What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by an impact to the head or blow to the body that results in the head and brain to rapidly move back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around the skull, harming the brain cells and creating chemical changes within the brain. These chemical changes lead to bruising, possible swelling, and damaging of brain tissue. When the brain tissue is damaged it can cause both neuro-cognitive and physical symptoms including confusion, fogginess, dizziness, nausea, light sensitivity, headaches, and possible balance deficits.
Prevalence of Concussions:
The Center of Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1.6 million to 3.8 million concussions occur each year. The American Academy of Pediatrics has reported that emergency room visits for concussions in children ages 8 to 13 years old has doubled, and concussions have risen 200 percent among teen’s ages 14 to 19 in the last decade. The rising statistics have been accompanied by a dramatic increase in public awareness of concussion management. Physical therapist provides an important role in this management.
What is the role of Physical Therapy in Concussion Management?
Physical therapists are licensed health care professionals who are trained in the diagnosis and management of traumatic brain injury including concussions. Physical therapists provide a unique contribution to the concussion care management team, particularly in the areas of balance and vestibular evaluation and rehabilitation. A physical therapist will work as part of a multidisciplinary team including physicians, athletic trainers, coaches, and parents to provide a continuum of care that includes prevention, detection, rehabilitation, and return to participation.
The Physical Therapists at Apple Physical Therapy are ImPACT Trained, a credentialed concussion management program in partnership with the American Physical Therapy Association. Once your doctor has referred you for post-concussive therapy one of Apple Physical Therapy’s specially trained clinicians will conduct a comprehensive examination including a musculoskeletal component, balance assessment, and oculomotor screen to develop an individualized plan of care. We will work in collaboration with the Physician to enact a graduated return to play protocol and allow for safe return to daily and sporting activity.
With convenient locations in both Cherry Hill NJ and Marlton NJ, Apple Physical Therapy proudly serves such areas as Cherry Hill, Marlton, Medford, Voorhees, Mount Laurel, Maple Shade, Berlin, Moorestown and all of South Jersey’s Camden and Burlington counties. If you are looking for a Physical Therapist in the Cherry Hill area, we welcome you to our practice. Meet our team and schedule your appointment with us today!