Concussion treatment in Tower Grove, MO. Concussions are more than just 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 got in an auto accident, Axes Physical Therapy in Tower Grove, MO can be an integral part of your treatment plan that returns you to the activities you love most safely and effectively.

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
• Enables earlier comebacks and/or shorter periods of recovery
• Has been deemed safe for concussion treatment

If you or someone you love is facing concussion symptoms, contact the Axes location nearest you or schedule an appointment online to begin your concussion treatment in Tower Grove, MO today.

Understanding Concussions

A concussion is essentially a type of traumatic brain injury commonly caused by a blow to the head or a sudden, violent shaking that causes the brain moving within the skull. This movement can lead to a temporary disruption in normal brain function, affecting cognitive processes, physical coordination, emotional stability, and sleep patterns. Unlike more severe brain injuries, concussions generally do not lead to visible structural damage to the brain, and therefore they are sometimes called “invisible injuries.” Nevertheless, 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 many different scenarios, making them a risk for virtually anyone. Common causes include falls, sports injuries, car crashes, and any other type of blow to the head. In sports, concussions are commonly associated with intense or contact sports like football and soccer, but they can occur in any athletic activity, including non-contact sports. Outside of sports, concussions typically occur from incidents such as ice-related falls, minor car collisions, or even a sudden jolt during a roller coaster ride. It’s important to mention 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 sufficient 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 length and intensity of symptoms can fluctuate significantly depending on the individual and the particulars of the injury. That’s why proper diagnosis and management, 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 extended symptoms:

Short-Term Symptoms

• Pain in the head or a sensation of pressure in the head
• Brief unconsciousness or feeling dazed
• Disorientation or feeling as if in a haze
• A sense of dizziness or visual disorientation
• Tinnitus
• Stomach upset or vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Delayed response to questions
• Fatigue

Long-Term Symptoms

• Ongoing headaches
• Focus and memory complaints
• Grumpiness and other changes in mood
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Sleep disturbances
• Disorders of taste and smell
• Disorders of balance and coordination

Not every person will suffer from all these symptoms, and their severity can fluctuate. If you are concerned about a concussion, whether due to the presence of immediate or lingering symptoms, it is essential to seek medical treatment immediately. A healthcare professional in Tower Grove, MO, such as those at Axes Physical Therapy, can diagnose your condition and recommend the suitable course of action, including rest and particular concussion treatments suited 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 Tower Grove, MO

Recognizing that you may have a concussion is the first crucial step in getting the proper concussion treatment. Here’s what you ought to do if you think you have a concussion:

• Seek Medical Attention Right Away: It’s imperative to visit a healthcare professional without delay. Even if the symptoms seem mild, obtaining a proper diagnosis is crucial because the effects of a concussion can be not always obvious and often delayed.
• Rest and Limit Activities: Until you can consult a medical professional, rest is key. Refrain from physical activities, particularly sports or exercises that might result in another head injury. Moreover, limit activities that require focus or mental strain, as these might worsen symptoms.
• Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, keeping an eye on any alterations or new symptoms that emerge. This information can be crucial for healthcare providers in evaluating and addressing your concussion.
• Stay Away From Alcohol and Certain Medications: Alcohol and medications that influence the nervous system ought to be avoided unless explicitly advised by a healthcare professional.
• Don’t Drive: Until cleared by a medical professional, refrain from driving as your responsiveness and decision-making abilities could be impaired.
• Follow Professional Guidance: Once you’ve consulted a healthcare provider, follow their recommendations diligently. This might include a gradual process for slowly 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 lowers the risk of exacerbating your condition. Concussions require careful management, and the direction of medical professionals in Tower Grove, MO, like those at Axes Physical Therapy, is essential.

Physical Therapy for Concussion Treatment in Tower Grove, MO

Physical therapy can be crucial in concussion treatment as it tackles various post-concussion symptoms through customized, scientifically-backed treatment plans. Tower Grove, MO 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 endurance, while also offering guidance on proper rest and the gradual return to daily activities. Axes’ multi-faceted approach ensures you can get back to the activities you love in Tower Grove, MO with safety, with a treatment plan customized to your unique needs.

A fifth of concussions require longer than three weeks to resolve, and physical therapy is crucial in those cases. Concussions can affect the brain’s regular functioning, leading to a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Physical therapy offers a targeted approach to manage these multiple effects, enabling a more controlled and effective recovery. Your concussion treatment plan in Tower Grove, MO may include:

• Personalized Recovery Plans: Physical therapists create tailored recovery plans based on the unique symptoms and needs of each patient. These plans frequently include exercises and activities designed to slowly 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 involves 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 often accompany concussions. Physical therapists can provide treatments for the cervical spine, which include exercises to improve neck strength, flexibility, and alleviate pain.
• Exercise Therapy: Progressive exercise programs are formulated to safely increase physical activity without exacerbating concussion symptoms. These exercises aid in restoring endurance, strength, and cardiovascular health.
• Manual Therapy: Techniques like 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 informing you about concussion management, including modifying activities and strategies to deal with symptoms. This education equips you to take an engaged role in your recovery.

Choosing physical therapy for concussion treatment within the first two weeks may reduce chances of persisting symptoms. Physical therapy in Tower Grove, MO is not a universal solution; it’s a dynamic approach that adapts to the ongoing needs of each individual recovering from a concussion. By addressing the particular 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 – securely and successfully.

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

Choosing the appropriate physical therapy provider for your concussion treatment in Tower Grove, MO is one of the most important aspects of your recovery. Axes Physical Therapy in Tower Grove, MO stands out as a top choice for several compelling reasons:

Locally Owned and Operated

Axes is a locally operated entity, firmly entrenched in the Tower Grove, 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 members of 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 in excess of two decades of leadership in the physical therapy industry in Tower Grove, MO, Axes presents a team of extremely skilled clinicians. This broad experience is in handling a wide range of conditions, including understanding the details of concussion management. Our team’s expertise ensures that your treatment is guided by experienced professionals who are well-versed in the latest and most efficient concussion treatment methodologies.

Patient-Centered Approach

At Axes, your rehabilitation and needs take center stage. Understanding that each concussion patient has distinct challenges and recovery trajectories, we focus on a patient-focused approach. This means your treatment plan is customized to your unique needs, helping you get back to the activities you love with a focus on long-term and sustainable recovery.

Commitment to Positive Outcomes

A positive experience during your recovery is just as crucial as the clinical outcomes. Axes Physical Therapy prides ourselves on creating an environment where patients feel supported, understood, and motivated. Our enthusiasm for helping others manifests in every interaction, ensuring that your journey to recovery is as pleasant and positive as possible.

Emphasis on Relationships

As a care-centered business, Axes puts 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 welcomed change in a world where these qualities can often be overlooked in healthcare.

Comprehensive Approach to Wellness

While the concentration 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 Tower Grove, MO team understands the intricate interplay between physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing, particularly in conditions like post-concussion syndrome, and aims to address all aspects of your health.

Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Tower Grove, 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 Tower Grove, MO, we form a team with you and your doctor to establish 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 secure and thorough recovery. Call the Axes location nearest you or request an appointment online for your concussion treatment in Tower Grove, MO.