HD Physical Therapy Celebrates Neurosurgery Outreach Month by Promoting Concussion Awareness

BURLINGTON, Mass. - Aug. 22, 2018 - 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. Plus, pay attention to any change in the athlete's behavior, awareness, thinking or functioning of the body. Some symptoms to watch for include: headache, confusion, difficulty remembering or paying attention, balance problems or dizziness, feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy, feeling irritable, being more emotional, nausea or vomiting, being bothered by light or noise, double or blurry vision, slowed reaction time, sleep problems, and any loss of consciousness. If any of these changes appear, be sure to take the player out of the game immediately and have him/her examined thoroughly.

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.

"Concussion awareness, knowing how to prevent them, plus understanding the signs and symptoms of a potential concussion, is critically important in all sports," says Steve Sheridan, MSPT, Director of HD Physical Therapy's new Burlington clinic. "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."

HDPT Wakefield & Burlington are both open from 7am – 7pm, Monday through Friday. There are no waiting lists for new patients, and same day appointments and free injury screenings are always available. They are conveniently located right off major highways, they accept every health insurance plan and work with you to create a smooth and hassle-free rehabilitation experience.

At HD Physical Therapy, 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. For more information about HD Physical Therapy, please visit http://www.HDPTonline.com and follow us on all social media.