Concussion Management in Woodlands, TX

Internationally, the medical community agrees that concussion is an injury that responds well to rehabilitation and concussion management. Physical therapists play a significant role in concussion programs, particularly in treating systems related to upper back and neck pain, dizziness and balance issues. Plus, physical therapists provide early-stage treatment for dysfunctions in vision, frequently caused by concussions.

Many physical therapy patients seek early concussion treatment in Conroe, TX, through Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers. Fortunately, physical therapy concussion programs also benefit patients with persistent post-concussive symptoms. Persistent symptoms are defined as lasting beyond a normal recovery time of 10 to 14 days for adults and 4 weeks for children. 

Physical therapy programs for concussion often build in vestibular therapy, which helps you orient yourself during periods of lightheadedness or loss of balance. Exercises such as fixing your gaze at a certain point in the distance or using simple movements to stabilize your core and limbs are invaluable during such moments.

Symptoms of concussion can be quite varied, depending on the nature of your injury, as well as your age and gender. Some problems for which people seek physical therapy for concussions include:

• Fatigue
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Ongoing headaches
• Irritability
• Loss of balance and frequent falls
• Dizziness and lowered blood pressure
• Muscle weakness and spasms
• Decreased sex drive
• Sudden loss of menstruation

How Can FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers Help?

The natural fatigue and required resting that early concussion recovery entails often result in weakened muscles and lowered endurance. To combat that, your physical therapist at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers - Woodland, TX will customize a strength-building program for you and guide you through aerobic moves that help you regain that endurance.

Research shows that physical therapy for concussion management is beneficial as soon as a few days after injury. It is essential, especially for athletes, to receive physical therapy within a week after a concussion. The physical therapists at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers - Woodlands, TX, are well-trained to help athletes regain and maintain conditioning during recovery. 

Most patients recover within 2 to 4 weeks. Yet, many patients experience ongoing symptoms, so a physical therapist may recommend a longer concussion program. Patients with neck pain should seek neck rehabilitation as part of concussion management. 

Physical Therapists provide concussion treatment in the following ways:

Neck Rehabilitation

Concussions result from several different types of head trauma. When trauma affects the head, it usually impacts the patient’s neck. The neck tenses or stiffens before, during, and after the impact to protect the head, frequently resulting in chronic neck or shoulder pain after a concussion. Neck and upper back pain is worsened by headaches. A concussion management program improves spine mobility and implements strategies to decrease discomfort.

Concussion Treatment for Dizziness & Balance Rehabilitation

Our Concussion Program in Woodlands specializes in vestibular rehabilitation to help concussion patients with dizziness or feeling off-balance. Abnormal vestibular functioning includes symptoms like:

• Dizziness
• Vertigo (when the room spins)
• Disequilibrium (when you feel off balance) 
• Nausea
• Visual impairment 

After a thorough assessment, your physical therapist at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers - Woodlands, TX, provides you with a customized plan to help your vestibular system adapt and start functioning normally again.

Eye Tracking and Vision Rehabilitation

Physical therapists slowly retrain the patient to tolerate moving visual environments. Exercises help the eye acclimate and improve the ability to direct and maintain attention.

Contact us at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers - Woodlands, TX, for more information about the Management of Concussion Programs.

Physical Therapy for Concussion FAQs 

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury affecting brain function, usually temporarily. Headaches, concentration and memory problems, balance issues, and neck and back pain are common. Concussions are caused by a blow to the head or a jolt action, like in whiplash.

How Are Concussions Diagnosed and Treated?

Tests like CT scans and MRIs may detect a concussion. Still, most concussions can be diagnosed based on the injury, symptoms, and physical exam. Treatments vary with concussion management programs, usually including physical therapy. 

What Can Physical Therapy Do for A Concussion?

Physical therapy concussion programs help with balance, gait, stability, focus, pain and mood.

How Do You Recover from A Concussion at Physical Therapy?

Most concussions resolve with rest, but symptoms lasting more than 2 weeks benefit from skilled physical therapy for a return to normal function.