Concussion treatment in Webster Groves, MO. Concussions are not merely a knock on the head; they are intricate injuries that require expert care and attention. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who’s had a fall, Axes Physical Therapy in Webster Groves, MO can be an effective part of your treatment plan that returns you to the activities you love in the safest manner possible and successfully.

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

• Aids in decreasing post-concussion symptoms
• Enables earlier returns and/or shorter periods of recovery
• Has been deemed safe for concussion treatment

If you or someone you know is dealing with concussion symptoms, contact the Axes location most convenient for you or schedule an appointment through our website to initiate your concussion treatment in Webster Groves, MO 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 results in the brain moving within the skull. This movement can lead to a temporary disruption in healthy brain function, impacting cognitive processes, physical coordination, emotional stability, and sleep patterns. Unlike life-threatening brain injuries, concussions usually do not result in visible structural damage to the brain, which is why they are sometimes called “invisible injuries.” Nevertheless, this does not minimize 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 nearly everyone. Common causes include falls, sports injuries, car crashes, and blows to the head during daily activities. In sports, concussions are frequently associated with forceful 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 ice-related falls, minor car collisions, or even a sudden jolt during a roller coaster ride. It’s important to mention that a concussion can happen even without a direct blow to the head, as any action that causes the brain to move violently 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 short-term and reversible, which is why most people fully recover from concussions. However, the duration and seriousness of symptoms can fluctuate significantly depending on the individual and the specifics of the injury. That’s why appropriate diagnosis and management, frequently involving rest and a gradual return to normal activities, are critical to a successful recovery from a concussion. If symptoms continue even after rest.

Concussion Symptoms

Concussions can cause not only immediate and prolonged symptoms:

Short-Term Symptoms

• Headache or a sensation of pressure in the head
• Brief unconsciousness or feeling confused
• Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
• Feeling dizzy or visual disorientation
• Ear ringing
• Feeling nauseous or vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Delayed response to questions
• Exhaustion

Long-Term Symptoms

• Ongoing headaches
• Focus and memory problems
• Irritability and other mood swings
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Sleep disturbances
• Disorders of taste and smell
• Disorders of balance and coordination

Not everyone will experience all these symptoms, and their severity can fluctuate. If you suspect a concussion, whether due to the presence of immediate or lingering symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical treatment immediately. A healthcare professional in Webster Groves, MO, such as those at Axes Physical Therapy, can evaluate your condition and recommend the appropriate course of action, including rest and tailored concussion treatments customized 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 Webster Groves, MO

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

• Seek Medical Attention Immediately: It’s imperative to visit a healthcare professional without delay. Even if the symptoms seem mild, getting a proper diagnosis is crucial because the consequences of a concussion can be hard to notice and sometimes delayed.
• Rest and Limit Activities: Until you can visit a medical professional, rest is crucial. Steer clear of physical activities, particularly sports or exercises that could result in another head injury. Also, 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 differences or new symptoms that emerge. This information can be essential for healthcare providers in assessing and addressing your concussion.
• Avoid Alcohol and Certain Medications: Alcohol and medications that influence 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 visited a healthcare provider, follow their recommendations diligently. This might include a series of steps for progressively returning to normal activities, specific concussion treatments, check-ups, or an ongoing physical therapy plan.

Remember, taking these steps not only helps in your recovery but also minimizes the risk of worsening your condition. Concussions require careful management, and the direction of medical professionals in Webster Groves, MO, like those at Axes Physical Therapy, is crucial.

Physical Therapy for Concussion Treatment in Webster Groves, MO

Physical therapy can be integral in concussion treatment as it manages various post-concussion symptoms through personalized, evidence-backed rehabilitation plans. Webster Groves, MO physical therapists employ techniques like vestibular rehabilitation and vision therapy to ease balance and visual disturbances and adjust your gait. Additionally, physical therapy contributes to safely restoring physical function and endurance, while also providing guidance on appropriate rest and a gradual return to normal activities. Axes’ holistic approach ensures you can resume the activities you love in Webster Groves, MO safely, with a treatment plan customized to your unique needs.

One in five concussions need more than three weeks to heal, and physical therapy is essential in those cases. Concussions can disrupt the brain’s normal functioning, leading to a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Physical therapy offers a focused approach to tackle these varied effects, facilitating a safer and better recovery. Your concussion treatment plan in Webster Groves, MO may include:

• Personalized Recovery Plans: Physical therapists develop tailored recovery plans based on the particular symptoms and needs of each patient. These plans commonly include exercises and activities intended to steadily restore normal function without aggravating symptoms.
• Vestibular Therapy: A significant number of concussion patients experience dizziness and balance issues. Physical therapists are experienced with vestibular rehabilitation, which involves exercises to improve balance and minimize dizziness-related problems.
• Visual and Cognitive Exercises: Concussions can impact visual and cognitive functions. Therapists employ specific exercises to help restore 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 safely increase physical activity without worsening concussion symptoms. These exercises assist in restoring stamina, strength, and cardiovascular health.
• Manual Therapy: Techniques including soft tissue mobilization and gentle joint mobilizations can relieve headaches and neck pain associated with concussions.
• Education and Guidance: A crucial part of physical therapy is informing you about concussion management, including changes in activity and strategies to cope with symptoms. This education empowers you to take an involved role in your recovery.

Choosing physical therapy for concussion treatment within the first two weeks might reduce chances of persisting symptoms. Physical therapy in Webster Groves, MO is not a universal solution; it’s a patient-centered approach that evolves with the ongoing 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 return to their daily activities – and favorite activities – securely and effectively.

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

Choosing the right physical therapy provider for your concussion treatment in Webster Groves, MO is critical. Axes Physical Therapy in Webster Groves, MO stands out as a top choice for multiple compelling reasons:

Locally Owned and Operated

Axes is a locally operated entity, strongly integrated in the Webster Groves, MO community. This local connection builds a greater understanding and commitment to the healthcare needs of the residents. Being managed by physical therapists who are members of the local fabric, Axes brings a personalized touch to our services, ensuring that your treatment feels more like a community effort than a typical procedure.

Expertise and Experience

With over two decades of experience in the physical therapy industry in Webster Groves, MO, Axes boasts a team of highly experienced clinicians. This vast 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 led by experienced professionals who are highly proficient in the latest and most efficient concussion treatment methodologies.

Patient-Centered Approach

At Axes, your healing and needs take priority. Understanding that each concussion patient has unique challenges and recovery trajectories, we focus on a patient-centered approach. This means your treatment plan is personalized to your particular needs, helping you return 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, listened to, and motivated. Our enthusiasm 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 care-centered business, Axes sets 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 welcomed change in a world where these qualities can occasionally 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 Webster Groves, MO team acknowledges the intricate interplay between physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing, specifically in conditions like post-concussion syndrome, and aims to tackle all aspects of your health.

Call Axes Physical Therapy for Your Concussion Treatment in Webster Groves, MO

Navigating the path to recovery after a concussion can be demanding, but with the appropriate care and support, it is entirely achievable. When you trust in Axes for your concussion treatment in Webster Groves, 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 thorough recovery. Call the Axes location nearest you or request an appointment online for your concussion treatment in Webster Groves, MO.