Always Ready. Always Safe. Learn More About Our Health and Safety Protocols.corona close
Skip to main content
Back to all

Treating Concussions with Physical Therapy

July 19, 2023 | Tips & Trends
Share
Tweet
Share

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate up to three million sports-related concussions happen each year in the U.S. with school-aged children making up most cases. One-third of those are children under the age of 14. It is also the most common sports-related brain injury among 15- to 24-year olds. The rates of recurrence are even more alarming for those involved in contact sports.

When a concussion protocol is followed, children usually recover within a week or two. Without a protocol, the risks can be great, including recurrence and possible lasting effects.

Physical therapists can help evaluate and treat several problem areas following a concussion. Because no two concussions are the same, determining the specific symptoms and limitations following each concussion is an important part of the physical therapy examination. It is necessary for a concussion to be managed with a team approach of the physician, physical therapist, athletic trainer, parent or spouse (when applicable) and the patient to best manage the recovery of the patient.

Physical therapists will focus on the symptoms and limitations observed during the initial evaluation and continually as the patient is treated.

Treatment sessions will focus on, but are not limited to:

  • Vestibular rehabilitation for reducing dizziness
  • Ocular reflexes and tracking
  • Cranial nerve assessment
  • Change of position
  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Body mechanics and posture
  • Neck stabilization
  • Incremental Progression of exertion with heart rate monitoring
  • Sports specific training

To learn more about how a Physical Therapist can help you or someone you love recover from a concussion, call your nearest Phoenix Physical Therapy clinic.

The entire Phoenix Physical Therapy Team is committed to providing our patients with quality physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy in a safe and healthy clinic environment. We continue to follow the guidance provided by the CDC, WHO and public health officials to update you as new information becomes available. Let’s work together to keep each other safe and healthy.

The safety of our patients, communities and team members remains our top priority. We know you have a choice in your care providers and appreciate your commitment to Phoenix and our qualified clinicians.

Here are the actions we have taken to keep our patients, communities and team healthy & safe:

  • Flexible scheduling allows for social distancing
  • Regular cleaning and sanitation of all clinic surfaces
  • Facemasks must be worn by all Phoenix staff and are recommended for all patients
  • Screening questionnaire and temperature checks prior to entering clinics
  • 6 feet of social distancing throughout the clinics

Keeping Our Clinics Safe

Here are some tips on how we can keep each other safe:

  • Handwashing is your best self-defense against the spread of germs. When soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, use at least a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Please stay home if you are not feeling well, especially if you have a fever, are coughing or sneezing, or are experiencing shortness of breath. If a patient shows up with symptoms, the clinic team will work with them to reschedule.
  • Be vigilant. If you have traveled to any of the countries where there are outbreaks of the virus, please follow guidance from the CDC website and our Travel Guidelines.

Here are actions we are taking to keep our clinics clean and safe:

  • Equipment will be wiped down after EVERY use with antibacterial wipes/sprays
  • All surfaces that patients or staff may touch including door handles, countertops, seating, pens at sign-in, bathroom and all other common areas will be disinfected regularly
  • Treatment tables will be 6 feet apart
  • Team members will wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezin
  • Clinics will have hand sanitizer available at the front desk and in the treatment areas
  • Any Phoenix team members who are ill will be asked to stay home
  • We will maintain social distancing between patients in the clinic
  • Caregivers that are bringing a patient to the clinic should wait in their car or come back when the appointment has ended unless necessary (i.e. minor requiring a guardian or for assistance needs)
  • When possible, we will treat patients in private rooms to increase social distancing
  • Any patients that have underlying health issues (i.e. diabetes, respiratory problems, etc.) will be given the option to be seen during special clinic hours or can opt to be treated in a private room away from other clinicians and patients
  • All patients should be self-screening before entering the clinic. Our PCCs will perform a secondary screening during the check-in process and before patients enter the clinic including a screening questionnaire and temperature check.
×