Let Peak Performance Physical Therapy Help!
Concussions are a serious concern for athletes, especially those competing in high-impact sports. It is a serious condition that can hinder both your physical and mental capabilities for a period of time. Concussions typically happen from a trauma-based impact, usually either from a sports injury or motor vehicle accident. While concussions can be painful and limiting, physical therapy treatments can, fortunately, help provide healing and relief. If you are suffering from a concussion and you are looking for treatment, call our office today to speak with one of our experienced physical therapists.
How do concussions happen?
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 the brain collides with the inside of the skull. This can be caused by a harsh blow to the head or any traumatic jolt to the body. Concussions can also be caused if a violent back-and-forth motion (such as whiplash) of the head takes place. When your head tosses in different directions rapidly (such as from a car crash or harsh football tackle), your brain gets tossed along inside it, bouncing off the bony enclosure of your skull. Concussions can result in a number of unfortunate symptoms, such as:
- Painful and chronic headaches/migraines
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Ringing in the ears
- Visual abnormalities
- Slurring of speech
- Memory loss and confusion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Inability to focus
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
How are concussions treated?
In severe cases, concussions can result in brain bleeds that require emergency medical treatment. In cases such as this, your condition will be treated at the hospital ASAP. In milder cases, your concussion will be treated and cured over a period of time. No matter the severity, your doctor will likely conduct brain imaging and diagnostic tests to analyze the extent of the damage done to your brain during the impact. This will assist your doctor in prescribing your treatment.
While it used to be believed that exercise would create further damage to the concussion, recent studies have actually found the opposite to be true. Active physical therapy treatments consisting of light exercises and other physical activities have proven to show a decrease in recovery time for patients suffering from concussions. The APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) now recognizes physical therapists as potential key players in effective concussion rehabilitation plans.
How physical therapy can help your concussion:
Your physical therapist will create a personalized treatment plan revolving around your specific needs for recovery and relief. He or she will determine what level of aerobic exercise you can sustain without your symptoms worsening. This will be analyzed through a thorough physical evaluation of your neck, vision, balance, and coordination. After your evaluation, your treatment plan will be created, keeping in mind the severity of your condition and any symptoms you may be experiencing. Depending on your condition, your physical therapist may recommend:
- Light exercises. These can help relieve your headaches, in addition to restoring any lost coordination or visual focus.
- Massage therapy. This can also relieve headaches and stiffness by focusing on the problem areas (primarily the neck.)
- Vestibular therapy. This will help stabilize your balance.
- Return to light aerobic exercise. This will help in restoring any lost communications between your brain and body.
Concussions are a serious matter, and our physical therapists are dedicated to helping you recover. They are highly treatable as long as you receive the right guidance and care. If you are suffering from a concussion, schedule a consultation with one of our physical therapists today. We’ll get you started on the first steps toward creating your treatment plan, and help you achieve your goals toward a safe and sensible return to activity!
Josh Takagishi MD, FAAP is a board-certified, fellowship trained
Pediatric Doctor with certifications in Sports Medicine, who’s been providing care at Lansing Pediatrics Associates.
Josh Takagishi, M.D., FAAP, grew up in the Lansing area and is a proud graduate of East Lansing High School. He received his undergraduate degree from the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, where he played four years of collegiate-level hockey. Subsequently, Dr. Takagishi moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he obtained his medical degree at the Loyola University of Chicago and completed his Residency in Pediatrics at the University of Chicago. Upon finishing his residency, Dr. Takagishi completed a Primary Care Sports Medicine fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is board certified in Pediatrics and Primary Care Sports Medicine. He has since moved back to the Lansing area, providing pediatric and Sports Medicine care to children and young adults at MSU Sports Medicine and Lansing Pediatric Associates. He also works regularly at the Saturday Injury Clinic at Ingham Regional Medical Center. He is also a Team Physician for Lansing Lugnuts and East Lansing High School.
To learn more about Dr. Takagishi and Lansing Pediatric Associates click the link below.
Megan Brew – Physical Therapist
Mason Clinic
Megan was born and raised in Temperance, MI. Megan has a passion for horses that started at 9 years old, when she began taking horseback riding lessons. She competed at a local level in horse shows, and spent countless hours volunteering with camps and riding events. She went on to be a member of the Equestrian Team at Central Michigan University, and competed against riders throughout Michigan and Canada. Megan attended Central Michigan University for her undergraduate degree. She chose to study pre physical therapy in addition to getting her Bachelor of Science in child development. This helped her gain a further understanding of the pediatric and adolescent patient population. Megan then went on to Oakland University for her Doctor of Physical Therapy. Megan is now the clinic manager at the Mason location of Peak performance physical therapy. She enjoys working with a wide variety of patients; however, she specializes in pediatric physical therapy. Megan has experience treating a variety of pediatric conditions including torticollis, toe walking, developmental delay, and much more. Megan discovered physical therapy when volunteering for a hippotherapy program at her local barn. Hippotherapy is physical therapy for children, using horses as the therapy tool. After this experience, Megan knew that she wanted to be a physical therapist. Her interest in PT grew the more she learned about everything a physical therapist can do.
At Peak Performance Physical Therapy, we are revolutionizing the way that rehabilitation is delivered. Each day we serve the community to help you live a happier and healthier life. When people think of a concussion, their first thought may not be physical therapy. A concussion is a severe injury one may have, with concerns over brain damage during a high-impact accident. Physical therapy has been shown to speed healing when administered as a treatment for concussions by a professional. This is why you shouldn’t hesitate to contact our office today if you or one of your loved ones suffers from a concussion. We are here to help and want to see you feeling better.
Peak Performance Physical Therapy’s personal training program focuses on reaching your personal fitness goals. Learning correct form, connect one-on-one with your trainer, and be pushed to your fullest potential. All of our trainers are certified, very knowledgeable, and will help you understand the importance of each exercise. Using various training techniques, they will help you push past your perceived physical limits, while helping you meet your specific goals.
Personal Training Programming:
- Flexible individual training sessions with a qualified professional
- Personal designed exercise and stretching programs
- A positive work environment
The signature event of Down Home Days happens on Saturday, September 17, 2022, in downtown Mason, hosted by the Mason Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by area businesses.
Saturday, Sep 17, 2022
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM EDT
Join Playmakers at the 2022 Autumn Classic! Celebrating its 30th year both virtual and in person! This event is a treasured fall Mid-Michigan tradition for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Enjoy the brilliant fall colors as you walk or run around Lake Lansing! There is something for everyone:
• 8K run/walk
• 2 mile walk (non-competitive)
• Chip timing
• Long sleeve technical shirt
• Free Kids’ Fun Run (long-sleeve t-shirts can be ordered for $15)
• Refreshments
• Charity Partner: Special Olympics Michigan Area 8
Location: The start and finish are in the beautiful Lake Lansing Park North, 6260 E. Lake Drive, Haslett. Rain or shine. Strollers and or dogs on leashes are welcome.
