Live Well with Phil Rainier: Concussion Safety, Part Two

    This is part two of a series on concussion safety. See the February 14th edition of Central Speaks for part one.

    As a result of what is now referred to as the Zurich Consensus Statement, a growing number of athletic organizations now incorporate “Biodex Balance Testing” in their team’s concussion management protocol.   With the help of Central Physical Therapy, both Central High School and Central Private School have integrated Biodex Balance Testing into their athletic programs.   It was exactly what Central Physical Therapy had in mind when they purchased the Biodex machine. O’Quinn says Biodex balance testing has been a game changer for many reasons.  Personally, he likes being able to give physicians like Central’s Dr. Kyle Dean the kind of objective, science-driven information required to decide when a player who has had a concussion can safely get back in the game.  O’Quinn says “It’s great to have this kind of technology”, but as a father of three sons who all played football, “The most gratifying part is being able to tell parents of a young concussion patients, I believe their child can safely play ball again.”

    Despite the Zurich protocol, the kind of concussion management program that includes balance testing is not required by law. It is, however, now considered best practice by the world’s leading concussion experts  To learn more about the Zurich Consensus Statement, what it means and why Central is on the cutting-edge when it comes to Concussion Management, contact Richard O’Quinn at 261-7094.

    In closing, I think I’ve answered the question I posed at the beginning of this column.  Yes, you are hearing a lot more about concussions in sports. The question is what, if anything, you intend to do now that you know why and what the world’s foremost experts believe is the best way to keep athletes who’ve had concussions safe. 

    Footnote:  Phil Rainier is not a doctor, nor is anything in this column intended as medical advice of any kind.  Phil is Director of Marketing and Communications at Central Physical Therapy. Contact him by e-mail, [email protected].