Professional Care PT. Concussion Management

Professional Care PT. Concussion Management

N E W S L E T T E R

Make Your Child’s Trip To School A Little Less Painful • Staff Spotlight • September Is Dystonia Awareness Month • ProCare PT Patient Named First Female Italian-American of the Year CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ALSO INSIDE: PROFESSIONAL CARE PT NOW OFFERS FREE BASELINE imPACT SCREENING!

The general definition of a concussion means the act of forcefully shaking or jarring. A sports concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a shaking or jarring of the brain. A sports concussion can occur with a bump, blow or jolt to the head or the body which causes the brain to move within the skull. This movement causes the brain to hit the inside of the skull or stretch which can result in a change in brain cell chemistry and structural injury from cell stretching. This damage can result in a variety of signs and symptoms depending on the portion of the brain involved during a sports concussion. Are concussions serious? Sports concussions are described as a “mild” traumatic brain injury because concussions are not usually life-threatening. However, concussions are a brain injury and can lead to serious long-term consequences if not managed correctly by a qualified healthcare professional. Who is qualified to treat sports concussions? No single healthcare professional is able to fully manage a sports concussion due to the many different issues related to a concussion. Concussion management is truly a team effort to help a patient return to his or her prior level of function. Members of the concussion management team may include a sports medicine physician, primary care physician, athletic trainer, teacher, school administrator, social worker, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech language pathologist, psychologist, neuropsychologist, neurologist, radiologist, orthopedic surgeon, ophthalmologist, ear nose & throat physician and other healthcare professions.

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EAST PATCHOGUE • 191 PATCHOGUE YAPHANK ROAD • EAST PATCHOGUE, NY 11772 • P : 631.775.0971 RIVERHEAD • 806 EAST MAIN ST • RIVERHEAD, NY 11901 •P : 631. 591.0838

CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (Continued)

How can I spot a possible concussion? Concussions are a fairly common injury, but many people are unaware of exactly what happens when one gets a concussion. This injury is a result of an impact, in which thebraincollideswith the insideof theskull.Thiscanbecausedbyaharsh blowtotheheadoranytraumatic jolttothebody.Concussionscanalsobecaused ifa violentback-and-forthmotion(suchaswhiplash)oftheheadtakesplace.Whenyour headtosses indifferentdirectionsrapidly(suchas fromacarcrashorharsh football tackle), your brain gets tossed along inside it, bouncing off the bony enclosure of yourskull.Concussionscanresult inanumberofunfortunatesymptoms,suchas:

Physical Therapists Offer Backpack uses the mantra of “If in doubt, sit it out” as a guide for parents, coaches and healthcare providers. Removal from play decreases the risk of suffering another concussionandprolongingrecovery.Healthcareprovidersshouldperformasideline assessmentwhichmay include tests toruleoutaneck injury, issueswithmemory andneurocognitive tests (testsof thinking).Afterward,youshould follow-upwitha healthcareprovider forreassessmentandmanagementof thesportsconcussion. Treatment forsportsconcussionconsistsofrestandchanges indailyactivities in the initial stages of recovery. Activities or environments that provoke symptoms shouldbeavoidedandmay include loudmusic, television,smartphoneuse,video games and thinking tasks. Getting plenty of sleep and naps during this stage of healing is very important in the recovery from concussion. A gradual return to symptom-free physical activity is appropriate when the patient’s symptoms begin to improve. Guidance from a qualified healthcare provider is very important during this stage of recovery. Physical therapists can evaluate and manage possible inner ear conditions associated with head trauma, balance deficits, neck pain, headaches, dizziness and appropriately pace a return to cardiovascular activity. The final phase of concussion recovery includes a graded return to play protocol thatslowlyprogresses from lightactivity to fullparticipation inorder tobecleared for a full return to sports. This phase is not initiated until a patient has already returnedtoa fullreturnto learning inschoolwithoutaccommodations,performing at their prior level of academic achievement and does not experience symptoms with learningtasks. Physicaltherapistsarequalified toprogressapatient through a return to play protocol and work with the physician for final clearance. How can Physical Therapy help a patient recover from a sports concussion? Physical therapists play an important role on a concussion management team. Physical Therapist will evaluate and treat many aspects of concussion that may include dizziness that may arise from a neck issue (cervicogenic dizziness), balance deficits, neck pain, headaches that are referred from the neck, vertigo from an inner ear condition (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), exercises for vision issues (ocular motor exercises), issues with blood pressure & heart rate with exercise (autonomic dysregulation), and help to progress patients thr ugh a graded return to play protocol. What is baseline concussion testing? Baseline concussion testing is an exam performed pre-season to any sport that assesses an athlete’s balance and brain function. This exam includes learning andmemoryskills, theability topayattentionorconcentrateandhowquickly the athletethinksandsolvesproblems. Baselinetestinghelpshealthcareprofessionals makecomparisons throughpost injury testingand thenaides them indetermining when the athlete can safely return-to-play. It’s important to know that Professional Care Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation now offers FREE baseline ImPACT screening. Please give us a call at our East Patchogue or Riverhead location for more information! WRONG CORRECT Strap on one shoulder Wide, padded straps on of body weight both shoulders ! Wear both straps Use of one strap causes one side of wearing 2 shoulder straps, the weig Wear the backpack over the st Pay close attention to the way the b evenly in the middle of the back. Sh put on and take off the backpack wit Straps should not be too loose, and Lighten the load Keep the load at 10%-15% or less o are required for the day. Organize t items closest to the back. Some stu carry the heavy books to and from s How a Physical Therapist Can A physical therapist can help you ch child. Children come in all shapes a require special adaptations. Additio problems, correct muscle imbalance backpack use. Physical therapists c help children get strong and stay str ! !

· Memory loss and confusion · Nausea and vomiting · Inability to focus · Dizziness · Fatigue

· Painful and chronic

headaches/migraines · Sensitivity to light and sound

· Ringing in the ears · Visual abnormalities · Slurring of speech

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may have a concussion.

What is the normal recovery time for a concussion? The normal recovery time from a concussion varies from person to person and pastconcussionrecoverytimedoesnotpredict futurerecoverytime. Thepatient’s signs/symptomsandcourseofrecoverydependuponthe locationofthemildbrain injury and the severity of their injury. However, studies have shown that 80% of athletesrecover from theirconcussionwithin threeweeks,but20%ofconcussed patients may take much longer to recover. What are some risk factors for a delayed or a prolonged recovery? Not effectively treating a concussion right away can lead to some serious health risks. Inseverecases,concussionscanresult inbrainbleedsthatrequireemergency medical treatment. In cases such as this, your condition will be treated at the hospital ASAP. Delayed treatmentcanalso lead toconditionssuchaspost-concussionsyndrome. Post-concussionsyndrome isaseriouscondition thatcan last forseveralmonths, evenwithoutposingobvioussymptoms.Peoplewhohavepost-concussionsyndrome may experience bouts of dizziness, vertigo, or persistent headaches, that will not go away without treatment. If you believe you may have a concussion, the best solution is to seek the help of a medical professional right away to avoid the risk of worsening the concussion. With the help of physical therapy, you can receive the necessary treatment for your specific needs. What should I do to help my child recover? Thefirstpriority inthemanagementofasportsconcussion istoremovethem from play as soon as a concussion is suspected. The American Academy of Neurology

Find a physical therapist i

Ryan was able to attend the APTA Combined Sections Meeting in New Orleans, where he was able to learn from some of the most well-known names in sports medicine including Dr. James Andrews, Kevin Wilk, and Mike Reinold. In September, Ryan graduated from Touro College with his DPT, receiving an award for Academic Excellence. Dr. Jensen has enjoyed working with various patients throughout his clinical experience, from young athletes to neurological populations, and looks to improve upon his skill set through continuing education in both diagnostic and manual therapy courses in the near future. Outside of Physical Therapy, Ryan has a strong interest in strength and conditioning, particularly in working with athletes, and will be working directly with the athletes of our Professional Care Athletic Performance (PCAP) Division. Ryan is also recently engaged, with plans to be married to his fiancé Julie in July of 2020. Does your child experience symptoms of aching shoulders or stooped posture after wearing a heavy school backpack? Carrying too much weight in a pack or wearing it the wrong way can lead to pain and strain. Parents can take steps to help children load and wear backpacks the correct way to avoid health problems. LOADING THE BACKPACK: • A child’s backpack should weigh no more than about 10% of his or her body weight. This means a student weighing 100 pounds shouldn’t wear a loaded school backpack heavier than about 10 pounds. If the backpack is too heavy on a regular basis, consider using a book bag on wheels if your child’s school allows it. • Load heaviest items closest to the child’s back (the back of the pack). Arrange books and materials so they won’t slide around in the backpack. • Check what your child carries to school and brings home. Make sure the items are necessary for the day’s activities. If the backpack is too heavy or tightly packed, your child can hand carry a book or other item outside the pack. WEARING THE BACKPACK: • Distribute weight evenly by using both straps. Wearing a pack slung over one shoulder can cause a child to lean to one side, curving the spine and causing pain or discomfort. Wear the waist belt if the backpack has one. • Select a pack with well-padded shoulder straps. Shoulders and necks have many blood vessels and nerves that can cause pain and tingling in the neck, arms, and hands when too much pressure is applied. Adjust the shoulder straps so that the pack fits snugly on the child’s back. A pack that hangs loosely from the back can pull the child backwards and strain muscles. • School backpacks come in different sizes for different ages. Choose the right size pack for your child as well as one with enough room for necessary school items. The bottom of the pack should rest in the curve of the lower back. It should never rest more than four inches below the child’s waistline. MAKE YOUR CH I LD ’ S TR I P TO SCHOOL A L I TTLE LESS PA I NFUL WRONG CORRECT Load too heavy Load no more than 10%-15% of body weight

WRONG fety Tips

CORRECT

Strap on one shoulder Wide, padded straps on

of body weight

both shoulders

!

Wear both straps Use of one strap causes one side of t e body t bear the weight of the backpack. By wearing 2 shoulder straps, the weight of the backpack is better distributed. Wear the backpack over the strongest mid-back muscles Pay close attention to the way the backpack is positioned on the back. It should rest evenly in the middle of the back. Shoulder straps should be adjusted to allow the child to put on and take off the backpack without difficulty and allow free movement of the arms. Straps should not be too loose, and the backpack should not extend below the low back. Lighten the load Keep the load at 10%-15% or less of t e child’s body weight. Carry only t ose items that are required for the day. Organize the contents of the backpack by placing the heaviest items closest to the back. Some students have 2 sets of books, so as not to have to carry the heavy books to and from school. CORRECT Load no more than 10%-15% of body weight

!

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WRONG

Load too heavy

STAFF SPOTL I GHT Dr. Ryan Celebrates one year as a DPT with Professional Care Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Dr. Ryan Jensen, PT, DPT How a Physical Therapist Can Help A physical therapist can help you choose a proper backpack and fit it specifically to your child. Children come in all shapes and sizes, and some have physical limitations that require special adaptations. Additionally, a physical therapist can help improve posture problems, correct muscle imbalances, and treat pain that can result from improper backpack use. Physical therapists can also design individualized fitness programs to help children get strong and stay strong— nd carry ei own lo ds! he body to bear the weight of the b ckpack. By of the backpack is better distributed. ngest mid-back muscle kpack is positioned on the back. It s ould rest lder straps should be adjusted to allow the child to out difficulty and allow free movement of the arms. e backpack should not extend below the low back. Find a physical therapist in your area at www.moveforwardpt.com

Dr. Ryan Jensen grew up locally in Patchogue, New York and attended Patchogue-Medford High School. There, he played football, where multiple knee injuries sparked an early interest in Physical Therapy. He then attended Stony Brook University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Health Science with a concentration in Disability Studies. From there, he was accepted into Touro College’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in BayShore, New

the child’s body weight. Carry only those items that contents of the backpack by placing the heaviest nts have 2 sets of books, so as not to have to ool.

elp ose a proper backpack and fit it sp cifically to your

York. Ryan’s clinical experiences included inpatient rehabilitation at St. Catherine’s Nursing and Rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation at Long Island Select Healthcare/UCP, and several outpatient experiences including St. Charles Orthopedics, Metro Physical and Aquatic Therapy, and North Fork Physical Therapy. During his time at school, Ryan maintained a part- time schedule working as an aide for Professional Care. In February 2018, sizes, and some have physical limitations that lly, a p ysical therapist can help improve posture , and treat pain that can result from improper n also design individualized fitness programs to g—and carry their own loads!

your area at www.moveforwardpt.com

N E W S L E T T E R

ProfessionalCarePT.com

Dystonia is a movement disorder that affects several hundred thousand children and adults. It is one of the three most common movement disorders after Essential Tremor and Parkinson’s. There are multiple forms of Dystonia, and dozens of diseases and conditions may include Dystonia as a symptom. Dystonia may affect a single body area or be generalized throughout multiple muscle groups. Join us and be a part of the global effort to find a cure! Our goal is to get 5 thousand people to commit to donating $5 during Dystonia awareness month in September 2019 in hopes of finding a cure. $5 doesn’t seem like much but if everyone donated it would be HUGE! Your money goes directly to the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation a 501c3 non-profit. 100% goes to research for a cure. You can donate at 5dollarcure.com.

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL DYSTONIA AWARENESS MONTH!

PAT I ENT SPOTL I GHT Professional Care PT Patient, Grace Rizzi-Gallipoli announced as Patchogue’s First Female Italian- American of the Year! Grace, the daughter of Angelo Rizzi and Nunzia Appio was born on February 13, 1932, in Montescaglioso, a small town in the Basilicata region of Italy. While living in Italy, Grace, the oldest of seven children married Nicola (Nick) Gallipoli in October of 1954. In pursuit of the American dream, the couple then made their journey to New York and would establish themselves on Waverly Avenue in Patchogue. Nick would go on to open Grace Iron Works on Waverly Avenue. Together with their love for community involvement and their deep religious values always at heart, Grace and Nick became parishioners at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Here, Grace attended mass regularly, was active in the Rosary Society, and eventually it would be the parish where their children, Nancy, Ralph, Lou Ann, and Angela, would receive their sacraments. The Gallipoli children were all raised with the same traditional Italian values. Today, Grace, a proud mother of 4 children and grandmother of seven, resides partly in Blue Point and spends her winters in Florida. At the young age of 87, Grace continues to live life to the fullest. She enjoys hosting large holiday gatherings, spending time with her family, baking biscotti cookies and making pizza. The annual Festival of Saint Liberata will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7 on Main Street in Patchogue Village. The parade kicks off at noon.

Photo courtesy of the LI Advance

A R E Y O U L E T T I N G Y O U R PA I N H O L D Y O U B A C K ? C A L L T O S C H E D U L E Y O U R A P P O I N T M E N T T O D AY !