Excel PT: Concussions

Excel PT: Concussions

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CONCUSSION AND POST- CONCUSSION SYNDROME

What is a concussion? A concussion, also known as mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), is a common injury that may cause impairments in brain function.¹ Now often described as a public health crisis due to its increasing occurrence, concussion most often occurs as a result of a blow to the head that causes a rapid, jarring brain movement within the skull. (continued inside)

By Andrew Bacon, PT, DPT, Washington Square Clinic

INSIDE : • Concussion And Post-Concussion Syndrome • Patient Success Spotlight

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CONCUSSION AND POST-CONCUSSION SYNDROME

INSIDE :

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(continued from outside)

Symptoms of post-concussion syndrome include:

Forces from injuries to the head (such as those suffered in sports or in falls) can “slosh” the brain back and forth, which causes the brain to be pulled and stretched in a way that leads to widespread injury and results in various debilitating symptoms. 2, 3

1. Cognitive deficits (memory, attention, and concentration difficulty) 2. Fatigue, sleep disturbance/insomnia 3. Headache, dizziness 4. Irritability, personality changes 2 Physical Therapy and Post-Concussion Syndrome While the symptoms of post-concussion syndrome may be debilitating, physical therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment that allows a patient to return to daily life and sport. 3 For athletes, research has shown that those who participate in active rehabilitation like PT are four times more likely to return to sport in eight weeks than those who did not. Physical therapy for PCS will include several individualized exercises and techniques aimed at reducing a patient’s specific symptoms and limitations. Exercises may be targeted to address dizziness, cognitive deficits, aerobic limitations, and associated neck pain, among others. 4 Excel Physical Therapy has many physical therapists with certifications and experience treating those with concussion. If you suspect that you or someone else may be suffering from acute or long-standing concussion symptoms, you should consult with your physician and/or a sports medicine specialist, and ask about a referral to physical therapy. A call to your local Excel Physical Therapy office can help point you in the necessary direction.

By Andrew Bacon, PT, DPT, Washington Square Clinic

What Are Initial Signs and Symptoms of Concussion? Signs and symptoms of concussion will be noticeable at the onset of injury. Many athletes experience difficulty recalling events prior to or after a hit or fall. They appear to be dazed or stunned, they might even forget instructions or where they are. If you notice someone has lost consciousness, shows mood or behavior changes, or is moving slowly they should stop their activity or play and seek help. More serious symptoms, include vomiting, blurry vision, dizziness, bothered by light or sound, or just not feeling “right”. Again, we advise coaches, parents and athletes to monitor players to seek professional help immediately. What is Post-Concussion Syndrome? Most concussion symptoms will improve within 7-10 days if the patient is able to adequately rest (physical and mental rest is very important within this time frame). However, for a number of reasons, some people may experience symptoms for much longer. If symptoms persist for longer than 10 days, post-concussion syndrome (PCS) may have developed.

References: 1. Giza C, Greco T, Prins ML. Concussion: pathophysiology and clinical translation. Handb Clin Neurol. 2018;158:51-61. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-63954-7.00006-9

2. Leddy JJ, Sandhu H, Sodhi V, Baker JG, Willer B.

Rehabilitation of Concussion and Post-concussion Syndrome. Sports Health. 2012;4(2):147-154. doi:10.1177/1941738111433673

3. Rutherford K, Rylander T. Concussion. Presented at the: Vestibular Rehabilitation and Concussion;

May 7, 2021. 4. Walston L, Walston Z, McLester C, Yake D. A Symptom-Based Approach to Sports-Related Concussion Rehabilitation in Adolescents: A Case Series. JOSPT Cases. February 2021. https://www.jospt.org/doi/abs/10.2519/ josptcases.2021.9874. Accessed June 29, 2021.

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Jessica Hoerr, PT, DPT, ATC New Clinic Director at Excel Physical Therapy - King of Prussia FEATURED PT

Our Featured PT is Jessica Hoerr, PT, DPT, ATC Clinic Director of our King of Prussia location. Jessica is passionate about the opportunity to alter and enhance the lives of people through movement so that those people can participate in the things that bring them joy. 1. How did you decide to become a Physical Therapist and what motivates you to work with patients? There was not a moment that it truly clicked that, yes, I want to be a PT! I had this desire to care for people which led me to healthcare, yet a passion for athletics led me into Athletic Training. Out of that came Physical Therapy, when I found an inclination for the rehabilitation process of working to return others to their maximum potential. I found

patient was living with major neuromuscular and musculoskeletal dysfunctions, as well as a speech impediment causing him to stutter severely, making communication difficult. Approaching the end of the treatment, I simply asked the patient if I could pray with him. We did, but what was amazing was that the man then told me he was going to pray for me. A man, that could barely piece together a sentence throughout the entire session, spoke fluently, eloquently and without stutter during his prayer. Truly inspirational. 4. If you could be any animal, what would it be and why? When working in our Media clinic, I was given the spirit animal of a river otter, and I would have to agree. Otters are engaging animals that get along

a love for the intricacy of the human body – a perfectly crafted machine that is also unique to each individual based on the demands placed on it. This career is an opportunity to alter and enhance the lives of people through movement, so that those people can participate in the things that bring them joy. 2. In your words, what makes Excel Physical Therapy different from other Physical Therapy clinics? Excel allows us, as therapists, to provide patients with the care they deserve. By having autonomy with our schedules, we are able to utilize our skills by devoting the necessary time to each patient. My hands and mind are my greatest tools in this profession. Being attentive to instruct technique as patients are performing exercises, and to assess movement patterns that may need to be altered, maximizes their potential. With Excel, we build in the time to promote change with use of manual techniques. We are a company of physical therapists – you will not find assistants or aides within our clinics because we believe in consistency of care. With Excel – my patients, are my patients. Who better to assess progress than the same eyes that first evaluated a patient? 3. What was your most memorable patient experience? My most memorable experience would be from when I was a student. I was working with a man who had a traumatic vehicular accident decades prior, which he would tell you occurred out of poor judgment. The

with multitudes of personalities, making them great communicators. There is a witty, whimsical charm that is associated with the otter. Otters also possess determination and intelligence that can often be overlooked by their fun-loving, sometimes crazy antics. However, when a challenge arises, otters will go to all lengths to find a resolution or defend their own. I like to think of otters as animals who bring enjoyment to whatever task they are faced with. 5. If you could describe yourself in one word what would it be and why? Animated. Those who know me would agree that I have an animated personality. My facial expressions either speak to what I’m thinking or reflect the excitement of the conversation I’m having. When the moment calls for it, whole body involvement including hand gestures, voice changes and dancing footwork can occur. 6. What do you like to do in your off time, outside the clinic? On normal days, I can be found at my gym in West Chester, out chasing my dog around, spending time with my family and friends, or volunteering with my church’s youth program. I enjoy visiting with people and fostering relationships. I love the beauty of nature and find my peace being outside – specifically in the fall. Vacation days, I would prefer to be by the water on the beach. The best times are in the off seasons when my dog, Kye, can be free to enjoy the beach with me!

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“My experience at Excel with Elizabeth “Liz” Butkus, PT, DPT was exceptional. I came to Excel with an untreated concussion and a current concussion. When I first came to PT, nothing in my normal life felt right. I felt very defeated and confused by all the symptoms. Liz took the time to learn more about me and understand my different symptoms. She took time to explain and treat my concussion in a way that would still benefit my busy schedule of being a student teacher, graduating college, and starting my first teaching job. Overall, I would not be in my current job without Liz’s patience, help and positivity every time I come to PT.” - Nicole B. (Kennett Square Patient) “Overall, I would not be in my current job without Liz’s patience, help and positivity every time I come to PT.”

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