Concussion Treatment in Richmond Hill
SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTConcussions are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. They can also occur from a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.
Causes and Risk Factors of Concussions
Concussions are commonly caused by sports injuries, car accidents, falls, and playground injuries. Risk factors include participating in high-impact sports, having a previous concussion, and being of a younger age.
Symptoms of a Concussion
- The symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not be immediately apparent. Symptoms can include headache, confusion, dizziness, ringing in the ears, nausea or vomiting, slurred speech, and fatigue. Some symptoms may appear immediately, while others may develop over days or weeks after the injury.
Cognitive Symptoms:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Slowed down thinking
Physical Symptoms:
- Headache
- Blurry vision
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Balance problems
Emotional Symptoms:
- Irritability
- Sadness
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
Diagnosing Concussions
Diagnosing a concussion involves a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. This includes a detailed history of the injury, a physical examination, and often cognitive testing. In some cases, imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI may be needed to rule out other injuries.
Treatment and Management of Concussions
Understanding Concussion Recovery
The Importance of Balanced Rest
Physical and Mental Rest: Initially, rest is crucial. However, unlike common belief, you don’t need to be in a state of complete inactivity. Excessive rest can actually prolong your recovery and increase sensitivity to activities when you eventually resume them.
Moderate Activity: Learn to identify what exacerbates your concussion symptoms. Gradually reintroduce activities in small, manageable doses. It’s about finding a middle ground – engaging in activities that don’t aggravate your symptoms while avoiding those that do.
Identifying and Managing Triggers
Certain activities are known to trigger concussion symptoms. These include:
- Extensive use of smartphones or texting
- Reading for long periods
- Watching TV
- Playing video games
- Exposure to loud music
- Engaging in physical activities
It’s essential to pay attention to how these activities affect you. If symptoms flare up, take a step back and rest. Remember, some activities might be tolerable and even beneficial, as long as they don’t worsen your condition.
Gradual Reintegration into Daily Activities
As your symptoms improve, you can slowly start adding more activities back into your routine. This gradual process ensures that your brain heals properly without unnecessary strain.
Your Path to Recovery
As your healthcare partners, we’re committed to helping you navigate your concussion recovery. We’ll work closely with you, offering personalized advice and adjustments to your treatment plan as needed. Your well-being is our priority, and together, we’ll ensure a smooth and effective recovery journey.
Remember, every concussion is unique, so your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Long-Term Effects of Concussions
While most people recover fully from concussions, some can experience long-term effects. These may include chronic headaches, memory problems, and changes in mood and behavior. It’s important to manage concussions properly to reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Prevention of Concussions
Preventing concussions involves taking precautions in activities that pose risks. This includes wearing protective gear like helmets, following safety rules in sports, and making living environments safer to prevent falls.
Concussions, though often considered mild, require serious attention and careful management. Understanding their causes, symptoms, and treatment is crucial for effective recovery and prevention of long-term effects. By being informed and taking the right precautions, we can reduce the risk of concussions and ensure a safer environment for everyone.
(905) 709-7147
info@chirophysio16th.com
1455 16th Avenue, Unit 10
Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3G6
Frequently Asked Questions
What is going to happen at my first appointment?
- When you arrive you will meet our staff at the front of the office. They will give you a short form to fill out with your past medical history.
- Meet your Doctor/Therapist - He/She will ask you questions about your current health, your spine, muscles, joints, or related nervous system issues. If you have any reports, i.e. X-Rays, Ultrasound or MRI, bring them with you.
- Testing - Next your chiropractor/physiotherapist may perform some tests.
- Treatment - Finally, your doctor/therapist will give you a full report of the findings and a detailed treatment plan designed just for you. After this, you will have your very first treatment. You should expect all of this to take about one hour.
How long will my next appointments take?
Everyone has a different treatment time based upon the injury and the kind of treatment that is needed. On average we recommend that you allow for 20-30 minutes from the time you enter the office.
How many treatments do I need?
At the end of your first appointment your doctor/therapist will give you a written copy of your treatment plan that will include the number of treatments that he/she feels is required for you to recover and achieve your personal goals.
Is physiotherapy covered by OHIP?
There are some clinics that have publicly funded OHIP physiotherapy. Our services are not covered by OHIP. We are a private clinic and we provide hands-on treatment directly by a registered physiotherapist. In most cases we can help you by billing insurance companies directly for you.
I have private health insurance – can you bill them directly for physiotherapy/chiropractic?
If you have coverage for physiotherapy or chiropractic – just check with your agent to find out if you need a doctor’s prescription before you start your treatments. In MANY cases it's not necessary and you can make your appointment directly to see one of us. Bring all your insurance information with you to your first appointment. We will find out if we can bill directly so you don’t have to pay out of pocket. If we cannot then we will give you a paid receipt that you can send to your insurance company and they will pay you back.
Where are you located?
We are at the corner of Leslie and 16th avenue in the heart of north Richmond Hill. We are five minutes west of 404 and 16th avenue. We have free street level parking. The clinic is also located on the ground floor of a plaza that faces 16th avenue.
What should i wear for my appointments?
You should wear comfortable clothing so that you can expose the area of your injury. You also have the option to wear a hospital gown that will be provided to you. In the winter you can bring indoor shoes so you can leave your wet books in the waiting room area.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
Every insurance plan is different. Some of them do require that you have a doctor’s note for you to use your benefits. Some do not require a note. We suggest that you call your insurance company BEFORE your first appointment.
Who should see a chiropractor?
If you're suffering from poor posture, frequent headaches, muscle and joint pains, and limited limb mobility, seeking chiropractic care is in the best interests of your long-term health and wellness. If you are an athlete you may need care after an acute injury or after repeated training and repetitive movements that affect ligaments/joints/muscles. If you have a chronic or long term illness like arthritis you can benefit from chiropractic care. If you are pregnant, your chiropractor has safe treatments that can help you with pain as you carry your baby. If you have been injured at work you can have chiropractic care to get you back on your feet. If you are a school child with postural issues or scoliosis - you can get help from your chiropractor.
If you have a disc herniations or spinal stenosis or sciatica - you can be treated. Musculoskeletal conditions come in all shapes and sizes and chiropractors are here to help.
When to see a chiropractor?
Ever wonder when to visit a chiropractor? All day long we move our bodies in all directions and make use of our muscles and joints. These normal daily activities may result in headaches, migraines, back, neck or joint pain. You may also have this type of pain due to an injury, accident, illness or long-term condition.
You may decide to take anti-inflammatory medications that may temporarily help your symptoms but may not address the underlying cause. A chiropractor will use their expertise knowledge and orthopedic testing to assess the root cause of your symptoms. He/She will then treat these issues without medication or surgery.
Who Can Benefit From Chiropractic Care?
Everyone!
Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-invasive treatment supporting the body’s musculoskeletal system and associated neurological function, primarily by providing comprehensive, evidence-informed manual therapy. Chiropractic care is primarily a hands-on, non-invasive and drugless practice that is safe and effective for the management of musculoskeletal conditions – from small children to elderly adults to pregnant women to Olympic athletes. Musculoskeletal conditions can range in severity from minor sprains and strains to back and neck pain to disc herniations and spinal stenosis. As mentioned, musculoskeletal conditions can be mild or severe but they can also be acute or chronic, common or rare, and localized to one body region or widespread. Musculoskeletal conditions come in all shapes and sizes and chiropractors are here to help.