible approach that evolves with the evolving needs of each individual recovering from a concussion. By targeting the specific challenges and symptoms each patient faces, physical therapy can markedly boost 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 Scotsdale, MO
Choosing the appropriate physical therapy provider for your concussion treatment in Scotsdale, MO is essential. Axes Physical Therapy in Scotsdale, MO stands out as a top choice for many compelling reasons:
Locally Owned and Operated
Axes is a locally owned entity, strongly integrated in the Scotsdale, MO community. This local connection creates a greater understanding and commitment to the healthcare needs of the residents. Being managed 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 in excess of two decades of leadership in the physical therapy industry in Scotsdale, MO, Axes boasts a team of extremely skilled clinicians. This vast experience is in treating a wide range of conditions, including understanding the nuances of concussion management. Our team’s expertise ensures that your treatment is led by knowledgeable professionals who are experts in the latest and most advanced concussion treatment methodologies.
Patient-Centered Approach
At Axes, your healing and needs take priority. Understanding that every individual’s recovery is unique, we focus on a patient-focused approach. This means your treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs, helping you resume the activities you love with a focus on quality 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 fostering an environment where patients feel cared for, listened to, and motivated. Our passion for helping others is evident in every interaction, ensuring that your journey to recovery is as positive 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 importance 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 focus 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 Scotsdale, MO team understands the complex interplay between physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing, specifically in conditions like post-concussion syndrome, and works to tackle all aspects of your health.
Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Scotsdale, MO
Navigating the path to recovery after a concussion can be challenging, but with the right care and support, it is entirely achievable. When you trust in Axes for your concussion treatment in Scotsdale, 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 securely 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 Scotsdale, MO.