What does Physical Therapy after a Head Injury Look Like?
I can’t begin to describe how often I get the question, “What can you do for the brain after a concussion in physical therapy?” And my response 100% of the time is, “We evaluate and find the root cause of any of your symptoms.”
How Do I know If I Have a Concussion?
Contrary to belief, a concussion injury does not have to be sustained by a direct blow to the head. In 2014, falls were the leading cause of mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Falls accounted for 47% of all TBI-related ER visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States in 2014. (CDC) Being struck by or against an object was the second leading cause of TBI, accounting for about 15% of TBI-related ER visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in the U.S. in 2014. (CDC) Among all age groups, motor vehicle crashes were the third leading cause of TBI-related ER visits, hospitalizations, and deaths (14%) in the U.S. in 2014. (CDC) Approximately 1 in 4 mild traumatic brain injuries in adults occurred at work. (Terry, 2018)
Management of Concussion in Sports
It is estimated that as many as 3,900,000 sports and activities-related concussions occur annually in the U.S. A concussion can occur from either a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth, either from a fall, a collision of players, or impact from the ground or other obstacles. Collision sports are at the highest risk for concussions, but any athletic activity remains a risk.
Concussions in the Workplace
Approximately 1 in 4 mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) in adults occur at work and are associated with substantial productivity loss, economic burden, persistent symptoms, and occupational disability1. Concussions in the workplace are most commonly caused by falls, getting struck in the head by falling objects, or motor vehicle accidents2. Most adults recover from an mTBI or concussion within 7-10 days; however, individuals who continue to have persistent symptoms beyond this timeframe are more at risk for further co-morbidities, including aerobic deconditioning, chronic pain, anxiety disorder, depression, as well as poor work performance3.
(more…)
3 Common Winter Sports Injuries and How to Avoid Them
“Hold my coffee.” Don’t let these be your famous last words before getting injured. Winter sports are amazing to watch; skiers and snowboarders traveling at high velocities and defying gravity when launching off jumps the size of houses. Figure skaters effortlessly glide, edge, and spin. All activities have risks, but the variables involved in winter sports can be out of our control, unfamiliar, and have higher stakes than what we are used to. This blog will cover tips, strategies, and more to keep you on the slopes and rink and out of the emergency room this winter.
(more…)
Common Football Injuries
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes – football is a rigorous sport and can be the source of various injuries. Some injuries are more common, and some are less common. Some injuries heal quickly with rehabilitation, whereas others heal slowly and may require surgery. Let’s look at some of the more common injuries in football.
Types of Headaches: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
We have all experienced a headache. Some headaches may be a mild annoyance, and others are brutally painful. Headaches can be defined as pain in any region of the head, but the intensity, duration, cause, and location can vary drastically per person and type of headache. Some studies suggest 1 in 20 adults experiences a headache every or nearly every day. In this blog, we’ll discuss the various types of headaches and how physical therapy can help.
Cycling-Related Concussions: 3 Tips To Keep Yourself Safe
As an Athletico physical therapist and competitive cyclist, I am eager to share my love for cycling with others. Right now, I’m super excited about the Tour de France. Over the past several years, it’s been gratifying to see cycling grow in the United States as a competitive sport, a fun way to exercise, and an environmentally-friendly way to commute. All outdoor cyclists, from the Tour de France riders to the city commuters in Chicago, are at risk of crash-related injuries. One of the most common is concussions. In this blog, I will discuss what you can do, as well as what physical therapists can do, to help you protect yourself.
