SERVICES​
Concussion Physical Therapy
Personalized concussion rehab plan plus technology to address concussion challenges
Concussion Rehabilitation
A Davis PTSR physical therapist can assess symptoms to determine if a concussion is present and treat your injury by guiding  you through a safe and personalized recovery program. Concussions may cause physical, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms and problems, both short-term and long-term. Every concussion is considered a serious injury by health care providers. If you have experienced a head injury, seek medical help immediately.
What is Concussion?
Concussion is a brain injury that occurs when the brain is violently shaken. The injury can happen during rapid movement changes (such as whiplash) or when the head is directly hit. This shaking or hitting of the head causes unpredictable injury to any area of the brain, resulting in immediate or delayed changes in the brain's chemistry and function. Less than 10% of concussions involve a loss of consciousness. Depending on which area of the brain suffers injury, many different temporary or permanent problems with brain function can occur.
Concussions can occur at any age, from a variety of causes, including:
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Motor vehicle collisions (e.g. head impact, whiplash)
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Work accidents (e.g. falls, head trauma)
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Playground accidents (e.g. falling from a slide or swing)
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Sports injury to the head or neck
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Falls (which are the leading cause of concussions)
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Violent events
Recovery from a concussion can take several weeks to several months and sometimes years, depending on many factors, including severity of the injury and the age of the person affected.
 
Signs and Symptoms
There are many symptoms related to concussion, and they can affect your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Some symptoms occur immediately, some a few hours after the injury, and some show up months or years after a concussion.
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Athletes who suffer a concussion during practice or competition must be removed immediately from play, in order to prevent subsequent concussions and second-impact syndrome. A physical therapist will work to develop safe guidelines for return to play, return to work, and return to life’s daily requirements.
Diagnosis
Your physical therapist will ask you many questions to understand all of the symptoms that you are experiencing. He or she will also perform numerous tests to identify problems caused by a concussion, including muscle strength, coordination, balance, sight, smell, hearing, and memory tests. During treatment, your physical therapist will repeat the same questions and tests frequently to gauge your progress and help judge when you can return to work, school, sport, or recreational activities.
If you are an athlete who underwent preseason memory (neuropsychological) testing, your physical therapist may collaborate with the health care provider who performed that testing to help determine if you have a concussion.
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Your physical therapist may also examine your neck for problems following a concussion. Neck injuries can occur at the same time as concussions, and can cause or increase headaches and dizziness. 
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Treatment
Davis PTSR Concussion Rehab program can include the following, based on your specific challenges.
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Rest and recovery. A period of rest helps the brain heal and helps symptoms clear up as quickly as possible. Your physical therapist will prescribe the rest and recovery program most appropriate for your condition.
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Restoring strength and endurance.  We can help you regain your strength and endurance when the right time comes, without making your concussion symptoms worse. It is common for elite-level athletes and fit “weekend warriors” to experience exercise intolerance with concussion and brain injury. Your physical therapist will work with you to identify and treat your particular concussion symptoms.
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Exercise program. Our clinical team will design a therapeutic exercise program just for you, and closely monitor your symptoms as you participate in the program.
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Stopping dizziness and improving balance.  If you have dizziness or difficulty with your balance following a concussion, a type of physical therapy called vestibular physical therapy may help. The vestibular system, which includes the inner ear and its connections with the brain, helps you keep your balance and prevent dizziness.
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Reducing headaches. Your physical therapist will assess the different possible causes of your headaches and use specific treatments and exercises to reduce and eliminate them. Treatment may include stretches, strength and motion exercises, eye exercises, hands-on techniques like specialized massage, and the use of various technologies.
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Returning to normal activity or sport.  As symptoms ease and you are able to regain your normal strength and endurance without symptoms returning, we will help you gradually add normal activities back into your daily routine. We help you return to your normal life and sports activities in the quickest and safest way possible, while allowing your brain to properly heal.
Read more about services offered by Team Davis
PHYSICAL
SYMPTOMS
Physical symptoms of a concussion can include:
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Headache
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Difficulty with balance and coordination
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Nausea/vomiting
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Fatigue
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Difficulty sleeping
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Increased sleepiness
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Double or blurred vision
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Sensitivity to light and sound
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Slurred speech
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Glassy-eyed stare
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Seizures
COGNITIVE
SYMPTOMS
Cognitive (thinking) symptoms of a concussion can include:
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Difficulty with short-term or long-term memory
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Confusion
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Slowed "processing" (i.e. a decreased ability to think through problems)
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"Fogginess"
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Difficulty concentrating
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Worsening grades in school
EMOTIONAL
SYMPTOMS
Emotional symptoms of a concussion can include:
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Irritability
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Restlessness
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Mood swings
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Aggression
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Decreased tolerance of stress
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Change in personality or behavior
