We’re Canada’s First!

Canada’s First Concussion Health Certified Centre

We’ve reposted the press release found on Concussion Health’s website.

Isaac Physiotherapy, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada, has been designated a Concussion Health Certified Center.  It is the first facility in Alberta to receive the designation. The distinction recognizes that the Isaac Physio staff members have successfully completed Concussion Health’s intensive competency based certification.

Whether you are an elite or amateur athlete or just found yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time, a concussion can upset your life. Research results indicate there are three components to a concussion—cognitive, physical, and emotional.  Signs and symptoms include confusion, vertigo, headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, blurred vision, and anxiety.

This year, at least one in 10 athletes will suffer a concussion, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.  Most sports- and recreation-related concussions seen in U.S. emergency rooms (65%) occur among youth age 5–18.  In Canada, survey results published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, indicate that one in five teens reported experiencing a traumatic  brain injury (including concussion) that required overnight hospitalization or that caused them to become unconscious for at least five minutes. And more than half of these incidents were from sports, such as ice hockey, skateboarding and soccer.

Recognizing the growing need to provide enhanced concussion management for athletes, Isaac Physio staff members have researched, studied, and practiced the latest treatment protocols.  For instance, research results suggest balance is one of the three assessment pillars, along with cognitive testing and a symptom checklist for making safe return-to-play decisions following a head injury.

The Isaac Physiotherapy Approach

The Isaac Physiotherapy philosophy is centered on a dedication to injury assessment, treatment and rehabilitation.  While working with all types of injuries, concussion management is clearly an important service needed in the community and provided at Isaac Physiotherapy. Concussion management includes pre-season baseline testing, suspected injury evaluation and injury rehabilitation. Isaac Physiotherapy pays close attention to research and applies these techniques and principles to assess and rehabilitate each injury. Using specialized equipment, such as Micromedical’s infra-red goggles, SWAY Balance and ImPACT neurocognitive testing adds diagnostic value, objectivity and guides treatment for those with dizziness and balance problems whether from concussion or other vestibular disorders. Treatment and exercise is based on the unique findings of each assessment. Communication with referring and managing physicians is key. This service is offered to all those with acute or persistent concussion, vestibular disorders and other musculoskeletal injury or conditions.

“I’m extremely excited about our expanded concussion program as our team members can now help make objective, informed recommendations about rehabilitation,” said Codi Isaac.  “Concussions occur in many ways, such as motor vehicle collision or involvement in athletics, each has its own unique attributes. I am very fortunate to have received mentorship by researchers from both the University of Alberta, University of Calgary and now Concussion Health, too! Concussion is a special injury and deserves special consideration.”

Isaac brings significant experience to her practice having served as an NCCP certified coach, team therapist and volunteer for ice hockey, gymnastics, soccer, rugby (IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup) and curling (Tim Horton’s Brier).  In addition to her work with Concussion Health, she is completing advanced training in sport physiotherapy.

“We are proud to be working with Isaac Physio to achieve our shared goal of improving the healthcare outcomes of patients and their families through the use of best concussion management practices,” said Bridgett Wallace, Concussion Health CEO and co-founder.

Based on the latest research guidelines and best practice standards regarding concussion management, Concussion Health’s online training is designed to meet the educational needs of athletic trainers, physical therapists, school nurses, coaches, parents, athletes and other healthcare providers.

Canadian Legislation

In Canada, Bill C-319 has been introduced in the House of Commons.  It will likely come up for a second reading in 2014.  In the United States, there is no federal legislation about concussions; but most states now have laws in place to help protect student athletes.  Policies often require that a student athlete who sustains or is suspected of sustaining an injury to the head must be immediately removed from the activity or event; and may not return to the activity until cleared by a healthcare professional.  In addition, parents and guardians must sign a form acknowledging that they have received a copy of the policy and understand its terms and conditions.

What is a concussion?

According the Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport (Zurich, 2012), a concussion is “Concussion is a complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain, induced by biomechanical forces.” It is a brain injury caused by a direct blow to the head or other part of the body that results in a rapid movement of the brain within the skull. Whether a bump, blow or jolt, a concussion can interfere with normal brain function that results in common features:

• Can be a direct or indirect blow to the head or other part of the body causing “impulsive” forces transmitted to the brain;
• Sudden onset of symptoms that, in most cases, gradually disappear with rest — usually within seven to 10 days;
• May cause a disturbance in normal brain function but no detectable structural damage (e.g., brain scan with MRI or CT scan);
• Typically does not involve a loss of consciousness (less than 10 percent of the time) and symptoms gradually disappear although a small percentage have symptoms that linger, sometimes referred to as  “post-concussion syndrome.”

It is important to note the majority (80 percent to 90 percent) of concussions resolve in a short (7 to 10 day) period, although the recovery time frame may be longer in children and adolescents.

About Isaac Physiotherapy

Isaac Physiotherapy provides state-of-the art testing services and equipment along with hands-on physical therapy for improving balance and vertigo.  The facility offers ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing); the most-widely used and most scientifically validated computerized concussion evaluation system. The use of pre- and post-tests helps determine an athlete’s ability to return to play after suffering a concussion.  Other services include chiropractic care, massage therapy and educational seminars for sports teams and associations. For more information visit issacphysio.com.

References

1.        Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC). http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/youth.html. Accessed January 2010.

2.        Lau B., Collins MW, Kontos A., Mucha A, Lovell MR. Which on-field symptoms predict protracted recovery from sport-related concussion? Dizziness a predictor of a protracted recovery American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2011 Nov.; 39(11):2311-8. Epub 2011 Jun 28.

3.        McCrory P, Meeuwisse WH, Aubry M, et al. Br J Sports Med 2013;47:250–258.