HD Physical Therapy Celebrates Neurosurgery Outreach Month by Promoting Concussion Awareness

WAKEFIELD, Mass. - Aug. 25, 2015 - PRLog -- For millions of children, the return to school also means a return to organized sports. Whatever they are playing, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), along with HD Physical Therapy (HDPT), continues to stress the importance of concussion awareness and prevention. It is important that children, parents, coaches and administrators all take the proper precautions, and are aware of the potentially devastating effects that head and spinal cord injuries can have when participating in sports. Anyone involved in youth sports must make concussion awareness a part of their practice this August, which is Neurosurgery Outreach Month.

As many as 3.8 million sports and recreation-related concussions occur in the United States each year. A concussion is an injury that changes how the cells in the brain normally work. Concussions are caused by a hit to the head, and even the body, that forces the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. It does not have to be caused by player-on-player contact, as concussions can result from collisions with the ground, ice or other obstacles.

To recognize a potential concussion:
*Watch for a hit or blow to the head, or body, that creates a rapid movement of the head.
*Pay attention to any change in the athlete’s behavior, awareness, thinking, or functioning of the body. If there appears to be any behavioral change in a player, be sure to take the player out of the game and have him/her examined thoroughly.

Some potential symptoms that players should be aware of, include: Headache • Confusion • Difficulty remembering or paying attention • Balance problems or dizziness • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy • Feeling irritable, more emotional, or “down” • Nausea or vomiting • Bothered by light or noise • Double or blurry vision • Slowed reaction time • Sleep problems • Loss of consciousness.

However, as with most injuries, preventing concussions is ideal. Buy and use helmets or protective headgear approved by the American Society for Testing Materials International (ASTM) for each specific sport, 100 percent of the time. The ASTM has vigorous standards for testing helmets for many sports; helmets approved by the ASTM bear a sticker stating this. Helmets and headgear come in many sizes and styles for many sports, and must properly fit to provide maximum protection against head injuries. In addition to other safety apparel or gear, helmets or headgear should be worn at all times for:

·       Baseball and Softball (when batting)

·       Cycling

·       Football

·       Hockey

·       Horseback Riding

·       Inline Skating

·       Powered Recreational Vehicles

·       Skateboards/Scooters

·       Skiing/Snowboarding

·       Wrestling

“Concussion awareness, knowing how to prevent them, plus understanding the signs and symptoms of a potential concussion or other traumatic brain injury, is critically important in all sports,” says Ed Harding, PTA, co-founder of HD Physical Therapy. “Helping to educate the public, especially during August and Neurosurgery Outreach Month, is one of the best weapons we have when it comes to combating these types of injuries.”

At HD Physical Therapy, ADVANCE Magazine's 2013 ‘Best PT Practice Contest’ silver medalist & the Wakefield Lynnfield 2015 Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Year, we are committed to the health and happiness of our patients. Everyday we work to restore each person's maximal function with consistency and compassion. Offering distinctive, inventive and proven rehabilitation treatment, our devoted professionals strive to deliver a successful and enjoyable experience to every patient we meet. HDPT proudly serves the communities of Wakefield, Reading, North Reading, Wilmington, Lynnfield, Saugus, Melrose, Peabody, Stoneham, the North Shore, and Essex County, Massachusetts. For more information about HD Physical Therapy, please call 781-587-0776, or visit www.HDPTonline.com.