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Aquacare physical therapist James Alvarez certified in concussion rehab

November 17, 2018

James Alvarez, DPT, a physical therapist at Aquacare Physical Therapy in Millsboro, recently acquired his certification in balance/vestibular and concussion management from the American Institute of Balance. This course has allowed Alvarez to obtain his certification as a vestibular management therapist and progress his current knowledge base to improve treatment strategies for patients with dizziness and balance disorders.

Dizziness is the third most common complaint to doctors among the general population, exceeded only by headaches and lower back pain. Vestibular rehabilitation programs for patients with equilibrium disorders provide them with a successful alternative management strategy, allowing them to return to normal lives. Regarding complaints of vertigo, dizziness or imbalance, patients no longer must be told to “learn to live with it”. Since it has been estimated that 76 million Americans will experience dizziness or balance problems in their lifetime, the need for this type of treatment is evident.

Aquacare’s concussion management includes but is not limited to the six-stage protocol for safe return to physical activity. Treatment addresses multiple symptoms that may arise through the course of recovering from a concussion. Symptoms associated with concussion include headache, imbalance or uncoordinated movement, dizziness or vertigo, visual problems, feeling "foggy,” sensitivity to light or sound, sleeping more than usual, increased fatigue, mood or personality changes, and difficulty with concentrating or memory.

Nearly 1.7 million people sustain a concussion, a traumatic brain injury, in the U.S. each year because of a sports accident, motor vehicle accident or fall. Concussion may affect male and female athletes at any age or level of competition. The implications of concussion on cognitive function, school performance and mental state can be detrimental to any athlete or person of any age.

Aquacare’s concussion program will provide patients with a comprehensive overview of all aspects of concussion identification, assessment, therapies and return to play/activity processes.

For more information on the specialized services offered for balance/vestibular and concussion injuries at Aquacare Physical Therapy or to schedule a free consultation, call the Millsboro office at 302-945-4250.

 

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