ProSport Physical Therapy – Culver City

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.

There are many physical therapy treatments that can help improve spine health and relieve spine-related conditions. Some of the most common therapies include:

1. Exercise: Exercise is a key part of spine health, and there are many different types that can be beneficial. Pilates, yoga, and stretching exercises can help to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the spine, improving flexibility and stability. Aerobic exercises such as walking or biking can also help to improve overall fitness and reduce stress on the spine.

2. Manual Therapy: Manual therapy, such as massage or spinal manipulation, can help to relieve tension in the muscles and improve joint mobility. This type of therapy can be helpful for both acute and chronic pain relief.

3. Cold/Hot Therapy: Cold therapy can help to reduce inflammation and pain, while hot therapy can help to relax muscles and improve blood flow. Both of these therapies can be helpful in managing spine-related conditions.

4. Heat/Ice Packs: Heat or ice packs can also be used to provide relief from pain and inflammation. Heating pads can be used to apply heat directly to the skin, while ice packs can be used to apply cold directly to the area of pain.

5. Bracing: Bracing may be recommended in some cases to provide extra support to the spine and help reduce pain and inflammation. There are many different types of braces available, so it is important to work with a physical therapist to find the best one for your needs.

If you are experiencing back pain or other spine-related problems, it is important to seek medical assistance. However, physical therapy may also be beneficial in relieving your symptoms and improving your overall health. Contact our clinic today for more information on how they may be able to help you!

The ankle is a weight-bearing joints and one of the most commonly injured joints in the body. Ankle sprains account for approximately 1 million visits to the emergency room each year in the United States.

Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for ankle injuries and other conditions that affect the foot and ankle.

We use a variety of treatments to help their patients recover from foot and ankle injuries, including:

Exercise: Exercise is an important part of treatment for foot and ankle injuries. Podiatrists may prescribe specific exercises to strengthen the muscles and ligaments around the joint.

Manual Therapy: Manual therapy techniques, such as massage and joint mobilization, can help to reduce pain and swelling.

Modalities: Modalities, such as heat or ice, can also be used to treat foot and ankle injuries.

Bracing and Orthotics: In some cases, podiatrists may prescribe braces or orthotics to support the joints and muscles.

Rehab after an ACL surgery is a long and hard process, but the therapist here at the RE are specially equipped to guide you through the process and get back to all activities and sports. Rehab starts with gaining back full range of motion while beginning to strengthen your quad. We utilize a full squat rack, kettlebells, and other strength training equipment to make the gains necessary to successfully get back to sport. We also utilize plyometric and agility drills to gain confidence with these movements prior to returning to play.

Our state-of-the-art facility includes a Biodex machine to objective test strength, force plates to measure symmetry of movement, and other objective measures to make the rehab process as evidenced-based as possible. If you are not testing, you are guessing, and we test to ensure that each athlete is ready to get back to sport.

Research has shown that athletes who complete and pass return to sport testing are less likely to reinjure themselves when they return to sport. Our staff includes sports residency-trained physical therapists who have rehabbed high school, collegiate, and professional athletes so they have the experience to give you the highest level of care possible. Each athlete is taken through an individual assessment and crafted a unique plan to match their sport/activities specific demands.