Do you suffer from concussion symptoms? Or do you think you might have a concussion? If so, you’ll be glad to know that High Definition Physical Therapy is recognized as a leading physical therapy concussion clinic in Denver, CO.
We offer the revolutionary protocol called MARS to effectively treat concussions and post-concussion syndrome for adult and pediatric patients. The program is a game-changer and is what separates us from other concussion treatment facilities and offices.
Learn more:
MARS/Gyrostim Brain Rehabilitation System
We are on the cutting edge of research and technology regarding patients who have been concussed due to a sports or auto accident. We work directly with athletic trainers and doctors to fashion a healthcare treatment plan for a fast and safe recovery.
Fortunately, in Colorado, you can talk to a physical therapist as a first line of care for a concussion. Talk to one of our concussion specialists today by scheduling a free phone consultation at High Definition Physical Therapy:
How We Treat Concussions in Denver, CO
In the video below, physical therapist, Dan Stoot, DPT, COMT, explains the unique concussion rehabilitation options offered at High Definition PT:
How Does a Concussion Occur?
Many people think of a concussion as a sudden, one-time traumatic event. However, a concussion is due to a series of metabolic (biochemical) changes in the brain that are set off by the traumatic event.
- Following the injury, the brain cells may not get enough energy and nutrients to work properly, causing impairment in brain function
- As the brain cells undergo metabolic change and recovery, the symptoms of impairment can also change
- Recovery may take a few minutes or a few months—or even longer—depending on the individual and the injury’s severity
What Is a Concussion?
Concussion is a mild type of traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that can change the way the brain normally works. People with concussions can experience symptoms that are:
- physical, such as headache and blurred vision
- cognitive, such as difficulty focusing
- emotional, such as irritability
- sleep-related, such as fatigue, sleeping more than usual
These symptoms may last several minutes, days, weeks, or even longer in some cases. Most concussions are relatively minor and will resolve.
Concussions can be caused by trauma that is either:
- a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, such as a fall or collision that causes direct impact.
- a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head to move quickly back and forth (whiplash); even though the head does not suffer a direct hit, the brain is jostled inside skull.
Whether or not a person has suffered a concussion is not always obvious. A loss of consciousness happens in only about 10% of concussion cases. Standard neurological imaging, such as CT scans and MRIs, are typically normal after concussions but are used to assess for more serious injuries.
Symptoms of Concussion
The symptoms of concussion can be divided into four categories: thinking and remembering; physical; emotional and mood; and sleep. Many people with concussions report that they do not feel like themselves.
Symptoms can worsen if the brain is strained by physical activity, such as running and climbing stairs, or cognitive activity, such as academic work or multitasking.
Difficulty Thinking and Remembering
People who experience concussion may have trouble with cognitive functions. Specifically, they may notice that they:
- Have trouble remembering new information
- Feel ‘foggy’ and can’t think clearly or concentrate
- Feel slower than normal
These cognitive symptoms mean everyday tasks take more time and mental effort than usual.
Physical Symptoms
Which physical symptoms a patient experiences can depend on the individual, and the severity of the injury. Potential physical symptoms include:
- Headache (most common)
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Balance problems
- Blurry vision or other visual problems
- Sensitivity to light and/or noise
- Fatigue
- Numbness or tingling
Some symptoms, particularly symptoms that get progressively worse, may be a sign of brain hemorrhage. A person who has a persistent or worsening headache, weakness or numbness, decreased coordination, repeated vomiting or nausea, or slurred speech, should be taken to the emergency department for evaluation.
Emotional and Mood Symptoms
In addition to physical and cognitive symptoms, people with concussions may experience emotional and mood symptoms. Specifically they may feel:
- irritable
- sad
- more emotional
- anxious or nervous
It is often difficult for a medical professional to know if these symptoms were present before the injury or a result injury. Patients are advised to tell their doctor about perceived changes in emotions and mood.
Concussion Rehabilitation & Recovery
The majority (80–90%) of concussions resolve in a short (7–10 day) period, although the recovery time frame may be longer in children and adolescents. Concussion symptoms that last longer may be a result of post-concussion syndrome.
In any case, a concussion evaluation is recommended with all injuries to the head and neck. And the sooner, the better; early treatment has demonstrated improved outcomes and recovery.
Related YouTube Video (opens in new window):
Hockey Concussion: Recent Medical Study Findings
Why See a Physical Therapist?
It is becoming more and more common for primary care physicians to refer patients with concussion symptoms to physical therapists who are concussion specialists. In addition to physical therapy, these PT specialists have extensive brain rehabilitation experience and understand the specific needs and concerns of concussed athletes, and concussion from injuries (motor vehicle accident, fall etc.)
PT concussion specialists provide comprehensive evaluation, including neurologic, neuropsychological, orthopedic and use of advanced diagnostic tools, a cutting edge treatment plan individualized for each person and focus on returning athletes and other injured persons to sport, work, and school.
Our concussion specialists can help patients create and follow an evidence-based recovery plan based upon their age, activity level, work or school schedule, symptoms, and other factors. Appropriate treatment and a proper management plan may speed recovery and yield better outcomes. Research has demonstrated the benefits of cervicovestibular rehabilitation in decreasing time to medical clearance.
Concussion Is a Very Recoverable Injury!
Colorado is a Direct Access state. That means you can see a physical therapist as a first line of care for concussion rehabilitation. Please consult with your insurance provider for coverage details. Contact High Definition Physical Therapy for a free phone consultation.