El Dorado Physical Therapy in Cameron Park

We provide quality, comprehensive treatment for patients who are injured or suffering from any type of movement or function disorder.

As a key member of today's dynamic health care team, we prescribe a goal-oriented program of evaluation, treatment, and prevention for our patient's specific needs. 

Conditions we treat include but are not limited to: 

• Orthopedic and sports injuries
• Pre/post surgical rehabilitation
• Back and neck injuries/pain
• Work injuries
• Auto accident injuries

The benefits of physical therapy include: 

• Relief of pain and muscle spasms
• Improved mobility and increased range of motion
• Increased or maintained strength and endurance
• Decreased swelling and inflammation of joints
• Decreased physical stresses

Falls and fear of falling in our senior population are recognized public health crises.

According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in older adults by a wide margin. Each year, more than two million seniors experience a fall severe enough to necessitate emergency medical treatment. This number along with the associated personal and societal costs of falling is expected to rise as our population ages. Despite these grim statistics, many falls are preventable with professional interventions that address the causes of falling in older adults.

Our expert clinicians are trained in evidence-based interventions that are proven by controlled clinical trials to effectively reduce the number of falls in older adults.

There are other factors that also contribute to falls. Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's Disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, vestibular disorders, and neuropathy also increase fall risk. Our therapy team is well equipped to address the problems of falling and the fear of falling in individuals living with these conditions.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is defined as a disruption of the normal functioning of the brain usually due to a direct or indirect force to the head.

Is Concussion a brain injury?

Yes. In short, it is a functional injury to the brain, rather than a structural injury.

What do you mean by a functional injury to the brain?

The brain controls many functions of the human body. When these functions are disrupted, the “concussed” person may experience problems with thinking, balance, emotion, and sleep. As a result, they may feel mentally “foggy,” dizzy, nauseated, more emotional, restless, or tired.

What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion?

After sustaining a fall or blow to the head, if one or more of these signs are observed, a concussion is suspected:

• Appears dazed or stunned, forgetful, or confused, An athlete who sustains a concussion may forget an instruction, be confused about an assignment or position, or be unsure of the game, score, or opponent.
• Can’t recall events prior to or after a hit or fall.
• *Answers questions slowly
• *Moves clumsily.
• *Loses consciousness (even briefly).
• *Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes.

If one or more of these symptoms are reported, a concussion is suspected:

• Headache or “pressure” in the head.
• *Nausea or vomiting.
• *Balance problems or dizziness.
• *Double or blurry vision.
• *Bothered by light or noise.
• *Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy.
• *Confusion, or concentration, or memory problems.
• *Just not “feeling right,” or “feeling down”

Someone must be “knocked out” or lose consciousness to have sustained a concussion, right?

This is a dangerous misconception about concussions. A concussion does not necessarily result in loss of consciousness, nor does the loss of consciousness on its own predict the severity or course of recovery from the concussion.

What should a parent or coach do when they are not sure whether their child or athlete sustained a concussion?

The statement “if in doubt, sit them out” summarizes it best. More specifically, the CDC recommends and California law (AB 2127)* mandates that an athlete suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury is prohibited from returning to the athletic activity until the athlete is evaluated by a licensed health care provider. This educational sheet published by the CDC is an excellent resource for parents and coaches:

• www.cdc.gov
• Assembly Bill

What are the health risks of “playing through” a concussion or suspected concussion?

Due to slowed reaction time and impaired judgment, an individual who has not fully recovered from a concussion is at heightened risk to sustain another blow to the head if he or she continues to participate in an athletic event. A repeat concussion sustained before full recovery has occurred can lead to second impact syndrome, which is a serious and life-threatening condition that involves rapid swelling of the brain. Although serious, second impact syndrome is preventable through recognition and proper management of an initial concussion.

How soon can an athlete return to play after sustaining a concussion?

The good news is 85% of individuals recover within 3 weeks of sustaining a concussion. However, there are many factors involved in an individual’s recovery from a concussion. Prior to returning to play, it must first be determined by a licensed health care provider trained in the management of concussion that he or she has returned to their “baseline” or pre-injury state. In addition, the athlete must complete a graduated return to play protocol under the supervision of a licensed health care provider trained in the management of concussion.

Why see a Physical Therapist for a concussion?

A Physical Therapist, trained in the management of concussion, is able to evaluate and provide treatment and education for symptoms of concussion, including headache and dizziness. In addition, a physical therapist’s expertise in exercise and movement allows them to safely and effectively implement the mandatory graduated return to play protocol. A Physical Therapist with training and experience treating concussions can help screen for cognitive (thinking and memory) problems, or visual problems that are amenable to referral to Speech-Language Pathology or Occupational Therapy, respectively.

Why should someone choose Physical Therapy to recover from a concussion?

Our clinics are home to a cutting-edge team of Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists who are formally trained and experienced in the management of concussion. These expert clinicians have collaborated with local physicians to develop a comprehensive and affordable care model designed to return local high school athletes safely and successfully to sports, academics, and social roles.

Vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance are commonly associated with a problem with the inner ear or vestibular system functioning. There are many causes of vertigo and dizziness that are treatable with the guidance of a physical therapist with specialized training in Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that uses specific exercises or activities to promote recovery of balance and a sense of stability. The type of therapeutic strategies your therapist implements will depend on the cause of your dizziness and the severity of your symptoms.

Your therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation to help determine if your dizziness will respond to Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy. Depending on the findings of the physical therapy evaluation, the therapist will then proceed with treatment and/or possibly a referral to another appropriate health care provider. Most often, you will respond quickly and favorably to the initial treatment. Our Physical Therapists have extensive training and expertise in Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy.

Causes of dizziness we treat

• BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
• Vestibular Hypofunction (often due to vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis)
• Vestibular Migraine or Migraine Associated Dizziness
• Cervicogenic Dizziness or dizziness associated with neck problems
• Dizziness due to concussion/ traumatic brain injury
• Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (formerly known as Chronic Subjective Dizziness)
• Mal de debarquement