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Concussion Rehabilitation

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when direct or indirect forces to the head alter the functioning of the brain. Frequently, medical providers refer to concussion as a "mild" brain injury because the effects are usually not life-threatening.

Concussions are characterized by an array of symptoms and impairments that are highly variable. Some individuals with concussion present with headaches; while others report dizziness and motion sickness as their main symptoms; while still others complain of changes in emotion in their presentation following a concussion.

How is it Diagnosed?

Because of the complexity associated with this injury, multidisciplinary collaboration, including physicians, neuropsychologists, physical therapists, and athletic trainers are essential in complete evaluation of concussion. Recognizing a concussion can be challenging. In most cases, symptoms are the primary finding in concussion.

Sideline assessment of concussion should provide screening to identify a suspected concussion. In all suspected cases of concussion, the individual should be removed from the playing field and assessed by a physician or licensed health care provider, such as an athletic trainer or physical therapist.

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How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Concussion?

Management of concussion involves a continuum of care, including detection, rehabilitation, return to participation, and prevention. Ensuring complete neurologic recovery before return to sport or high-risk activity is an overarching concept to avoid potential negative consequences of concussion.

The duration of concussion symptoms is highly variable, and may last for several minutes, days, weeks, months, or longer in some cases. A commonly-referenced statistic is that recovery is typically quick, with 90% of injured athletes returning to play within 7 to 14 days of concussion. However, more recent studies have demonstrated that recovery actually takes 3 to 4 weeks for most athletes.

How can a Physical Therapist Help?

The role of physical therapists in the evaluation and management of patients following a concussion is integral, due to cervical, balance, vestibular, oculomotor, and return to sport concerns that often accompany this injury. Physical therapy can help with balance, stability, focus, gait and mood. Your treatment plan will focus on reducing symptoms and determining the root cause of those symptoms. A significant percentage (72%) of patients who participated in an exercise rehabilitation program reported return to full daily functioning, which was significantly better than those who do not participate in concussion rehabilitation.

Bluegrass Orthopedics ensures the best care possible for those who have sustained a concussion. Our team of experienced athletic trainers and licensed physical therapists work closely with you, your referring physician, coaches and employers on your recovery. We are up-to-date with the latest research and rehabilitative techniques for treating concussions.

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We Can Help
Trust the Best

I went to Dr. C for knee replacement after I was referred. Amazing doctor. I can now do what I love and that is cycling. You are Simply the Best. You and your staff are amazing. Thank you!

Pegi Singleton

Dr Lockstadt and the staff at Bluegrass Ortho are great!!! He found my problem and was able to treat it very non-evasive approach to my diagnosis. I have finally decided to have surgery and feel again, Dr Lockstadt is taking a very... Dr Lockstadt and the staff at Bluegrass Ortho are great!!! He found my problem and was able to treat it very non-evasive approach to my diagnosis. I have finally decided to have surgery and feel again, Dr Lockstadt is taking a very non-evasive approach to a detailed surgery. I would highly recommend him.

Anonymous

Really great Doctor. Very friendly.

Anonymous

I saw Dr.Balthrop for a knee injection. I have had two previous knee injections elsewhere that were horribly painful !!!! So I was dreading today so bad. I Literally never felt a thing . It was no pain at all. He is very professional... I saw Dr.Balthrop for a knee injection. I have had two previous knee injections elsewhere that were horribly painful !!!! So I was dreading today so bad. I Literally never felt a thing . It was no pain at all. He is very professional and caring yet very down to earth. I've been to his office twice and will continue as needed.

T. Ramos

A no nonsense doctor. Dr. Donegan is awesome. He gets the job done and done right.

Anonymous

I rate Dr Lockstadt and his staff at Bluegrass Orthopaedics 5 stars.

Anonymous

Dr Denehy is an awesome Dr. Has a wonderful bedside manner and is great with his patients.

Kathleen little

Very Knowledgeable 5 star rating. Great Dr. Great listener and quickly gets to work to solve persons problem. Very Impressed.

Anonymous

Excellent treatment. Very kind and answered all my questions. He immediately identified my problem and treated it that day.

Anonymous

I have had surgery performed by Dr. Christiansen three times: Partial knee 10 years ago, total in 2014 & total in 2018. He is a caring Christian man and an excellent surgeon. He spends a lot of time with patients preparing for surgery.... I have had surgery performed by Dr. Christiansen three times: Partial knee 10 years ago, total in 2014 & total in 2018. He is a caring Christian man and an excellent surgeon. He spends a lot of time with patients preparing for surgery. Follow up is usually with PA. He & all staff are professional & I would recommend him to anyone - relief of constant pain is a blessing.

Brenda E.

Dr Lockstadt, is amazing doctor. He did my fusion 13 years ago. I never had a problem. I would highly recommend him

Pamela Goble

Dr. Denehy was just wonderful! He acted like he had all the time in world to be with me. His clinic runs like a well oiled machine! I was only in the waiting room for less than 10 minutes. Support staff were very friendly and helpful! Dr. Denehy was just wonderful! He acted like he had all the time in world to be with me. His clinic runs like a well oiled machine! I was only in the waiting room for less than 10 minutes. Support staff were very friendly and helpful!

Anonymous

Dr. Harrod saw me for an ankle injury. He was my second opinion after my being dissatisfied with the treatment I received at another clinic. I appreciate that he didn’t jump right to surgery but tried more conservative treatments... Dr. Harrod saw me for an ankle injury. He was my second opinion after my being dissatisfied with the treatment I received at another clinic. I appreciate that he didn’t jump right to surgery but tried more conservative treatments first. He clearly explained his reasoning and what to expect. Ultimately, I did have the surgery, and I’m glad I did, it fixed me right up. Dr. Harrod is friendly, easy to talk to, and genuinely listens.

Anonymous

Dr Huff and his team are very professional and courteous. I had to have hip labrum repair and he and his team were top notch. From the time I walked back into the surgical area and met the first nurse, to the time I woke up in recovery,... Dr Huff and his team are very professional and courteous. I had to have hip labrum repair and he and his team were top notch. From the time I walked back into the surgical area and met the first nurse, to the time I woke up in recovery, I was treated with outstanding personal attention. I highly recommend Dr Huff and his team to anyone that has to have ortho surgery, you will not be disappointed. Keep up the good work!!!

Kevin Clemons

Dr Hunt and staff were wonderful and did a great job.

Anonymous