Central Physical Therapy Receives Concussion Health Certification

Submitted by Central Physical Therapy

    Central Physical Therapy is pleased to announce it is now a Concussion Health certified facility.  Using new, state-of-the-art technology, CPT is able to offer parents, coaches and athletic trainers the “peace-of-mind” of knowing it’s safe to put a player who has suffered a concussion back in the game. Athletes who’ve been diagnosed with a concussion who return to the field-of-play too soon and suffer another significant blow to the head are at risk for “second-impact” syndrome, a rare, but serious condition that can result in death.

    Central Physical Therapy is able to minimize the risk by utilizing computer-based, neuro-cognitive testing.   Evaluations are performed with either the ImPACT® test or Axon Sports Computerized Cognitive Assessment Tool. Both evaluate the mental component of brain function and measures symptoms, verbal and visual memory, reaction time and processing speed.

    Central Physical Therapy adds another step to the process by evaluating the motor component of brain function. This phase of testing is done with the Biodex Balance System SD. The Biodex is an objective, computerized balance test that measures and records how well the athlete performs on tests that challenge balance with eyes open and closed on a platform that is either solid or moving much like a WII game. 

    To attain the status of “Concussion Health Certified” facility, CPT demonstrated it employs the “Best Practice” of concussion management. Any clinic that’s earned the distinction of being “Concussion Health Certified” must employ a comprehensive 5 step approach consisting of 1) Baseline Testing (preseason), 2) Time of Injury Assessment, 3) Removal from play, 4) Post-injury assessment and 5) Graduated step-wise approach for return to play.  Central Physical Therapy demonstrated its capabilities in each of these areas and is proud to offer coaches, athletic trainers, therapists, athletes and their families a way to lower the risk of serious, concussion related brain injury or worse.

    The issue of concussions and comprehensive concussion management has gained national attention as mounting research links violent collisions with the increasing prevalence of dementia, depression and other long-term symptoms in former professional football players.

    For more information or a demonstration on Central Physical Therapy’s “Concussion Health Certification” or its comprehensive concussion management program, contact Richard O’Quinn PT or Erik Strahan DPT, ATC at 225-261-7094.   You can also learn more at www.concussionhealth.com