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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

Excellent doctor—very personable and knowledgeable. Office setting nice, clean

Anonymous

Thank you to Dr. Lockstadt and his wonderful medical staff for relieving my pain in my left side of back going down the leg. Dr. Lockstadt performed an SI Fusion in October 2018 and I had complete relief from pain. I wished I had found... Thank you to Dr. Lockstadt and his wonderful medical staff for relieving my pain in my left side of back going down the leg. Dr. Lockstadt performed an SI Fusion in October 2018 and I had complete relief from pain. I wished I had found out this procedure 5 years ago. Thank you, again

James Stakelin

I was very pleased with my surgery and experience with Dr. Christensen.

Sheridan Simmons

Dr. Harrod did not have a cure for my foot problem, but he provided clear insight into the nature of my pain based on symptoms I described.

Anonymous

This is the second time I have seen Dr. Huff, due to work injuries. I prefer him cause he has a sense of humor and is very straight forward. Also the fact that he tries to avoid surgeries if possible, which is a relief if therapy can... This is the second time I have seen Dr. Huff, due to work injuries. I prefer him cause he has a sense of humor and is very straight forward. Also the fact that he tries to avoid surgeries if possible, which is a relief if therapy can fix the issue and get me back to work.

Brian McClusky

Dr. Huff and his entire team are outstanding! I highly recommend him for surgery and I absolutely LOVE the Physical Therapy folks!

Anonymous

I’ve been extremely happy with Dr. Donegan, thus far. He doesn’t seem (or at least in my case) to mess around. He’s thorough. He knows his field well. He listens to what you have to say. I’ve been to doctors in the past that... I’ve been extremely happy with Dr. Donegan, thus far. He doesn’t seem (or at least in my case) to mess around. He’s thorough. He knows his field well. He listens to what you have to say. I’ve been to doctors in the past that thought they needed to tell you how you feel. His bedside manner is incredible. Also...the staff in his office are timely which is extremely important for those of us that have to work and very polite.

Anonymous

Great orthopedic surgeon. I think Dr. Donegan is a great Orthopedic Surgeon. He treated me with respect and kindness. I truly like him and think he is wonderful.

Anonymous

Not the first visit with Dr Harrod. As always he handles my medical needs with great concern and care. He has always gone out of his way to make sure that medicines and procedures comply with my restrictions due a bleeding disorder as... Not the first visit with Dr Harrod. As always he handles my medical needs with great concern and care. He has always gone out of his way to make sure that medicines and procedures comply with my restrictions due a bleeding disorder as well. He and his staff are professional and yet take care of you as you are one of there own family members. I am blessed to have them there when needed and will always recommend them to my friends and family.

Anonymous

I was referred to Dr. Lockstadt due to severe hip and leg pain. He and his staff were highly patient-oriented, caring, and compassionate. In his diligence to find the problem, he never rushed through the visit with him, and he listened... I was referred to Dr. Lockstadt due to severe hip and leg pain. He and his staff were highly patient-oriented, caring, and compassionate. In his diligence to find the problem, he never rushed through the visit with him, and he listened patiently to my concerns. I would highly recommend Dr. Lickstadt and his staff!

Kathee astaton

He is a excellent doctor.

Anonymous

I went to Dr. Hunt after a work injury and work comp doctors told me nothing was wrong. He found a herniated disc and recommended surgery which I had four months later. That was four years ago and I have no problems with my back today.... I went to Dr. Hunt after a work injury and work comp doctors told me nothing was wrong. He found a herniated disc and recommended surgery which I had four months later. That was four years ago and I have no problems with my back today. He was a wonderful and caring doctor that took time with me and my husband to explain everything. I would recommend him to anyone.

Anonymous

Was in the room before my appointment time. He performed the exam and based on what was causing my pain, showed me on the model where my problem was. However an MRI is needed to confirm the diagnosis before heading to the OR. He’s... Was in the room before my appointment time. He performed the exam and based on what was causing my pain, showed me on the model where my problem was. However an MRI is needed to confirm the diagnosis before heading to the OR. He’s knowledgeable and very pleasant.

Lynn PB

I have already had an opportunity to recommend him to a family member. I have put my trust in him.

Carol Luttrell

Dr. Christensen is amazing. His assistant Brittney, is amazing also. I very highly recommend them. The Specialty Surgery Center was outstanding. The nurses I had were, Tracy H, Janice, Lori ( OR nurse), Lesley (OR Tech), Elizabeth (... Dr. Christensen is amazing. His assistant Brittney, is amazing also. I very highly recommend them. The Specialty Surgery Center was outstanding. The nurses I had were, Tracy H, Janice, Lori ( OR nurse), Lesley (OR Tech), Elizabeth ( patient care tech). Dr. C needed an Xray prior to my hip replacement. An XRay tech came in early to do it. Unfortunately, I don't know her name,however, she was awesome too. I couldn't recommend both the health care and the facility any higher. This was my second encounter with the surgery center and Dr. C., which I think speaks highly of both.

Jackie Lewis Fannin