How Can Rehab Help You after a Traumatic Brain Injury?
You’re one of the millions of Americans every year who seek treatment for a traumatic brain injury (TBI). You’ve been experiencing headaches, problems with coordination or balance, slurred speech, and memory or concentration problems. The first place you should go after a TBI is the offices of your primary care physician, who will have the tools to assess your condition and either refer you to a specialist or prescribe a regimen of treatment.
One of the common components of effective recovery from a traumatic brain injury is rehabilitation. It may involve physical therapy, may focus on speech problems, or may entail occupational therapy, all focused on maximizing your recovery.
How Can Rehab Help You after a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Rehabilitation can specifically address the physical challenges brought about by a TBI, such as:
- Muscle weakness and muscle spasms
- Breathing problems, including pneumonia
- Chronic pain or discomfort
- Loss of coordination or problems with balance
- Blood clots—The sedentary lifestyle brought on by a traumatic brain injury can make you susceptible to this life-threatening condition
- Changes in your blood pressure when you stand, walk or move around
- Bowel and bladder dysfunction
- Reproductive and sexual dysfunction
Rehab can also have a positive impact on the non-physical aspects of your life:
- It can prepare you to adapt to changes as you recover from your injuries
- It can provide an outlet for mental energy and stress, minimizing its impact on your health
- It can help you do the simple tasks of daily life, so that you feel more active and integrated into your community
As a general rule, rehab doesn’t pose significant risks. You want to be careful, though, that you engage in rehabilitation gently at first and then progressively, so that you don’t put yourself at risk of further injury.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we can help you use rehabilitation to maximize your recovery from an injury. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas and San Antonio. Let us help make certain you get the care you need after a work-related injury.
