Atlantic Physical Therapy Center NJ
Atlantic Physical Therapy Center NJ

Concussion Management

Concussion Treatment Has Evolved.

There was a time when early concussion treatment was centered around resting in a quiet, dark room, in order to avoid any stimulus.  However, this is no longer the case, as recent studies show that just like our muscles, our brains need to be exercised after injury to get them back working optimally. Rest more than 48 hours after injury is no longer recommended, and skilled physical therapy has been shown to be essential to decrease concussion symptoms and restore normal function of the ocular, vestibular, cognitive, and musculoskeletal systems post injury.

Concussion results in an array of symptoms including visual, vestibular, cognitive, headache and dizziness components. The ImPACT® program is an organized method of evaluation and treatment of the post concussion individual that allows the therapist to craft a specialized treatment program which targets the primary debilitating component or components for each patient. Treatment sessions may include vision exercises, vestibular habituation exercises, manual therapy and or strengthening of the cervical spine, balance and functional exercises.

Concussion Management Howell NJ

The ImPACT® Credentialed Physical Therapists at the Howell and East Windsor locations of Atlantic Physical Therapy Center specialize in working with individuals who exhibit ongoing concussion symptoms as well as coordinating with other concussion management physicians, and school athletic trainers, to help them receive the best care possible and return them to their regular activities as quickly and safely as possible.

Concussion Management Howell NJ

Concussion Symptoms:

  • headaches

  • blurred/double vision

  • fatigue

  • loss of concentration

  • sensitivity to light/noise

  • nausea/vomiting

  • ringing in the ears

  • slurred/slow speech

  • increased clumsiness

  • dizziness

Athletes/Return to Sport: An important component of the ImPACT® program is exertion testing and progression of an athlete’s tolerance of exercise following concussion. Often the athlete is advised to avoid activity for an initial healing period and must be guided by a professional to allow progressive return to his or her sport at the appropriate time. Specialized exertion testing and graded progression of exercise tolerance helps take the guesswork out of determining when an athlete is ready to return to sport safely.

Baseline Testing

(Howell Location Only)

Are you a coach or parent of kids engaged in a sport or activity where concussions are a major concern? Contact our expert Physical Therapists about doing baseline testing for your individual athlete, team or group. They will conduct a special series of tests that determine a person’s “normal” or baseline cognitive function. We keep this information on file and will use it post-injury to see what areas have been affected to help create a customized plan for healing.

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Immediate Care

After sustaining a head injury, immediate rest is recommended, but there is no need to test reflexes, wake every hour, or check eye dilation with a flashlight.

Not Recommended

Exercising or strenuous activity
Using electronics
Driving
Drinking Alcohol
Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (aspririn, ibuprofen)

After 12 Days

We recommend scheduling your physical therapy appointment for 12 days after the date of injury.

ImPACT® Credentialed Physical Therapists

Dr. Chris Beltran, PT, DPT

Dr. Chris Beltran, PT, DPT

Certified in Concussion and Vestibular Therapy
ImPACT® Credentialed

Jackson Location
More about Chris

Dr. Emily Della Fave, PT, DPT

Dr. Emily Della Fave, PT, DPT

Certified in Concussion and Vestibular Therapy

Howell Location

Sandra Neumann, PT, Cert. MDT

Sandra Neumann, PT, Cert. MDT

Certified in Concussion and Vestibular Therapy
ImPACT® Credentialed

East Windsor Location
More about Sandy

Dr. Sana Khan, PT, DPT

Dr. Sana Khan, PT, DPT

Certified in Concussion and Vestibular Therapy
ImPACT® Credentialed

Monroe Location
More about Sana

Dr. Lindsey Hart, PT, DPT

Dr. Lindsey Hart, PT, DPT

Certified in Concussion and Vestibular Therapy
ImPACT® Credentialed

Freehold Location

Deepa Salvi, PT, MSPT

Deepa Salvi, PT, MSPT

Certified in Concussion and Vestibular Therapy
ImPACT® Credentialed

Lawrenceville Location
More about Deepa