Friday, March 20, 2015

Concussions and Physical Therapy

What exactly is a concussion? We’ve all heard of it before. It’s nothing to play with. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that alters the way your brain functions. Basically, when the brain moves abruptly inside the skull; a concussion has technically occurred.  It should be taken very seriously. 

Unfortunately, it’s not that hard to get a concussion if you aren’t being careful and wearing appropriate head gear while doing activities. Small tasks like falling off your bike while riding it can result in a concussion. It is important to seek medical attention and see your physician immediately to achieve the fastest and safest recovery in the smallest amount of time.

Signs of a concussion include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea and memory problems. Some ways people can get a concussion are from car accidents, falls, and sports related injuries. Football is the most common sport for concussion risks for males. A professional football player will receive an estimated 900-1500 blows to the head during one season. Soccer is the most common sport for concussion risks for females. Researchers have found that if you have suffered from a concussion before, you are one to two times more likely to suffer from a second one.

No two concussions are the same. Your physician may recommend a visit to a physical therapist. A physical therapist can exam all of your individual symptoms and limitations. Physical therapists are able to create a treatment program tailored for all of your symptoms and needs. The most common symptom of a concussion is dizziness. Vestibular therapy may be the way for you to go. The vestibular system is responsible for your balance, head movements, and keeping your eyes focused. A physical therapist can give you certain exercises to reduce dizziness and improve your balance and stability. Another common symptom of a concussion is headaches. A physical therapist will assess your neck and back for other possible injuries. Neck and back injuries are known for contributing to headaches and dizziness.  

Anytime you are at risk with a serious injury, you should always seek immediate medical attention with your doctor, and once you are diagnosed with a concussion, your physician may recommend seeing a  physical therapist who will help you recover quickly and safely.
We feel like we have the best physical therapists around. Did you know you don't need a referral to get help from a Physical Therapist? Direct access is available for you, please call us and set up an evaluation so we can help get you back on your feet. In Orange County we offer Physical Therapy in ChesterGoshenMonroePort Jervis, and Montogmery. Westchester County has Physical Therapy in ArmonkBedford, and Hawthorne. In Ulster County we offer Physical Therapy in Wallkill, while in Sullivan County you can get Physical Therapy in Ferndale. To round out our 12 locations in New York, those living in Rockland County can go to Physical Therapy in New City as well as Pomona.  If you happen to live in PA, we also have Physical Therapy in Milford and Dingmans Ferry of Pike County.  Give us a call today!

- See more at: http://accessptw.com/blog/Concussions-and-Physical-Therapy~1082.html#sthash.fWdgpFgG.dpuf

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