Concussion Centers

From the professional athlete to the weekend warrior, we see patients from all walks of life at PT Solutions. Wherever you fall along that spectrum, you may be at risk for concussion as they can happen to anyone anywhere on or off the field. We recognize the need for concussion prevention and education in addition to treatment. That’s why we have concussion centers with dedicated private treatment rooms with modifiable light for patient comfort during treatment.

We also partner with the Concussion Legacy Foundation, a national leader in the study, treatment, and prevention of the effects of brain trauma in athletes. Our team of clinicians includes physical therapists and certified athletic trainers who use Concussion Legacy Foundation’s Team Up Against Concussions program to work directly with local high school and college athletes to help develop effective concussion protocols when brain injuries arise. Our trainers work with parents and local recreational teams all the way up to professional sport teams and their coaches to proactively educate athletes about concussion prevention and return to play protocols.

PT Solutions’ Dr. Dale Yake appears on 92.9 FM The Game to talk about concussion awareness and education as well as athlete safety on and off the field.

WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jot to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. The movement can disrupt the metabolic functioning of the brain, causing many of the common symptoms seen immediately after a hit. It is important for athletes to report concussions because the cumulative effects of repeated concussions can result in permanent intellectual and cognitive changes.

After experiencing a concussion, rest is the best treatment for the first 24 to 48 hours, as it helps the brain heal faster. If the athlete is still symptomatic, forcing him or her to heavily exert either physically or mentally early in the recovery process will likely lengthen the recovery period. This means abstaining from sports, as well as any other activities that require sustained mental exertion, from test-taking to playing video games.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF A CONCUSSION

Coaches or parents who notice any of the following signs – or if an athlete reports any concussion-like symptoms – should immediately remove the athlete from play and have him or her evaluated by a health care professional experienced in concussions. Some athletes may not experience symptoms until hours or days after the injury. Most people will recover quickly and fully, but sometimes symptoms of concussion can last for days, weeks, or longer.

Observed by Others

Appears dazed or stunned
Seems confused about assignment or position
Forgets an instruction
Moves Clumsily
Answers Slowly
Loses consciousness briefly

Observed by families

Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes
Sleeping more than usual
Answers questions slowly
Has trouble reading or completing homework
Can’t recall events before or after the hit or fall
Complains of noises, lights, or sunlight

Reported by Families

Headache or pressure in head
Nausea or vomiting
Balance problems
Double or blurry vision
Sensitive to lights or noises
Dizziness, clumsiness, or sleepiness
Feels sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
Attention or concentration problems
Confusion or memory loss
Just doesn’t feel right

Red Flags: When to seek emergency care

Severe neck pain or tenderness
Double vision
Weakness or tingling/burning in arms or legs
Severe or increasing headaches
Seizure or convulsion
Loss of consciousness
Deteriorating conscious state
Vomiting
Increasingly restless, agitated, or combative
Changes in behavior
Excessive drowsiness

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

After a concussion is identified, an athlete should be immediately removed from playing a sport for at least 24 hours and evaluated by an ATC or Sports Medicine Physician. If the individual is symptom free after 24-48 hours, he or she can typically initiate a gradual return to activity or return to play protocol. If symptoms persist, additional steps are often required:

Athlete should be evaluated by a health care provider experienced in evaluating for concussions like a Sports Medicine Physician or Physical Therapist
Your health care professional should provide any instructions or recommendations for school or work restrictions (when needed) while the athlete is recovering. The athlete should remain out of all physical activity until all symptoms have resolved. This includes any daily routine activities or physical education classes in school.
To address concussion symptoms at rest and with exertion and enable an expedited return to play or function, the athlete should participate in physical therapy at a specialized Concussion Center.
Health care professionals should clear an athlete to return to play.
Complete a gradual return to play protocol
Return to play

If you believe you have suffered from a concussion, fill out the form to request an appointment today!

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