Solutions: Concussion Management

Health & Wellness Newsletter by Solutions Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine

Health &Wellness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

“IF YOU PLAY A CONTACT SPORT, YOU SHOULD READ THIS NEWSLETTER.” CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT

Inside:

What is a concussion? A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that can alter the way the brain functions. Concussions can occur from direct or indirect impact to the skull or brain.

• Concussion Management • Fall Sports & Hydration For

Young Athletes • Staff Spotlight • Patient Spotlight • Exercise Essentials • Healthy Recipe

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Health & Wellness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

“Don’t Wait Until You Get A Head Injury To Seek PT!” CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT

What is the most common misconception about concussions? A bigmisconception is that a concussion only occurs as a result of a direct blow to the head from events such as a car crash or football tackle. If an athlete gets a few seemingly minor hits in a soccer game or a basketball game, they often don’t report it because they don’t think they have suffered a concussion. Instead, they keep playing which can be very dangerous. A concussion may be caused by a direct blow to the head, face, neck, or elsewhere on the body if the force of the impact is transmitted to the head. It’s important for athletes, p a r e n t s a n d coaches to understand that multiple small impacts can cause one to occur. These smaller impacts can still cause symptoms like headaches, trouble concentrating, and behavioral changes. When athletes and parents understand that a concussion can begin frommultiple smaller impacts, they start taking note of those during games and practices which helps with early recognition. Why is it so important to have a programspecific to concussionmanagement? Education of understanding concussions is important. We educate patients and give them the tools they need to recognize when a concussion occurs so they are not putting themselves in potential danger for further injury by continuing to play. A concussion is a bruise to your brain that can affect a person’s performance physically and cognitively. Our program addresses both these areas and monitors the patient’s symptoms to allow them to return to sport safely.

How can a physical therapist help? Physical therapists can evaluate and treat many problems related to concussion. Because no 2 concussions are the same, a physical therapist will examine your neurological, orthopedic, and cardiovascular systems in order to best prescribe a routine to address your particular symptoms and your needs in all of your daily environments.

Did You Know?... • 79% of all reported high school concussions occur as a result of player to player contact • 66% of reported concussions occur during competition • 62% of reported football concussions occur while tackling or being tackled • 30% of reported soccer concussions occur while heading the ball

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Fall Sports & Hydration For Young Athletes

Warm humid weather and intense high school sports practices lead to a lot of sweating and risk of heat exhaustion or more serious heat stroke. While hydration may not be at the top of the list for a successful athletic performance, it should be. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, appropriate hydration before, during, and after physical activity is an important ingredient to a healthy and successful sports team. Tips to Prevent Dehydration It’s of key importance to hydrate well, both for safety and performance. Here are some tips to educate athletes and the coaching staff, as well as parents to safeguard against heat illnesses: • Athletes cannot simply rely on thirst to maintain hydration. Instead, a schedule for hydration before, during, and after practice or games may be more helpful. • Weighing the athlete before and after the practices, since proper hydration will show no- or minimal- weight change from practice. • An example hydration schedule for a high school athlete could be: drinking 16 ounces of fluid two hours before physical activity, drinking another 8-16 ounces 15 minutes before physical activity, and during physical activity, drinking 4-8 ounces every 20 minutes. After physical activity, drinking 16-24 ounces of fluid for every pound lost during physical activity. • Athletes will continue to lose fluid after practice as they continue to cool their core body temperature and urinate. Using urine color as a measure for hydration status can be really helpful. Bold yellow urine to dark yellow or apple juice colored urine signifies dehydration. Athletes should aim to start every practice fully hydrated.

http://caloriecontrol.org/fall-sports-and-hydration-for-young-athletes/

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“A sincere thank you to all of you at Solutions Physical Therapy who were involved in my rehab from a partial knee replacement. From the initial appointment, you delivered outstanding care and compassion as I strived to get my leg back up to full function. The therapists I saw evaluated, treated and redirected my rehab as needed. The techs were all very knowledgeable about the exercises, and were helpful in keeping them in correct form. Also very encouraging. Overall, from the reception to the physical therapy it’s obvious you all do a very good job of making your commitment to rehab as pleasant and positive as possible. Thanks again!” - Dennis T.

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You Have The Right To Choose Your Physical Therapy Whether you want to come in because you’ve suffered a recent injury or you want to improve your physical health, tell your doctor about Solutions Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine. Get started feeling better today! See our physical therapists for: • Recent injury • Nagging aches and pains • Shoulder, wrist or elbow pain • Joint pain and movement problems • Walking or balance difficulties Call Us To Schedule An Appointment Today!

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CONNECT WITH SOLUTIONS PHYSICAL THERAPY & SPORTS MEDICINE Did you know that our clinic has its own Facebook page? Like the page to see fun photos of clinic activities and stay up-to-date on their happenings and events! We love staying in touch with our patients!

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Staff Spotlight

VICKI PORTER, PTA

Vicki Porter received her Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in 2005 and received her Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Northern Virginia Community College. Vicki is originally from Las Vegas, NV and was avidly involved in gymnastics, softball, and soccer in her earlier years. It was her involvement with a variety of sports, and the rehab she received from 2 ACL surgeries, a torn rotator cuff, and chronic neck pain, that sparked her interest in Physical Therapy. She began her physical therapy path starting out with Solutions as a tech in early 2012. She then took over as the company’s receptionist until starting her PTA program. She now returns to us as a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. Vicki has always been drawn to outpatient orthopedic conditions, particularly among athletes. However, she has experience and enjoys working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds. She has a fascination with the way the body works and moves, and a passion for helping to improve patients’ quality of life by decreasing their dysfunction and symptoms through a hands-on manual therapy approach. Vicki enjoys travel, being outdoors, soccer, racquetball, snowboarding, fitness, good food, and spending time with friends and family.

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Healthy Recipe

Eating Right Never Tasted So Good!

Gaspacho

DIRECTIONS Fill a 6-quart pot halfway full of water, set over high heat and bring to a boil. Make an X with a paring knife on the bottom of the tomatoes. Drop the tomatoes into the boiling water for 15 seconds, remove and transfer to an ice bath and allow to cool until able to handle, approximately 1minute. Remove and pat dry. Peel, core and seed the tomatoes. When seeding the tomatoes,

Definition: Soup made of water, olive oil, vinegar, bread and a number of raw vegetables and served cold

8 INGREDIENTS •

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon toasted, ground cumin 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chiffonade 1 lime, juiced

1 1/2 pounds vine-ripened tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped 1 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper Tomato juice 1/2 cup chopped red onion 1 small jalapeno, seeded and minced 1 medium garlic clove, minced

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place the seeds and pulp into a fine mesh strainer set over a bowl in order to catch the juice. Press as much of the juice through as possible and then add enough bottled tomato juice to bring the total to 1 cup. Place the tomatoes and juice into a large mixing bowl. Add the cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, jalapeno, garlic clove, olive oil, lime juice, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire, cumin, salt and pepper and stir to combine. Transfer 1 1/2 cups of the mixture to a blender and puree for 15 to 20 seconds on high speed. Return the pureed mixture to the bowl and stir to combine. Cover and chill for 2 hours and up to overnight. Serve with chiffonade of basil.

• •

Recipe courtesy of Alton Brown, 2007

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/gazpacho-recipe-1937573

Exercise Essentials Try these exercises to help with aches and pains...

Helps decrease neck pain

Strengthens accessory muscles around the neck

CHIN TUCK While sitting with good posture gently tuck chin in (nod yes). Repeat 10 times with 5 second holds.

CERVICAL RETRACTION Stand with your back against a wall. Position a rolled up towel behind your neck. Tuck chin like you are nodding ‘yes’. Draw your chin closer to the back of your throat. Repeat 3 times.

Not all exercises are appropriate for every person. Please consult with a healthcare provider before starting.

www.simpleset.net

We get you better faster

When You Should Come In For Another Check-Up:

If you can’t do the following: � Move without pain � Bend and move freely � Balance confidently and securely

� If you have pain or soreness > 48 hours after playing sports � Walk for long distances � Live an active and healthy lifestyle

Take Care Of Your Aches as Soon As They Start

For more information go to solutionsphysicaltherapy.com

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