Post Concussion Treatment Burnaby
Expert Physio Post Concussion Syndrome Treatment
If you have recently experienced a concussion, you may be having difficulty dealing with post concussion syndrome. This can be frustrating as it interferes with your daily lifestyle, possibly causing you some form of discomfort. Here at Expert Physio, we are experts at treating post concussion syndrome, with many CCMI certified therapists.
What Is Post Concussion Syndrome?
Prolonged Concussion Symptoms, formerly known as Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS), create a complex clinical picture that requires a specially-trained and experienced concussion clinician to solve.
It can be composed of one or several symptoms which can usually last more than the initial injury phase of 22-45 days.
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Memory loss
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Sleep problems
- Concentration difficulties
- Anxiety
- Inability to focus on tasks at hand
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Poor decision-making skills
- Impaired judgment
- Lack of impulse control
- Anger outbursts
- Fearfulness
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Difficulty with attention span
- Visual disturbances
- Difficulty sleeping
- Headaches
- Brain fog
- Decreased brain activity
- Cognitive difficulties
- Psychological irregularities
- Other mental health issues
These are all symptoms that can be attributed to many other causes. If these symptoms may occur immediately after the injury but they usually take weeks or months before returning to normal then it could be PCS. It has been called the ‘forgotten disease’ because it is not recognized by many doctors and patients alike.
It is estimated that up to 1 million sports-related concussions happen each year in Canada alone. In fact, according to one study, over half of all athletes who suffer from head injuries will experience some form of cognitive impairment following their accident. This means that there could potentially be hundreds of thousands of Canadians suffering from this condition right now!
However, if you have recently suffered a concussion, then these symptoms may be attributed to this. This will be something that your physician or physiotherapist will determine.
We receive referrals from over three hundred physicians located throughout the lower mainland for treatment of post concussion syndrome; but you do not need a referral to see us. After a thorough, evidence-based assessment; we will put together a comprehensive treatment program to help relieve your symptoms and return you to a better quality of life. We will also work closely with your physician in planning your treatment and recovery.
What causes Persisting Concussion Symptoms?
Our approach is to first take you through a series of assessments and special tests to determine your main symptom drivers. Once we know what’s driving your symptoms, then we can apply the appropriate steps to address it.
How is Post Concussion Syndrome diagnosed and treated?
Our approach is to first take you through a series of assessments and special tests to determine your main symptom drivers. Once we know what’s driving your symptoms, then we can apply the appropriate steps to address it.
Exercise Therapy
Many patients become intolerant to exercise after concussion. This is due to dysregulation of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and brain blood flow.
Following a short period of rest and symptom-limited activity, guided sub-symptom threshold exercise therapy has shown to safely and gradually improve blood flow and speed recovery.
Manual Therapy
Headaches, balance and visual issues, dizziness and blood flow abnormalities are symptoms of both concussion and neck injuries (or whiplash).
Oftentimes ongoing concussion symptoms are coming from your neck, which can be treated with manual therapy and specific exercises to improve function.
Vestibular Rehabilitation & Vision Therapy
Visual disturbances and dizziness are common following concussion.
A balance and visual rehabilitation program may help to reduce symptoms such as dizziness, visual abnormalities, concentration issues and memory problems, among other symptoms.
Diet & Nutritional Intervention
Within 3 hours after a concussion, the lining of your gut begins to change because of the close relationship with the brain, known as the ‘Gut-Brain Axis’. This system is tightly linked with your immune system, inflammation, the Autonomic Nervous System, and your hormones (Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis).
Chronic fatigue, low energy, cognitive problems, headaches, anxiety, low mood, and a variety of other symptoms can be traced back to poor gut health.
Cognitive Problems
These common complaints such as fogginess, trouble concentrating, and memory impairments are multifactorial and require a comprehensive approach.
Understanding exactly what is going on and why you feel a certain way can help to improve recovery.
What will the treatment be composed of?
Every patient is unique, and every concussion is different. Our treatments do not begin until we have conducted a consultation and a full assessment of your body and brain function. The information gathered from this process will then allow our skilled physiotherapists to develop an aggressive and comprehensive treatment plan. The procedures and therapy sessions may include, but are not limited to:
Why is Expert Physio your best choice?
We treat many patients, such as yourself, that may have received a concussion; as well as those suffering from Post Concussion Syndrome. One of the many reasons we are successful with our treatments is because we have partnered up with CCMI. This is a worldwide organization that specializes in the treatment and prevention of concussions.
In addition to this, we have 10 highly trained physiotherapists on staff who have been specifically trained in the treatment and education of concussions. We will encourage you to be proactive in your treatments which will speed up your progress. We believe in educating you about your condition so you will be more confident in your progress and the treatments we will be providing you with.
Post Concussion Syndrome should be treated as quickly as possible. This means not having to wait weeks for an appointment. At Expert Physio, not only do we have the staff available to meet your needs from 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM: Monday to Saturday; we also have a centrally located clinic with ample free parking.
You do not have to wait for time to pass in the hopes of your Post Concussion Syndrome correcting itself. Call us today, so we can get you started on a quicker road to recovery.
How much will this cost?
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There is no way to determine an exact cost for concussion care, because every concussion is different. Costs will depend on a number of variables such as: the type of treatments, and the number of necessary treatments. However, here at Expert Physio, we have been adamant at keeping our costs reasonable and affordable. If you have insurance, this may help offset your costs.
What other common health conditions can you help with?
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- Neurological pain
- Trauma induced by biomechanical forces
- Neck pain
- Second impact syndrome
- Concussive injury
- Blood flow issue
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Depressive symptoms
- Whiplash-associated disorders
- Acute concussions
- Sports injury
- Concussed athletes
Kind Words From Our Clients
I came to Darin months after having symptoms I didn’t even know could be a concussion. At our first visit, he reassured me that my symptoms could go away (something I didn’t fully believe after months of symptoms!). Right away, I was put on a program of exercises to perform daily, tracking my progress in the app. Darin was responsive to every one of my questions I sent him via the app in a prompt manner, and even reached out in between appointments without a prompt to check up on my progress.
He kept things simple during our appointments, and was patient in answering all my questions. He ensured I was comfortable with any treatment, keeping anything I wasn’t comfortable with aside, then focusing on other remedies. I have never felt so in control of my own journey overcoming any and all symptoms.
I felt supported every day in overcoming my symptoms, and am now so happy and grateful to say a huge thank you to Darin for his time, expertise, patience and empathy throughout. I can’t believe it was that easy!