Concussion Rehabilitation

A concussion is the most common type of head injury in athletes. It occurs when a force jars the brain against the skull. It can result directly from a blow to the head or indirectly from a sudden jolt to the body, causing a whiplash type of effect to the spine and head. Concussions cause damage to brain tissue and need to be taken seriously. Symptoms that can occur immediately include headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to light or noise, memory loss, upset stomach, and vomiting. Other symptoms that are often times not detected for hours or days after the injury include but are not limited to difficulty concentrating, insomnia, fatigue, neck and back pain, decreased balance and coordination, and irritability.Concussion symptoms are typically gone in a few days but the brain needs to continue to heal. If symptoms persist past 3-6 weeks, an athlete may be diagnosed with Post-Concussion Syndrome. Omaha Physical Therapy Institute’s doctors of physical therapy are prepared to provide services necessary to get athletes back to their sport safely. Once an athlete has been evaluated by a physician and diagnosed with a concussion, the athlete could benefit from a physical therapy evaluation involving the following components:

Evaluation of the athlete’s orientation to person, place, and time
Cognitive testing
Balance
Eye control
Posture
Cervical spine mobility and strength
Athlete’s tolerance to physical activity (when appropriate)

Physical therapy treatment for concussions may involve the following items:

Athlete and parent/guardian education
Communication with athlete’s coach and athletic trainer
Balance retraining
Vestibular (inner ear) rehabilitation (for dizziness)
Oculomotor control/rehab
Cervical spine mobility/strength
Postural education
Aerobic conditioning
Sport-specific training/progression

If you have experienced a concussion and would like to learn more about OPTI’s Concussion Rehabilitation, please contact OPTI at (402)934-8688.

OPTI works closely with the Caze Institute in order to provide the most efficient and well researched concussion care.

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“Katie is the best PT in the world! I truly appreciate her patience, enthusiasm, and knowledge. I am now back playing softball and loving it!” –Jessi (ACL surgery)

“Going to physical therapy at OPTI was something I looked forward to every week. Katie not only helped me with the physical part but she also got me through the mental obstacles of recovery. She is the only therapist I know that will take her patient out on the field and work with them one-on-one. Katie and Brent made me feel comfortable and they could always make me laugh through the frustrating times in rehab.” –Ally B.

"My orthopedic surgeon suggested physical therapy for my tennis elbow. I had no idea where to start? I called my PCP and was referred to OPTI…I couldn’t be more satisfied with the therapy I received from there. Everyone is nice starting at the front desk with Lori! I would recommend them hands down than any other place in town. Thanks OPTI!" –Stephanie (Tennis Elbow)

"I really appreciate how much Brent helped me get back into playing collegiate baseball after my shoulder surgery. He gave me comfort, hope, and strength during a tough time and I am grateful for it." –Mike (Shoulder surgery)

“Something I would want people to know about OPTI is that I was able see the same physical therapist every single visit. Most people do not realize that this is unfortunately unique about OPTI. I went to a different PT clinic initially for my injury and found out I was being seen by a college student who was a technician there so I switched to OPTI. It is a night and day difference in quality of care between the two clinics.” – Claire B.

“As an orthopedic surgeon, it is comforting to know that my patients are getting the attention they deserve. They are the most trustworthy PT’s in the area. I have even sent family to them.” – Orthopedic Surgeon in the Omaha area

“The one on one attention was great. I liked that everything we did tied back to soccer. My rehab was soccer-specific and I was able to get some sessions in at the Athletes In Motion Clinic out at the Omaha Sports Complex which was pretty awesome! I felt confident in returning to play!” – Paul (Ankle Injury)

“This note is no doubt long overdue, but comes with enormous gratitude that only continues to grow. This September marked three years since my ACL repair, and each day since I have been blessed with the ability to be fully active, play any sport my heart desired, continue coaching the beautiful game of soccer, climb new mountains (literally) and take on countless adventures and challenges. I certainly have your impressive expertise and fabulous patient care to thank for much of that. So, with all of my heart (and my healthy-thanks-to-you-right-knee), I am grateful. Thank you for leaving a positive permanent impact in my life!” – Becca (ACL Surgery)

“As an athlete, soccer is my life. ACL Reconstruction surgery could have ended my career. I am forever grateful to Omaha Physical Therapy Institute (OPTI) and their Athletes In Motion (A.I.M.) program. OPTI’s team got me back into action and I am back playing the sport I love. OPTI has the best Physical Therapy team in Omaha.” – Mayme Conroy, UNL Soccer, Redditch United F.C.

“I did most of my rehab at the A.I.M. clinic. It was awesome! From the first day, I knew I was going to make it back to pitching. Having the turf and the nets to throw and pitch into helped me get my confidence back.” – Brandon (Tommy John Surgery)

“I am so grateful for the care I received from Marc. He was gentle and kind and helped my back so much.” – Bonnie (Low back pain)

“I have had a total knee replacement on both knees but have gone to two different places for physical therapy. Omaha Physical Therapy Institute was so much better than the first place I had to go to. I was able to see Brent every time and his approach to getting my knee to straighten and bend was a lot more effective and less painful than the other place.” – Diane T.