Sports related concussions have been a popular topic as of late. Sports stars including racecar driver Dale Earnhardt Jr, soccer player Brandi Chastain, and football player Ted Johnson are publicly donating their brains to concussion research. A movie was even made about Dr. Bennet Omalu, the researcher who discovered and named the disease most related with concussions, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).  With all of this publicity it is easy to focus on concussions as a purely sports-related brain injury, when it is not. Here at TAI-Wilsonville we see concussions resulting from a variety of incidents including car accidents, work place incidents, and falls in addition to the more commonly known sports causes. What is most important is to make sure concussions are diagnosed and treated properly. Any sign of concussion should be taken seriously, and we are doing our best to become involved in Wilsonville youth sports in order to further educate the community and emphasize safety. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please give us a call. We would be happy to help.

I hope everyone has a Happy Spring!

Sarah Macomber PT, DPT
Board Certified Sports Clinical Specialist
Certified Athletic Trainer
Clinic Director

Concussions are a hot button topic in our society today, and for good reason. They present possible life changing complications and can affect individuals physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially for weeks, months, and even years. With recent growth in medical recognition and understanding of concussions, we are improving our ability to better recognize and treat symptoms which impact patients following concussion. Here are some key points to know and recognize regarding concussions.

What is a concussion?
A concussion is a brain injury that occurs when the brain is shaken inside the skull, causing changes in the brain's chemistry and energy supply. There is NO grading system (ex/ mild, medium, severe) for concussions - like any brain injury, all concussions are serious and require medical attention. A concussion might happen as a result of a direct or indirect force that may or may not be associated with loss of consciousness. The Centers for Disease Control estimate that in sports alone, more than 3.8 million concussions occur each year - millions more going diagnosed and undiagnosed as a result of motor vehicle accidents, falls at home or in the community, and other trauma to the head and body.

Signs and Symptoms

No two concussions are alike. Each presents with a complex array of symptoms. Some of the most common acute symptoms (or the initial symptoms to arise following trauma) may include:

• Headache
• Nausea / vomiting
• Increased drowsiness, fatigue, and/or lethargy
• Feeling "slowed down", "dazed", or "in a fog"
• Difficulty remembering short and long term information
• Restless

Over time, individuals impacted by concussions may experience a change in the symptoms. These changes may include:

• Increased sadness or depression
• Balance problems
• Dizziness
• Increased fatigue during typically normal activities
• Decreased ability to think through problems
• Increased sensitivity to light and sound
• Decreased tolerance of stress, increased aggression

How can PT help?

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a concussion or presents with any of the above symptoms following an injury sustained in sport, motor vehicle accident, or fall in the community seek medical attention immediately. If symptoms continue to progress, come see us for our specialized Post-Concussion Syndrome rehabilitation. Physical therapy can play a pivotal role in the treatment and care of patients affected by lingering post-concussion symptoms. As a part of your medical team, your physical therapist will design and implement an exercise program targeting limitations in neck strength and range of motion, balance, motion sensitivity, dizziness, and decreased activity tolerance, which may develop following concussion and contribute to development of post-concussive symptoms. The goal of your therapy will be to identify and treat the specific factors hindering your recovery and teach and educate you to get you back to the things you love, symptom free.

Tell us your story:

I am a 55 year old woman who thought I could stop a 1200 pound horse when he decided to bolt across the arena, my shoulder paid the price.

What does Physical Therapy mean to you?

It means that soon I will be back to barrel racing my horse, coming back even stronger than before.

Favorite PT exercise?

Back stroke on the foam roller, the stretch feels wonderful

Most hated PT exercise?

Honestly none, only because they have all helped me gain more movement in my shoulder.  If I had to pick one it would be swinging the weight with my body, I have zero rhythm!

On a side note I just want to say that everyone there is very knowledgeable, thoughtful and are not afraid to push a patient to help them progress in their therapy, I feel stronger all around and know that when I am done I will be stronger than I was before I started and will go back to barrel racing with more confidence.

Thanks for all you do...

We are excited to be working with the Wilsonville Little League this year. Sarah has been able to speak to the parents and coaches about injury prevention and provide services at the try-outs. If you have spare time this Saturday come visit us as we celebrate the Wilsonville Little League Opening Day and Jamboree!

Have you had a chance to check out our new website? It is now easier than ever to find what you need. There is a direct link to our online patient portal, where you can check appointments, pay bills, or even directly message your therapist! You can also access the latest Therapeutic Outlook magazine, or read up on past issues. One new feature is a section called “#MyPTStory”, which past and current patients tell their story and how TAI has been able to help them along their journey. The new site is easier to use, and now mobile friendly. Take the time to look it over, you will not be disappointed!