March is Brain Injury Awareness Month: Discover the Healing Benefits of Physical Therapy

By Frank J. Scerbo PT, DPT ///

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the impact of brain injuries. According to the Brain Injury Association of America, over 5.3 million individuals in the United States live with a permanent brain injury-related disability.

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in rehabilitation, helping individuals regain function, improve mobility, and enhance their quality of life after a brain injury.

The Brain Trauma Foundation describes Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) as occurring when an external force injures the brain, leading to temporary or permanent impairments in cognitive, physical, and psychosocial functions.

Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury

TBIs can result from various external forces, including:

• Falls: These are the leading cause of TBIs, especially among older adults and young children. A simple trip or slip can lead to significant head injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Sudden impacts or whiplash motions in collisions involving cars, motorcycles, or bicycles can cause severe brain injuries.

• Sports Injuries: Contact sports like football, soccer, and hockey pose risks for concussions and other TBIs due to collisions or impacts during play.

The Role of Physical Therapy in TBI Recovery

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of rehabilitation for individuals recovering from a TBI. It aims to help patients regain physical function, relearn daily tasks, and restore overall fitness and wellness.

At Scerbo Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation in Edgewater, New Jersey, we offer specialized programs to support recovery from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and enhance overall well-being. Our services include:

• Managing Pain: Therapeutic techniques can alleviate pain from injury or prolonged inactivity.

• Mobility: Our Physical therapists design exercises to enhance strength, flexibility, and coordination, aiding patients in regaining the ability to move independently.

• Neurological Disorders Rehabilitation: Our program is designed to address the unique challenges TBI patients face.  Through personalized therapeutic exercises and interventions, we aim to increase function, reduce debilitating symptoms, and improve quality of life.

• Balance Assessment & Conditioning: Impaired balance is a common consequence of TBIs, increasing the risk of falls and further injuries. Our Balance Assessment & Conditioning program utilizes balance testing and weight shift exercises to improve stability and coordination, enabling patients to regain confidence in their movements and enhance their quality of life.

• Sports Injury Risk and Concussion Management: Athletes are particularly susceptible to concussions and other sports-related injuries. Our clinic specializes in athletic injury rehabilitation and prevention, offering comprehensive care to manage and mitigate the risks associated with sports activities.

• Sports Rehabilitation: Our program focuses on athletes of all ages and abilities, focusing on injury recovery and performance enhancement. We provide individualized performance enhancement training for both post-surgical and non-surgical patients medically cleared for physical activity and progression.

Preventing Future Incidents

Our physical therapists also play a vital role in educating patients on strategies to prevent future injuries:

• Strengthening Programs: Building core and limb strength can provide better support and reduce the likelihood of falls.

• Education on Safe Practices: Guidance on proper techniques in daily activities and sports can minimize risk.

• Assistive Devices: Recommending and training patients to use devices like canes or walkers can enhance their safety while moving.

At Scerbo Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation, our dedicated team employs the latest technology and evidence-based practices to facilitate recovery and promote long-term health. We are committed to guiding our patients through every step of their rehabilitation journey, ensuring they confidently achieve their personal goals and return to their daily activities.

For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, please visit our website at scerbopt.com or call (201) 941-2240.