Concussion Rehab

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Specialists in Providing Concussion Assessments

Excellence in Concussion Rehab for Return to Play or Work

Addressing Multiple Areas Post-concussion

Concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that is directly caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. It can also result in a whiplash-like event, causing the brain to rapidly move within the skull. Following the initial injury, a cascade of physiological changes can occur, including cerebral blood flow irregularities, chemical changes in the brain, stretching of brain cells, alterations to brain function, an elevated fight-or-flight response, neuroinflammatory changes, and more.

• Athletes: sports related injury
• Motor vehicle accident victims
• Those who suffer a jolt to the head or neck from a FALL
• Those who have a blow to the head from a work or home event

• Headache
• Dizziness/Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Visual Complaints
• Sensitivity to Light and Noise
• Fatigue
• Confusion or Memory Loss
• Concentration and Attention deficits
• Mood changes/Irritability
• Sleep Disturbances

Despite statistics indicating about 70% of concussions will resolve on their own, there are many cases that will require intervention from a health care team. The physician, who should be consulted with early on, will often orchestrate which types of health care providers are necessary in providing care to the individual.

Exercise Initiation Post Concussion

Recent publications typically indicate activity within 24-48 hours post concussion is necessary and safe for a more rapid recovery. The exercise prescription can be provided by physical therapists following comprehensive testing while in collaboration with your physician.

Physical Therapy Evaluation for Concussion

Comprehensive testing will be performed at your initial evaluation which may include:

• History of Events
• Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test
• Cervical Spine Examination 
• Vestibular Testing 
• Oculomotor Screen
• Neurological Screen
• Sport Concussion Office Assessment Tool (SCOAT)
• Return to Play Protocol

Physical Therapy Treatment for Concussion

Treatment will include a comprehensive plan of care to address the findings from the evaluation. Every concussion presents differently which warrants an individualized care plan to address the needs of the individual.  Expectations should include some mild symptom provocation within a safe threshold that is determined through initial testing in order to retrain the neurological system imbalances. There will also be symptom alleviation techniques for neck pain and headaches.

The Role of the Occupational Therapist in Concussion Management

The Occupational Therapists will be involved in concussion management to provide care for cognitive complaints and oculomotor complaints. They will be working collaboratively with your physical therapist and other health care providers to assure you are meeting your goals and expectations.

Bodies in Balance Mission toward Athlete Recovery

Our mission is to improve the safety of the athletes in our community with regards to concussion and its sequelae. Through education of our athletes, their families and community healthcare providers, Bodies in Balance aims to promote a safer environment for athletes to participate in their sport. We provide objective measures of each athlete’s function to assist with return to play decision making and will serve as a resource for the athletic and medical community. In addition, our objective is to assist in the recovery of children and adolescents, adults and older adults that may experience a non sport related concussion.

We also strive to provide the best evidence based interventions for full musculoskeletal recovery including:

• Graded Sports Specific Training
• Blood Flow Restriction
• Trigger Point Dry Needling

Multi-factorial Team Approach

We strive to offer a team approach to concussion management with the collaboration of the referring physician. We are enthusiastic to participate in a therapeutic alliance that includes additional health care providers that may include occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists, neuropsychologists, cognitive behavior therapists, vision therapists, optometrists. Additional people that will have a likelihood of involvement include the coach, athletic director, athletic trainer and family.

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Concussion Screening & Baseline Testing

• Athletes of any age
• Those who may be at risk for head injury with contact sports

Comprehensive Baseline testing performed by Physical Therapists & Occupational Therapists using infrared goggles, oculomotor, balance & cognitive testing

• $30 per baseline screening
• We can set up TEAM based screenings
• Screenings take 30 minutes