Different Ways To Get a Concussion
When In Doubt, Have Your Head Injury Checked Out!
Chances are high that you’ve experienced that heart-stopping moment – a slip on the ice, a miscalculated header on the soccer field, or a sudden jolt in a car accident. The world spins, a sharp pain pierces your head, and a wave of confusion washes over you. Could it be a concussion?
Understanding Concussions
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This sudden movement can stretch and damage brain cells, leading to a range of physical and cognitive symptoms.
Recognizing the Signs
The symptoms of a concussion can vary from person to person and may not appear immediately. Some common signs to watch out for include:
- Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Changes in mood or behavior, such as irritability or sadness
If you experience any of these symptoms following a head injury, don’t wait to contact Santa Clarita Valley Therapy Services for an evaluation.
Risk Factors
While anyone can sustain a concussion, certain factors increase the risk:
- Participating in contact sports like football, hockey, or rugby
- Engaging in high-risk recreational activities such as skiing, snowboarding, or skateboarding
- Having a history of previous concussions
- Being female (studies suggest females may be more susceptible to concussions than males)
- Being younger (children and adolescents are at a higher risk due to their developing brains)
The Top 5 Ways People Get Concussions
Falls
Falls are the leading cause of concussions, especially among young children and older adults. These can occur at home, at work, or during recreational activities.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car crashes, motorcycle accidents, and even bicycle collisions can result in significant head trauma and concussions.
Sports-related Injuries
Contact sports and high-impact activities often involve collisions that can lead to concussions.
Workplace Accidents
Construction workers, industrial workers, and others in physically demanding jobs are at risk of concussions from falls, equipment accidents, and other hazards.
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Farewell and Best Wishes to Peggy: Celebrating Over 20 Years of Dedication
After more than two decades of dedicated service, Peggy is retiring from her role as an occupational therapist at Santa Clarita Valley Therapy Services. Her commitment, compassion, and unwavering professionalism have left an indelible mark on colleagues and clients alike.
Peggy joined SCV Therapy Services over 20 years ago, bringing with her a deep passion for helping others regain independence and improve their quality of life. Over the years, she has worked with patients of all ages, always taking the time to listen, encourage, and provide personalized care.
Colleagues describe Peggy as a quiet force—steady, reliable, and deeply empathetic. She’s been a mentor to many and a friend to all, always willing to lend a hand or share a word of wisdom.
As Peggy steps into retirement, she looks forward to spending more time with family, traveling, and finally getting to those hobbies she’s been meaning to explore. While she will be greatly missed, her legacy will continue to inspire everyone at SCV Therapy Services.
Thank you, Peggy, for your extraordinary years of service. Wishing you a retirement filled with joy and new adventures!
Concussion Treatment At Santa Clarita Valley Therapy Services
At our office, we specialize in treating concussions and techniques to lower your risk of having one. Our experienced team will conduct a thorough evaluation, develop a personalized treatment plan, and provide guidance on safely returning to normal activities.
Don’t let a concussion keep you down. If you’ve experienced a head injury, act fast by scheduling an appointment with us today!
Savor a Pain-Free Football Season
As Friday night lights illuminate the field and the spirit of football echoes throughout the community, ensure that back pain doesn’t get in the way while rooting for your team in the stands. Experience the thrill of the season without the discomfort of back pain. Our treatments are designed for your unique needs, ensuring you’re game-day-ready every time.
Your game plan to tackle back pain involves the following:
- Effective treatments to alleviate pain and guard against future flare-ups.
- Customized strategies to boost your mobility and strength so you can cheer on your favorite teams without hesitation.
- Tips to enjoy those tailgate barbecues and halftime huddles without a second thought to your back.
Get ready to chant, cheer, and celebrate without restraint. Connect with Santa Clarita Valley Therapy Services today, and let’s ensure you’re in prime shape for every touchdown this season!
Exercise of the Month
Neck Glide
Stand tall with your shoulders relaxed and your head in a neutral position. Gently draw your head straight backward, keeping your chin level, like you’re trying to make a double chin. Avoid tilting your head up or down. Hold briefly, then return to the starting position. 3 Sets, 10 Reps.
A Proactive Approach to Concussion Prevention
Many of us know that concussions can happen unexpectedly. However, not enough people know that physical therapy offers valuable strategies to reduce your risk and enhance your body’s resilience.
Strengthening the Neck
A strong neck provides crucial stability for your head, helping reduce the impact of sudden jolts or collisions. Our PTs can tailor exercises to improve your neck strength, mobility, and range of motion.
Addressing Previous Injuries
Lingering weakness or instability from previous injuries can increase your susceptibility to concussions. We can help rehabilitate these areas and restore optimal function to reduce your overall risk of a concussion or related injuries.
Proper Technique in Sports and Activities
Improper form during sports or recreational activities can increase your risk of head injury. We can analyze your movements and provide guidance on proper technique to ensure that you’re performing activities safely and efficiently.
Enhancing Balance and Coordination
Falls are a leading cause of concussions, especially among older adults. Our physical therapists can assess your balance, proprioception, and coordination and design personalized exercise programs to improve these skills.
While physical therapy can’t completely eliminate the risk of concussions, it does equip you with tools to minimize your chances of experiencing this type of injury. Physical therapy empowers you to take an active role in protecting your brain health by strengthening key support areas, improving balance, addressing previous injuries, and promoting safe practices.
What is Concussion Therapy?
Concussion therapy involves, first and foremost, the identification of patients suffering from a recent concussion or post-concussion syndrome (PCS). A concussion is a form of mild traumatic brain injury that leads to a cascade of detrimental mental and physical health conditions. Patients may experience headaches, dizziness, ear ringing (tinnitus), neck pain, nausea, fatigue, lack of motivation, eye/ear pain, visual strain/”tired eyes,” inability to concentrate, emotional instability/mood swings, irritability, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and decreased tolerance for exercise, among other symptoms.
Concussion therapy identifies those patients who may be coping with concussion symptoms that prohibit them from returning to their respective sport or may also uncover a client with “brain fatigue” stemming from a concussion that happened months or even years ago! Our doctors perform a thorough multi-system examination for those patients enrolling in our post-concussion rehabilitation program.
If you suffer from chronic headache, fatigue, or concentration and attention deficits, call our office today and ask to be screened by one of our concussion experts to determine if you are appropriate for our post-concussion protocol.
Fresh & Healthy Salsa Recipe
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 1 red onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 jalapeno (stemmed and seeded)
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 3 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 15 oz crushed tomatoes (1 can)
- 4.5 oz diced green chiles (1 can)
Place the fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic, peppers, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until the contents are blended to desired consistency. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and green chiles. Puree until mostly smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
