There is tremendous peace of mind in knowing that exceptional concussion treatment expertise and proven rehabilitative therapies are right here, close to home, at the Dr. Robert C. Cantu Concussion Center in Concord, Massachusetts.
A team approach to care
The Dr. Robert C. Cantu Concussion Center staff includes neurologists, nurse practitioners, and neuropsychologists, as well as physical, occupational and speech therapists — all working collaboratively to help patients return to their pre-injury level of functioning.
Comprehensive evaluation
Each patient is evaluated to assess the severity of their injury. This includes a comprehensive medical history, with an emphasis on current concussion symptoms, conditions that may affect recovery, concussion history, and a complete neurological exam. When indicated, further testing may be performed, such as brain MRI, blood tests and neuropsychological testing.
Individualized treatment plans
The team at the Dr. Robert C. Cantu Concussion Center develops individualized treatment plans for patients that include:
- Cognitive, visual and physical therapy
- Education to empower each patient to manage their symptoms independently
- Compensatory strategies to facilitate success at home, school, work and in the community
A full range of therapies
Our specially trained therapists offer a full range of proven therapies for managing the symptoms of concussion, aiding recovery:
- Our concussion physical therapists use specific manual therapy techniques to address symptoms commonly associated with post-concussion syndrome such as cervicogenic headaches and vestibular system disorders
- We also focus on a variety of exercises that help strengthen and stretch the postural muscles to restore normal muscle functioning.
- We offer cognitive therapies to address problems with attention, memory, processing speed, word-retrieval, executive functioning and time management.
- We also provide ocular therapy for those affected with visual disturbances such as blurred vision, dizziness, double vision, and intolerance to electronics.
Return to school/employment protocol
Concussion symptoms and the need for cognitive rest can keep students from their classes and employees from their jobs during recovery. In collaboration with our medical providers, the Center’s cognitive and visual therapists work closely with patients, parents, school staff and employers to develop work or academic accommodations to facilitate a fast and safe recovery.
Return-to-play protocol
Dr. Cantu’s return-to-play guidelines have become an integral part of the care athletes receive. These guidelines classify concussions by grade and include recommendations for how to handle a player’s injury and downtime. Using these guidelines, the team at the Dr. Robert C. Cantu Concussion Center work with patients and parents to plan a safe return to sport after a concussive brain injury.
Follow-up and support
Our support does not end once the athlete/patient’s symptoms have resolved and he or she is cleared to return to activity. Our team is available for support and follow-up as needed, and we can provide injury risk assessments, transitional return-to-play programs, and recommendations for ancillary therapies.
