Concussion treatment in Warrenton, MO. Concussions are not merely 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 a car accident, Axes Physical Therapy in Warrenton, MO can be an effective part of your healing journey that returns you to the activities you love most safely and effectively.
According to the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, research demonstrates that physical therapy as part of your concussion treatment:
- Aids in easing post-concussion symptoms
- Facilitates earlier returns and/or shorter days to recovery
- Is widely recognized as safe for concussion treatment
If you or someone you know is facing concussion symptoms, contact the Axes location most convenient for you or make an appointment online to get started with your concussion treatment in Warrenton, MO today.
Understanding Concussions
A concussion is basically a type of traumatic brain injury usually caused by a blow to the head or a sudden, violent shaking that leads to the brain moving within the skull. This movement can cause a brief disruption 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 described 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 health and quality of life.
Concussions happen for a variety of reasons, making them a risk for virtually anyone. Common causes include falls, sports injuries, car accidents, and any other type of blow to the head. In sports, concussions are frequently 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 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 rapidly back and forth inside the skull — such as whiplash — can be adequate 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 seriousness of symptoms can vary widely depending on the specific individual and the specifics of the injury. That’s why appropriate diagnosis and management, typically involving rest and a steady return to normal activities, are essential to a healthy recovery from a concussion. If symptoms continue even after rest.
Concussion Symptoms
Concussions can cause not only immediate and longer-term 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 haze
- A sense of dizziness or “seeing stars”
- Ear ringing
- Feeling nauseous or vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Slowed response to questions
- Fatigue
Lingering Symptoms
- Persistent headaches
- Focus and memory problems
- Irritability and other mood swings
- Hypersensitivity to light and noise
- Sleep disturbances
- Disorders of taste and smell
- Disorders of balance and coordination
Not every person will experience each of these symptoms, and their severity can fluctuate. 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 Warrenton, MO, 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 come to any of our locations for a free injury screening.
What to Do if You Think You Have a Concussion in Warrenton, MO
Identifying that you might have a concussion is the initial important step in getting the right concussion treatment. Here’s what you ought to do if you think you have a concussion:
- Seek Medical Attention Right Away: It’s crucial to see a healthcare professional without delay. Even if the symptoms feel mild, securing a proper diagnosis is crucial because the impacts of a concussion can be hard to notice and often delayed.
- Rest and Limit Activities: Until you can visit a medical professional, rest is key. Avoid physical activities, especially sports or exercises that might result in another head injury. Additionally, limit activities that require mental effort or mental strain, as these may worsen symptoms.
- Monitor Symptoms: Record your symptoms, keeping an eye on any alterations or new symptoms that occur. This information is crucial for healthcare providers in evaluating and treating your concussion.
- Stay Away From Alcohol and Certain Medications: Alcohol and medications that impact the nervous system ought to be avoided unless explicitly advised by a healthcare professional.
- Don’t Drive: Until cleared by a medical professional, avoid driving as your reflexes and judgment might be impaired.
- Follow Professional Guidance: Once you’ve seen a healthcare provider, adhere to their recommendations strictly. This might include a gradual process for gradually returning to normal activities, specific concussion treatments, check-ups, or an extended physical therapy plan.
Remember, following these steps not only aids in your recovery but also minimizes the risk of exacerbating your condition. Concussions need careful management, and the direction of medical professionals in Warrenton, MO, like those at Axes Physical Therapy, is essential.
Physical Therapy for Concussion Treatment in Warrenton, MO
Physical therapy can be crucial in concussion treatment as it manages a range of post-concussion symptoms through personalized, scientifically-backed rehabilitation plans. Warrenton, MO physical therapists employ techniques like vestibular rehabilitation and vision therapy to ease balance and visual disturbances and adjust your gait. Additionally, physical therapy aids in safely restoring physical function and endurance, while also offering guidance on proper rest and a gradual return to normal activities. Axes’ holistic approach ensures you can return to the activities you love in Warrenton, MO securely, with a treatment plan specifically designed to your unique needs.
One in five concussions need longer than three weeks to heal, and physical therapy is crucial 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 focused approach to address these diverse effects, enabling a safer and better recovery. Your concussion treatment plan in Warrenton, MO may include:
- Personalized Recovery Plans: Physical therapists create individualized recovery plans based on the particular symptoms and needs of each patient. These plans often include exercises and activities designed to gradually restore normal function without aggravating symptoms.
- Vestibular Therapy: Many concussion patients experience dizziness and balance issues. Physical therapists are skilled at vestibular rehabilitation, which comprises exercises to improve balance and reduce dizziness-related problems.
- Visual and Cognitive Exercises: Concussions can impact 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 deliver treatments for the cervical spine, which comprise exercises to improve neck strength, flexibility, and reduce pain.
- Exercise Therapy: Progressive exercise programs are crafted to safely increase physical activity without exacerbating concussion symptoms. These exercises aid in restoring endurance, strength, and cardiovascular health.
- Manual Therapy: Techniques such as soft tissue mobilization and gentle joint mobilizations are able to relieve headaches and neck pain related to concussions.
- Education and Guidance: A vital part of physical therapy is teaching you about concussion management, including changes in activity and strategies to deal with symptoms. This education enables you to take an active role in your recovery.
Choosing physical therapy for concussion treatment within the first two weeks can reduce chances of persisting symptoms. Physical therapy in Warrenton, MO is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s a dynamic 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 significantly improve the recovery process and help patients resume their daily activities – and favorite activities – safely and successfully.
Why Choose Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Warrenton, MO
Choosing the appropriate physical therapy provider for your concussion treatment in Warrenton, MO is one of the most important aspects of your recovery. Axes Physical Therapy in Warrenton, MO stands out as a premier choice for multiple compelling reasons:
Locally Owned and Operated
Axes is a community-based entity, strongly integrated in the Warrenton, MO community. This local connection creates a stronger understanding and commitment to the healthcare needs of the residents. Being managed by physical therapists who are integrated into the local fabric, Axes brings a customized touch to our services, ensuring that your treatment feels more like a community effort than a standard procedure.
Expertise and Experience
With over two decades of expertise in the physical therapy industry in Warrenton, 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 guided by knowledgeable professionals who are highly proficient in the latest and most advanced concussion treatment methodologies.
Patient-Centered Approach
At Axes, your recovery and needs take priority. Understanding that each concussion patient has unique challenges and recovery trajectories, we focus on a individual-centric approach. This means your treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs, helping you resume the activities you love with a focus on long-term and sustainable recovery.
Commitment to Positive Outcomes
A rewarding experience during your recovery is equally important as the clinical outcomes. Axes Physical Therapy takes pride in creating an environment where patients feel cared for, listened to, and motivated. Our passion for helping others shines through in every interaction, ensuring that your journey to recovery is as positive 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 sometimes be overlooked in healthcare.
Comprehensive Approach to Wellness
While the concentration of your treatment at Axes will be on concussion recovery, our all-encompassing approach to physical therapy means that your overall wellness is always in view. Our Warrenton, MO team understands the sophisticated interplay between physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing, especially in conditions like post-concussion syndrome, and works to handle all aspects of your health.
Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Warrenton, 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 Warrenton, MO, we form a team with you and your doctor to develop 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 safe and thorough recovery. Call the Axes location nearest you or request an appointment online for your concussion treatment in Warrenton, MO.