In Canada alone, there are 200,000 concussions annually. These numbers are most likely an underestimate of the true burden of concussions. This “invisible injury” is often under reported due to lack of public education and awareness.
WHAT EXACTLY IS A CONCUSSION?
A concussion or mild traumatic brain injury is a type of brain injury that causes a disturbance (often temporary) in brain function. Concussions occur as a result of impact causing the brain to be accelerated and decelerated inside the skull. The majority of patients’ concussion symptoms resolve within the first 1-2 weeks after their injury. However, approximately 15-35% of patients will continue to have persistent symptoms beyond this point and if not managed properly may cause significant morbidity.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF A CONCUSSION?
- Loss of consciousness
- Fencing Response – when a person’s arms often go into an unnatural position
- Rag-doll sign – lying motionless
- Clutching the head following a blow
- Sudden poor balance
- Vomiting
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A CONCUSSION?
Physical
- Headache
- Neck Pain
- Sensitivity to light/noise
- Visual problems
- Dizziness
- Balance issues
- Nausea
Cognitive
- Memory issues
- Confusion
- Feeling in a fog
- Feeling slowed down
Emotional
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Depression
- Sadness
- Irritability
- More emotional
Sleep
- Fatigue
- Low energy
- Sleeping more/less
- Difficulty falling asleep
THE EXISTENCE OF EVEN ONE OF THESE SYMPTOMS FOLLOWING A DIRECT OR INDIRECT BLOW TO THE HEAD IS ENOUGH TO SUSPECT A CONCUSSION.
IF YOU SUSPECT A CONCUSSION?
If you have sustained a direct or indirect blow to the head and present with one or more of the above signs and symptoms, there should be a high suspicion of concussion. You should immediately remove yourself from the play/work environment and not return until you are assessed and cleared by a medical doctor or healthcare practitioner with concussion management training.
5 MOST EFFECTIVE EVIDENCE-BASED TREATMENTS FOR CONCUSSIONS
Exercise Therapy
Manual Therapy and Neck Rehab
Diet / Nutritional changes
Vestibular and Visual Rehab
Educational and Reassurance
AT LIQUIDGYM, OUR PHYSIOTHERAPISTS AND HEALTHCARE TEAM WILL WORK TOGETHER TO HELP YOU THROUGH YOUR RECOVERY JOURNEY.
CALL 613-820-8228 TO BOOK YOUR INITIAL ASSESSMENT!
LEARN MORE
- Please ensure you have completed your online assessment form before arriving for your appointment.
- Your first appointment is a land appointment. Shorts and t-shirt/tank top are appropriate.
- Bring your physician’s referral, if you have one (though not required)
- Provide any relevant medical history
- Bring any relevant reports/test results (e.g. x-rays, ultrasound scan, MRI reports)
- Personal and family medical history
- Major illnesses that you have experienced
- Surgeries or operations that you have had
- Medications that you are currently taking
- Your level of activity at work and leisure
- Sleeping habits
- Blood pressure, pulse and breathing
- Reflexes
- Muscle strength
- Flexibility
- Range of motion
- Coordination
- Posture Analysis
- X-Ray review
- Movement Analysis
Do I need a physician’s referral?
Physiotherapists are primary health care practitioners and therefore can offer direct access to physiotherapy services without the need for a physician’s referral. Some extended health insurance plans require a physician’s referral; however, please check your insurance plan if in doubt.
Can you bill directly to my insurance company?
Some extended health insurance companies currently accept direct billing from Physiotherapy clinics. Ask and we can let you know if your insurance company accepts direct billing from LiquidGym.
Does LiquidGym accept Motor Vehicle Accident claims?
No. As of September 1, 2021 we no longer submit nor bill for MVA claims. LiquidGym can, however, treat MVA injuries. You just need to pay our standard therapy rates at the time of your appointment.
Do you direct bill for Veterans Affairs, RCMP, and Canadian Forces?
Yes. If you have Blue Cross coverage through either Veterans Affairs, RCMP, or Canadian Forces, we can bill directly with Blue Cross. To proceed, we require your ID number and the contact information of your case manager, if applicable.
Many patients pay out-of-pocket for physiotherapy. At LiquidGym we respect your dollar by providing only one-on-one appointments with your physiotherapist. We do not double-book clients, nor do we provide your treatment through support personnel. In addition to your on-site treatment, if appropriate, the physiotherapist will provide a self-managed home care treatment program to facilitate your recovery
No, LiquidGym is not an OHIP designated clinic.
Due to a high number of last-minute cancellations and missed appointments, any physiotherapy appointments canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment time will be subjected to a $50 cancellation fee per 30 minutes of missed appointment time.
When you cancel your appointment, please inform office staff why you are canceling. This information will be passed along to your therapist.
Appointment reminder emails will be sent out 24 hours in advance.