What is concussion therapy?
Concussion therapy involves first and foremost the identification of patients suffering from recent concussion or post concussion syndrome (PCS). 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 happening months or even years ago! Our doctors perform a thorough multi-system examination for those patients enrolling 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 know if you are appropriate for our post concussion protocol.
How can concussion therapy help?
Concussion therapy can only be effective when all of our brain-body systems are addressed during a thorough examination. Our licensed physical therapists conduct an evaluation of the patient’s vestibular and visual systems, musculoskeletal system, balance system and, most importantly, the complex interaction and integration of all of these symptoms simultaneously. Have trouble multitasking? Most people do. Do you experience fatigue, headaches, irritability, nausea or increased stress response when multitasking? You may be suffering from post concussion syndrome. Most of our clients experience concussion from either sport related injury or from car collisions/motor vehicle accidents. Concussion therapy helps to address these symptoms by first identifying your impairments in a priority format and then creating a unique protocol that is implemented by our therapists with specific home programs for our clients to follow through in performing at home. We also work with local providers to address hormonal imbalances that may be caused from concussion as well as neuro-optometrists that can further evaluate any visual system dysfunction that is all too common after concussion but often completely missed by most healthcare providers. We truly seek to address brain injuries from a holistic perspective, keeping all systems in mind while prioritizing the goals of our clients.
What does concussion therapy look like?
In addition to physical therapy, additional strategies like targeted massage, specific stretches, and even eye motion training can help to reduce headaches and nausea following a concussion. Physical therapy programs for concussion often build in vestibular therapy, which helps you orient yourself during periods of lightheadedness or loss of balance. To encourage this your physical therapist will introduce you to specialized activities, including fixing your gaze at a certain point in the distance, or using simple movements to stabilize your core and limbs. Manual therapy techniques include craniosacral massage techniques to facilitate mind-body connection as well as improving blood flow to the brain. Return to exercise routines are established and periodically progressed based on your goals to help you improve your exercise tolerance after concussion, as well. We accomplish this through interval aerobic training with targeting heart rate measures specific to the individual. We often say, “we want to push you to your limit without going over the edge of the cliff.” Gradually and incrementally, you will regain your quality of life working with one of our established post concussion care specialists. Considering enrollment in our post concussion program? Give us a call today to meet with our specialists to know if you would benefit from participating in our post concussion therapy program.
Contact us today!
A concussion is not something you can ignore. Regardless of the perceived severity, following a brain injury it is incredibly important that you check in with a physician to ensure that there is no potential for lasting brain damage. If you or a loved one have experienced a concussion, contact Santa Clarita Valley Therapy Services in Stevenson Ranch, CA to learn more about concussion treatment and therapy options.
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