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:
The benefits of physical therapy include:
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:
If one or more of these symptoms are reported, a concussion is suspected:
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:
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
Our sports enhancement program is designed to help you recover from an injury, prevent injury, which simultaneously enhancing your ability to compete. It emphasizes individualized strength and flexibility training, plyometric (intense activity designed to produce fast, powerful muscle movements) and neuromuscular (the relationship between nerves and muscles) coordination activities, and education on safe techniques to promote an unrestricted return to sport, as well as improved athletic performance to aid the prevention of future injury.
Even if you have not had success with other treatments, this program is for you. We address the root cause rather than merely treating symptoms. This results in a more long-lasting result which is highly effective in preventing recurrent problems.
Depending on the severity of your current condition, results can be noticed in as little as 3 visits. Some severe cases may take longer.
Over-aggressive programs that do not take into account your individual mechanics and medical history.
Occupational therapy takes a holistic approach to care through addressing the clinical conditions of a patient and recommending habits and home adaptations to help them participate more fully in day-to-day life. Just like Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists develop a plan of care to help patients with specific goals.
Conditions we treat include but are not limited to:
The benefits of occupational therapy include:
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