Concussion

Coach Safely

Flyer outlining Coach Safely Program

Encore Rehabilitation, Inc. is proud to be the Education and Triage Partner of Alabama’s Coach Safely Foundation!

The Coach Safely Act (HB9), passed by Alabama Legislature, is the first of its kind to address public concerns about sports injuries for younger athletes (14 and younger).  This law  and the Coach Safely Program bring together community youth coaches and experts in the medical field to reduce sports injuries, increase education about injuries, and increase participation in sports activities. The law is administered under the Alabama Department of Public Health and will be piloted this fall. Advocates of the law include Coach Nick Saban of the University of Alabama, Coach Wille Slater of Tuskegee University, and numerous other coaches throughout the state.

One part of the Coach Safely program is an educational course for coaches. The course was developed by Dr. James R. Andrews and the Andrews Research & Education Foundation.  The course covers topics such as concussions; heat and exertion illness; trauma and overuse; sudden cardiac arrest; and emergency action plans.

The Coach Safely Foundation was formed to support the Coach Safely Program and to work with each of the approximately 400 municipalities in the State of Alabama. The Foundation is supported by Children’s of Alabama, Encore Rehabilitation, and ThreatAdvice as well as public and private grants.

To read more about the Coach Safely Program, visit their website at: coachsafely.org

Encore Rehabilitation, Inc
251 Johnston Street, SE
Decatur, Alabama 35601
256-350-1764
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Cindy Stephens, LPTA – Encore Rehabilitation-Providence

Cindy Stephens LPTA revised

Meet Encore Rehabilitation Physical Therapist Assistant Cindy Stephens!

Cindy is a high energy team member who is enthusiastic about rehabilitation and recovery. Her  passion lies in treating patients through all stages of life with individual and personal care. She enjoys the challenges of student athletes as well as helping clients overcome everyday orthopedic ailments both before and after surgery. Cindy provides care at Encore Rehabilitation-Providence in Mobile, Alabama.

Cindy holds an Associate in Applied Science and graduated with honors from Bishop State with a Physical Therapist Assistant degree. She has advanced her education with completing Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Certification. In addition to this she has completed courses in the following areas:
  • ACL Rehabilitation and Prevention
  • Concussions in Sports Medicine
  • Foot Orthotics
  • UCL Rehab Protocol for Throwing Shoulder Rehab
  • Kinesiotape/Rocktape Application.
She and her family reside in the Mobile area. Her hobbies include collecting vintage glass and antiques as well as spending time outdoors along the Gulf Coast.  She also enjoys attempting outlandish Pinterest projects and participation in Bootcamp classes.

 
Thanks, Cindy, for the high-quality care you provide!

Encore Rehabilitation – Providence
6701 Airport Blvd., Suite D-234, Mobile, Alabama 36608
251-634-2214

 

“How do I know if I have a Concussion?” – Signs and Symptoms of concussions in adults and children.

At the ATC conventions many of the topics are around concussions; “how do you properly diagnose an athlete with a concussion?” “What are the signs and symptoms?” We wanted to help inform athletes, parents, and coaches on what exactly a concussion entails and what to do if you think you have one. Below are two lists, one for adults and one for children, that will help you be able to recognize the signs of a concussion.  If you have signs of a concussion, please see a doctor immediately for further instruction and proper procedures. 

*These two lists can be found at WebMD.com and MayoClinic.org.

“It is not always easy to know if someone has a concussion. You don’t have to pass out (lose consciousness) to have a concussion. Symptoms of a concussion range from mild to severe and can last for hours, days, weeks, or even months. If you notice any symptoms of a concussion, contact your doctor.” – WebMD

Symptoms of a concussion fit into four main categories:

  • Thinking and remembering
    • Not thinking clearly
    • Temporary loss of consciousness
    • Feeling slowed down
    • Not being able to concentrate
    • Not being able to remember new information
    • Delayed response to questions*
    • Slurred speech*
  • Physical
    • Headache or feeling of pressure of the head
    • Fuzzy or blurry vision
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Dizziness
    • Ringing in the ears
    • Sensitivity to light or noise
    • Balance problems
    • Feeling tired or having no energy
  • Emotional and mood
    • Easily upset or angered
    • Sad
    • Nervous or anxious
    • More emotional
  • Sleep
    • Sleeping more than usual
    • Sleeping less than usual
    • Having a hard time falling asleep

Symptoms in Young children:

  • Crying more than usual.
  • Headache that does not go away.
  • Changes in the way they play or act.
  • Changes in the way they nurse, eat, or sleep.
  • Being upset easily or having more temper tantrums.
  • A sad mood.
  • Appearing dazed
  • Lack of interest in their usual activities or favorite toys.
  • Loss of new skills, such as toilet training.
  • Loss of balance and trouble walking.
  • Not being able to pay attention.

Sources:

 “Concussion – Overview.” . Healthwise, Incorporated, 29 Nov. 2011. Web. 25 June 2014. <http://www.webmd.com/brain/tc/traumatic-brain-injury-concussion-overview&gt;.

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Concussion Symptoms.” . N.p., 2 Apr. 2014. Web. 25 June 2014. <http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/basics/symptoms/con-20019272&gt;.