Concussions are multifaceted and take a team approach to management.  Physical Therapy management of concussions should focus on restoring the physical, cognitive, neurological and vestibular deficits that may persist following concussion.

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The key to concussion management is to understand that a concussion is not only a head injury but a whiplash injury to the neck. The physical symptoms such as headaches and neck pain need to be addressed in addition to the vestibular, neurological, and cognitive issues. 

 

Dr. Baudo implements a comprehensive, integrative, and unique approach to concussion management. Each treatment program is tailored to your specific needs, unique motivations, and personal goals. We look at the whole person and utilize the most up-to-date tools and techniques to effectively alleviate your symptoms and restore your balance, strength, range of motion, stability and pain-free functional mobility. ​ 

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Dr. Baudo utilizes various manual therapy techniques, Redcord and The Neurac Method, Trigger Point Dry Needling, Pilates-based exercise, stretching, strengthening, taping, and bracing, which may be implemented in your treatment. Through her unique approach to concussion rehabilitation, Dr. Baudo can often get an athlete back to performing better than ever.

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Treatment may include:

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Rest and Recovery. I will help you and your family understand why you should limit any kind of activity (physical, sport, recreational, electronic, school) after a concussion, until it is safe to return to these activities. A period of rest helps the brain heal and helps symptoms clear up, as quickly as possible. 

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Restoring Strength and Endurance. The physical and mental rest required after a concussion can result in muscle weakness, fatigue, and a decrease in physical endurance. Through various movement movement therapies, you will regain your strength and endurance. 

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Stopping Dizziness and Improving Balance. If you have dizziness or difficulty with your balance following a concussion, a type of physical therapy called vestibular physical therapy may help. The vestibular system, which includes the inner ear and its connections with the brain, helps you keep your balance and prevent dizziness. By applying special treatments and teaching you specific exercises, we will be able to alleviate your dizziness and balance problems. There even may be some simple exercises that your physical therapist can teach you to do at home.

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Reducing Headaches. Typically, the cause of post concussive headaches are fem the whiplash injury sustained during the concussion. I will assess the possible causes of your headaches, and use specific treatments and exercises to reduce and eliminate them. Treatment may include trigger point dry needling, Redcord Neurac training, stretches, strength and mobility exercises, eye exercises, manual therapy (hands-on) techniques, such as soft tissue and joint mobilization, and manipulation. 

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Returning to Normal Activity or Sport. As symptoms ease and you are able to regain your normal strength and endurance without symptoms returning, you will gradually add normal activities back into your daily routine, while avoiding overloading the brain and nervous system. Overloading the brain during activity after a concussion interferes with the healing of the brain tissue, and can make your symptoms return. You will return you to your normal life and sport activities in the quickest and safest way possible, while allowing your brain to properly heal.