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.
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 Symptoms:
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headaches
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blurred/double vision
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fatigue
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loss of concentration
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sensitivity to light/noise
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nausea/vomiting
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ringing in the ears
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slurred/slow speech
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increased clumsiness
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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
Not Recommended
Using electronics
Driving
Drinking Alcohol
Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (aspririn, ibuprofen)
After 12 Days
ImPACT® Credentialed Physical Therapists
Dr. Chris Beltran, PT, DPT
Certified in Concussion and Vestibular TherapyImPACT® Credentialed
Dr. Emily Della Fave, PT, DPT
Certified in Concussion and Vestibular Therapy
Sandra Neumann, PT, Cert. MDT
Certified in Concussion and Vestibular TherapyImPACT® Credentialed
Dr. Sana Khan, PT, DPT
Certified in Concussion and Vestibular TherapyImPACT® Credentialed
Dr. Lindsey Hart, PT, DPT
Certified in Concussion and Vestibular TherapyImPACT® Credentialed
Deepa Salvi, PT, MSPT
Certified in Concussion and Vestibular TherapyImPACT® Credentialed