Health & Wellness Newsletter by Loudon Sports Therapy Center.
Health & Wellness • N E W S L E T T E R •
Why Concussion Management is so Important
What do you want more athletes and coaches to understand about concussions?
in high school and during a game, I was jumping for a rebound and got undercut by another player. I landed on my back and hit my head on the court. While I didn’t lose consciousness, I remember feeling very disoriented. At the time, the ‘treatment’ was ‘hold some ice on your head.’ That’s all I did. Now, if I evaluated an athlete who went through that same scenario, I would suspect at least a mild concussion occurred and treat them as such. What do you think is the most common misconception about concussions? A big misconception is that one massive hit is the only thing that causes a concussion. Something like a car crash or a football tackle. With that perception, if an athlete gets a few seemingly minor hits in a soccer game or a basketball game, they don’t think they have a chance at suffering a concussion so they don’t report it. Instead, they keep playing which can be very dangerous. It’s important for athletes, parents and coaches to understand that while yes, one big hit can cause a concussion; multiple small impacts can also 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 do you think it’s so important to have a program specific to concussion management? Education is a big piece of our program. We educate the athlete and their parents and we want to give coaches, athletic trainers and the general public the tools they need to recognize when a concussion occurs so the athlete is not putting themselves in potential danger for further injury by continuing to play. A concussion is a bruise on your brain. It affects a person’s performance on the field and in the classroom. Our Concussion Management Program addresses both these areas and monitors the athlete’s symptoms so that they are not returning to either before their brain can handle it.
1. I want them to understand the importance of early recognition. The sooner Our Concussion Management Program can begin, the quicker the athlete can safely return full force to their sport. 2. I want coaches to understand that the athlete’s safety is the priority – not winning. I know pulling your star player or any player is never easy but coaches need to listen to their players; observe changes in their behavior on and off the field and don’t ignore those changes, even if they appear minor. 3. I want athletes to know that if they suspect a concussion, they need to report it. That’s regardless of how disappointed you think your coach might be for needing to sit out of the game. Your brain has potentially been bruised and you need to get medical attention. Wishing you well this month and always, Tricia Walker, ATC
TriciaWalker is a Certified Athletic Trainer at Loudoun Sports Therapy Center. She also leads our Concussion Management Program and has helped many Loudoun County athletes return to school, activities and sports safely following a concussion. 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. Haveyoueverhadaconcussion? If you asked me the same question back when I was in high school, I probably would have said no. But now, knowing what I do about a concussion, my answer is yes, I have had a concussion. I played basketball
Concussion Q and A: Why is it important to see a medical professional following a concussion? Brain injuries can lead to negative long term effects, especially when the brain is still growing. It is important for you to be seen by a medical professional like a Certified Athletic Trainer for proper evaluation and care to limit further issues. Early intervention can decrease or prevent long term problems.
What can happen if I return to activity too soon? If you return to activity too soon, a few things can happen. You can develop symptoms that last several weeks or months following the original injury because it never fully healed. In some of the worst case scenarios, second impact syndrome can occur. This syndrome occurs when you receive a second hit following a concussion that did not fully heal.
How long will it take for me to heal? It is important to understand that everyone heals differently. Recovery time can span anywhere from a few days to months and sometimes longer if not treated properly early on. The sooner you get care, and have a treatment plan, the better chance you have at recovery.
21251 Ridgetop Circle Suite #140, Sterling, VA 20166 www.LoudounSportsTherapy.com 703-450-4300
Our Pat ient Spot l ight
I AM PLAYING SOCCER AGAIN! Success Story:
“I got a concussionwhen I was playing in a soccer game. The goalie punted it and I headed the ball. My head started hurting and didn’t stop for 4 days. So I came to LSTC after I heard about it from my brother’s friend. I have worked with Tricia for seven sessions and each time I felt a little better. My head hurt less and I was able to concentratemore. I amback at school full day and I am playing soccer again! I really liked working with Tricia and everyone was so friendly.”
Pat ient Resul ts
I CAN WRESTLE AGAIN!
I CAN GO THROUGH MY DAY PAIN-FREE! “Before coming to LSTC I had daily severe pain in my right shoulder from a tear inmy rotator cuff. After 12weeks of therapy, I feel great! My mobility is back and I am able to go through my day pain free! Thank you LSTC for all your help!” ~Julie B. “Abbey and the staff at LSTC helped me relieve my severe pain with my shoulder and my back. My back pain has been bothering me for the past 20 years. Abbey and the staff found the spots that hurt my back most and fixed them. I can finally sleep well at night. My shoulder can move freely without pain again. I really appreciate everything I got here and I highly recommend LSTC to my friends that need physical therapy.” ~Ligong C. I CAN FINALLY SLEEP WELL AT NIGHT!
“I came to LSTC after getting a concussion at wrestling camp. I had a headache, didn’t feel well, and wasn’t able to wrestle. I came to LSTC and had an incredible experience. I worked with Tricia, the athletic trainer who effectively diagnosed my concussion. I was able to slowly start biking, walk on the treadmill and do some interval drills. Now I am cleared to wrestle again!” ~Justin W.
I’M ABLE TO PLAY SOCCER AGAIN!
“I got a concussion playing soccer and Loudoun Sports Therapy Center took me in when there was nowhere else to go. Tricia helpedme slowly return tomy normal school schedule and after I was able to do that, I started playing soccer again!” ~James F.
21251 Ridgetop Circle Suite #140, Sterling, VA 20166 www.LoudounSportsTherapy.com 703-450-4300
Prevent Backpack Back Pain Is your child’s backpack getting heavier and heavier as the school year goes on? Heavier weight and improper adjustment of their backpacks can cause children and teens to adjust their posture to compensate for the added weight. As a result, they can suffer from chronic back pain. Some conditions we see from improperly wearing a backpack include poor posture with rounded shoulders, a forward head and rounded back. Here are some simple tips to make sure your student is not feeling back pain on top of loads of homework. 1. Try to limit the backpack load to less than 10 pounds. 2. Evenly distribute the weight throughout the backpack using pockets and compartments. This will encourage better posture. 3. Wear the backpack higher up on the back with both straps tightly secured. This decreases the bag’s weight from the hips and closer to the person’s center of gravity and lowering the stress on the spine, improving balance. Use the cross-chest strap if your backpack has one.
October is National Physical Therapy Month
Although the physical therapy profession continues to evolve, the general practice of physical therapy is not new. In fact, physical therapy dates back to 460 B.C, when physicians such as Hippocrates andGalenus performed the first therapeutic massage, hydrotherapy and manual therapy techniques. Today, physical therapy is still a vastly growing profession that includes many specialties such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, lymphedema management and hydrotherapy. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants treat a wide variety of conditions from ankle sprains to spinal cord injuries and everything in between. Physical therapy settings include skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, independent and assisted living facilities, home health and outpatient clinics. A physical therapist’s primary goals are to reduce pain, improve function and optimize patients’ overall health and wellbeing.
Refer someone to LSTC for physical therapy
and when they come in for care and tell us you referred them we send you 2 movie tickets as a thank you!
And we will enter you into our drawing for a $50 gift card!
Ask a PT: Have a question about physical therapy, an injury or a pain you’re feeling?
Ask your question by posting it on our Facebook or twitter page. • Q: How did the profession of physical therapy begin?
• A: The first professional association for physical therapy started in 1921 and involved only women. The greatest demand for physical therapists occurred duringWorldWar II because of the polio epidemic. Physical therapists played supportive roles to physicians. As time went on, physical therapists became autonomous healthcare providers establishing many national organizations and academic programs. Remember to ‘LIKE’ us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ LoudounSportsTherapyCenter for the latest LSTC news, health tips, workshop information and more!
Congrats to Nancy Killian! She is out next big winner in our patient referral game raffle! Nancy referred a patient our way so in addition to some movie tickets, she also won a $50 gift card. The game starts over now. We will draw another name once we hit 13 patient referrals so play along!
21251 Ridgetop Circle Suite #140, Sterling, VA 20166 www.LoudounSportsTherapy.com 703-450-4300
21251 Ridgetop Circle Suite #140 Sterling, VA 20166 703-450-4300 www.LoudounSportsTherapy.com
Outpatient Physical Therapy Specializing In: Lower Back Pain • Neck Pain • Sciatica • Hip Problems • Shoulder Pain • Bursitis • Tendonitis • Frozen Shoulder Joint Pain and Replacements • Foot and Ankle Pain • Plantar Fasciitis • Knee Problems • Arthritis • Muscle Pains Sprains • Strains • Hand and Elbow Problems • Sports Injuries • Concussion Management Program Sports Performance Program • Return to Sport Program • Balance and Vestibular Problems • Other Conditions
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