Protecting Young Athletes This Fall
What You Need to Know About Concussions
The fall sports season is almost upon us! But while fall sports promise homecoming games and lots of excitement, they can also increase the occurrence of head injuries.
Football, soccer, and volleyball are some of the most popular school sports in North Dakota. However, they’re also associated with a heightened chance of concussion, especially in younger athletes whose brains are still developing.
Fortunately, the team at Expert Physio Plus offers comprehensive concussion care services, including access to SWAY, an innovative, FDA-approved app for assessing concussions. Let’s explore what you need to know about concussions for the fall sports season–and what our multidisciplinary team can do to help.
Our Patients Get Great Results
“Elliot Jabsi and the staff at Expert Physio Plus are amazing. From the moment I walked in, I felt genuinely cared for. They took the time to listen, assess thoroughly, and explain everything in a way that made sense. I came in with Achilles and ankle inflammation issues and the treatment plan was not only effective but tailored to my lifestyle and goals. Each session was professional, motivating, and results-driven — I’ve made incredible progress thanks to their expertise and encouragement. If you’re looking for a physiotherapist who truly goes above and beyond, this is the place to go!”- V.J.
Concussions and Fall Sports: Your Quick Guide
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that jostles the brain against the skull. Don’t let the term “mild” fool you: it simply refers to the fact that concussions aren’t life-threatening. Even a minor concussion can change how your brain functions, affecting balance, memory, focus, and emotional regulation.
Sports with Higher Concussion Risk
- Football: Football has the highest concussion rates due to frequent contact and collisions.
- Soccer: Heading the ball and player-to-player contact can both lead to concussions.
- Volleyball: Volleyball is less likely to cause a concussion, but they can still occur due to dives or head-to-floor impacts.
Know the Warning Signs
Recognizing a concussion early is critical. There are two main things to keep in mind:
- Not all concussions will result in a loss of consciousness.
- Symptoms can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours to develop.
If you or your student-athlete has suffered a head injury, be vigilant for the following signs and symptoms. If you notice any of them, schedule an appointment with our team right away:
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Confusion or appearing dazed
- Slurred speech
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Blurred or double vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Trouble concentrating
- Mood changes or irritability
Working with Expert Physio Plus to Manage Concussion Symptoms
We’re committed to helping student-athletes safely return to school and sport after a concussion. We believe consistent, personalized care makes all the difference, and our multidisciplinary clinic allows us to offer a truly comprehensive approach, including:
- Physiotherapy to manage headaches, neck pain, and dizziness
- Occupational therapy to address sensory sensitivities and focus issues
- Cognitive therapy to target memory, problem-solving, and concentration
- Balance and vestibular rehabilitation to reduce dizziness and motion sensitivity
Effective Treatment Strategies
We understand that every concussion requires a different approach, which is why we take the time to understand your specific needs and craft a treatment plan to address them. Some of the key strategies we might suggest include:
- Light, monitored aerobic exercise to improve blood flow and brain function
- Structured cognitive breaks to help you manage schoolwork without overwhelming the brain
- Specialized therapy to address dizziness, vertigo, or neck issues
- Guided, gradual increases in physical and mental tasks so you can safely return to sport
Advanced Concussion Assessment with SWAY
Our clinic now uses SWAY, the first and only mobile FDA-cleared application for concussion assessment. This system helps us assess your progress in real time so we can more easily customize and adjust your treatment plan.
SWAY provides:
- Faster, more accurate baseline and post-injury testing
- Objective data on reaction time, balance, and cognitive function
- Clear insight into when it’s safe to return to school or sport
- Improved communication between parents, providers, and coaches
Comprehensive Concussion Care
Early concussion treatment reduces recovery time and lowers the risk of lasting complications. If your child takes a hit during fall sports and doesn’t feel “right,” trust your gut and reach out to our clinic. Let’s make this fall sports season safe for young athletes in our community. Call today to learn more about our concussion program.
Wishing the Very Best to Anastasia, Mary Kate & Hussein!
This month, we bid a fond farewell to three amazing team members who have each made a lasting impact on our clinic and our patients.
- Anastasia is heading west to Alberta, where she’ll pursue her Master of Physiotherapy. Her compassionate care and positive energy have been a gift to our team, and we’re so proud of the path she’s chosen.
- Mary Kate is also returning to school to further her education. Her warm presence and dedication to helping patients will be greatly missed, and we know she’s headed for great things.
- Hussein is off to Toronto to pursue his Master of Physiotherapy as well. His kindness, professionalism, and commitment to rehabilitation have made a lasting mark, and we’re excited to see what’s next for him.
To Anastasia, Mary Kate, and Hussein—thank you for everything you’ve brought to Expert Physio Plus. We wish you all the success and fulfillment in your next chapters!
Congratulations, Pierre!
We’re thrilled to share some incredible news—Pierre Tabet has officially passed his final licensing exam and is now an independent registered physiotherapist in Ontario!
Pierre has been a vital part of the Expert Physio Plus team, bringing over 12 years of clinical experience and a passion for personalized, evidence-based care. With advanced training in Manual Therapy and Osteopathy, as well as a diploma in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Pierre blends Western and Eastern medical approaches to provide patients with a truly holistic rehabilitation experience.
Now, as a registered physiotherapist, Pierre continues to empower his patients through education, collaboration, and a deep commitment to improving mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life.
Please join us in celebrating this exciting milestone in Pierre’s career. We’re proud to have him on our team—and even prouder to watch him grow as a leader in the field!
Way to go, Pierre!
Sitting is the New Smoking: 3 Tips For Staying Active
Think about your typical day. How much of it is spent sitting? If you’re like most people, the answer is–a lot. We sit at our desks for work. We sit in a car to run errands. We sit on the couch to watch TV at night. All this sitting is having a big impact on our health. In addition to contributing to back pain, prolonged sitting raises our risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. Fortunately, you don’t have to train like an Olympic athlete to counteract the negative effects of sitting–all it takes is a few simple tweaks to your day!
- Tip 1: Take frequent breaks. If you have a desk job, set a timer to remind you to get up every 30 – 60 minutes to move around. Take a few minutes to grab some water, walk around the office, or stretch.
- Tip 2: Stretch while you watch TV. If you love to relax in front of the TV, incorporate some stretches as you watch your favorite shows.
- Tip 3: Pick up a new hobby. Movement-based leisure activities are a great way to incorporate movement into your day, and you aren’t limited to sports, either. Gardening, dance classes, and walking groups are all excellent options.
Want to learn more about the risks of sitting and how to avoid them? Schedule an appointment with Expert Physio Plus today! Our multidisciplinary team can help you manage pain and get more active in your day-to-day life.
Recipe of the Month: Blueberry Muffin Bread
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream, at room temperature
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (80ml) milk, at room temperature
- 1 and 1/2 cups (210g) fresh blueberries
- Optional: 2 Tablespoons blueberry jam and/or crumb topping
Instructions:
- Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or coat with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- Whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl.
- Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. On medium speed, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the sour cream and vanilla extract on medium speed until combined. With the mixer running on low speed, add the dry ingredients and milk into the wet ingredients and beat until no flour pockets remain. Fold in the blueberries.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 60-65 minutes, loosely covering the bread with aluminum foil at the 30 minute mark to help prevent the top and sides from getting too brown. A toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf will come out clean when the bread is done. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack.
- Cover and store bread at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Get Game-Ready for the Upcoming Fall Sports Season
As summer winds down, athletes and weekend warriors look forward to the start of the fall sports season. Whatever sport you are getting ready for, preparing your body is essential.
Start the season injury-free and in peak form with these tips:
- Sports Screening: Consider getting a biomechanical assessment to provide insights into your posture, gait, and body mechanics, helping you tweak your training for better performance and lower injury risk.
- Sport-Specific Conditioning: Prepare your body for the unique demands of your chosen sport. Different sports use different muscle groups, so tailor your workouts accordingly.
- Prioritize Recovery: Getting proper rest (sleep) is a critical but often overlooked aspect of physical training. Incorporating foam rolling can help muscles recover and prevent overuse injuries. Investing time and effort in your recovery can significantly impact your performance on the field.
By integrating these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the fall sports season while minimizing your risk of injury.
Here’s to a successful and injury-free sports season!