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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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Very patient oriented.

Anonymous

Dr. Lockstadt has been my neck and back specialist for years and has treated me with great, professional, personable medical care. I’m very grateful for his expertise and ability to communicate thoroughly with me, the process and... Dr. Lockstadt has been my neck and back specialist for years and has treated me with great, professional, personable medical care. I’m very grateful for his expertise and ability to communicate thoroughly with me, the process and progression of treatment. Thank you, Dr. Lockstadt!!

Deborah Hurt

Everyone was very helpful to me and my daughter. She had ACL knee surgery and all went great. We all felt she received great service and attention from the clerks to the nurses and the Dr. keep up the Awesome service you give to each... Everyone was very helpful to me and my daughter. She had ACL knee surgery and all went great. We all felt she received great service and attention from the clerks to the nurses and the Dr. keep up the Awesome service you give to each patient and family member that comes in. Thanks for all you do.

Shauna Watts

Dr. Donegan has been treating me for my shoulder the past year and I’ve been very pleased. The PA is very nice and helpful. I feel that I’m in good hands.

Becky Welch

Cannot say enough about this wonderful doctor. Explains everything, tells you all possible scenarios, listens and understands the fears we can get. Amazing results. I would recommend bgo to any one 100%. Thanks Doc!

Alahna

I've just had a first visit with Dr. Denehy but was very impressed as he just made me feel very comfortable and was willing to take time with me. At some point in time I'll need new knees so it was important to feel comfortable. In the... I've just had a first visit with Dr. Denehy but was very impressed as he just made me feel very comfortable and was willing to take time with me. At some point in time I'll need new knees so it was important to feel comfortable. In the meantime he injected both knees and I can actually walk for the first time in over a month. Thank you Dr. Denehy.

Anonymous

Time and time again, Dr O’Neal proves to be a competent, and caring surgeon. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing reconstructive hand surgery or joint issues.

Anonymous

Dr. Donegan was fantastic. He is definitely all about making sure the patient comes first. He explains everything and gives you a timeline about your injury so that you can make a educated decision. He had to jump through hoops to get... Dr. Donegan was fantastic. He is definitely all about making sure the patient comes first. He explains everything and gives you a timeline about your injury so that you can make a educated decision. He had to jump through hoops to get everything approved. My shoulder surgery went well and I would recommend Dr Donegan highly.

Edward Klaczynski

I was beyond impressed with Dr. Donegan and feel as though, after two years, I have found a Doctor that can help me. Surgery in January. I will review again. Hope is good and a good doctor, priceless!

Jennifer Dobbs

Dr. Favetto is very caring and has given me a new lease on life because of my successful shoulder surgery. His after-care style is most professional and compassionate. I would trust him with my life anytime!

Sister Angie Keil

Dr. Huff has a wonderful bedside manner. He is very knowledgeable in what he does. He has performed surgery on my mother and will be performing mine tomorrow.

Tanya Koos

Caring, interested, quick and to the point

Anonymous

One of the best doctors I have gone to, I felt very confident in his diagnosis and care.

Anonymous

Extremely knowledgeable and patient focused. Wait time is short and office is efficient. Would recommend to anyone needing his service.

Anonymous

He is a very professional and caring doctor. He takes the time to listen to you and I really appreciate that in a doctor

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