ImPACT Program for Head Injuries & Concussions

Head

Protecting your head has become of increasing importance in sports today. With our expertise and certified ImPACT clinicians, Lubbock Sports Medicine is the leading source for treatment of sports-related head injuries on the South Plains. Stan Kotara, PA, has been working with the ImPACT program with great success.

 

 

Patient Education

• Concussion
• ImPACT
• Helmet Safety
• Return To Play
• Concussion Management 

Treatments 

• Head Injury Treatment
• Concussion Treatment
• Helmet Information
• Getting back in the game
  ImPACT Assessments available at LSM

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What is the ImPACT program?    

ImPACT stands for Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing. It is the premier concussion management program in the country and Lubbock Sports Medicine is bring it to you. This computerized evaluation system provides our clinicians with neurocognitive assessment tools and services that will be integral in return to play decisions.  Have a look at the ImPACT Concussion Management Model for yourself and you’ll see why this is the leading concussion management program in the country!

Important facts about the ImPACT Test:

The ImPact Test is

The ImPact Test is Not

 

Dr. Kevin Crawford

4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79410

(806) 792-4329

Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.

Golf Sports Medicine - Joint Injury Prevention

Golf Sports Medicine and the prevention of joint injury are of the upmost importance to nailing that impossible Golf Shot.

When Common sense usually rules the day, here are a few tips to help keep your stroke on-par.  It all starts with the warm-up. Getting your body prepared for the links will not only help prevent a twisted knee, wrenched back, or kinked neck; it will also help maximize your body's movements and probably give you a much more enjoyable game.

The typical warm-up session should last around 10 - 15 minutes, and should include gentle stretching and gradually increasing the blood flow throughout the body.  Start slow and build up to a more brisk pace toward a light to moderate cardio.  Remember to stretch and work out the main golf-related areas, such as the hips, knees, shoulders, neck, ankles, and back.  Arm circles and hip twists are good options for those specific areas.

Properly warming up will increase body flexibility of the joints and muscle fibers, which will help mitigate the risk of pulling or straining a muscle or incurring a painful joint injury.

A full day of golf (even using a cart) can take a lot out of a person. Usually, completing 18 holes involves a good bit of sun and a certain amount of walking, and for some of us, countless strokes. Along with a good warm-up to help your game, so does a good diet.  Good fuel intake means more energy and concentration on the course.  Here's a list of good joint-healthy foods.  

If you already have a tender knee or elbow, work it out the best you can before you play, and consider a quality compression brace. These are flexible, elastic bandages that help lock in the weakened joint or tendon, and can minimize the stress that may placed on the affected area. There are hundreds of styles to choose from, so look for one that offers broad coverage. Also, remember that your joint has been compromised, so it may not be a great idea to try for that 300 yard drive - at least while you are still not 100%.  

If you do have a weakened joint or tendon and the pain persists, it may be prudent to have it checked out by a qualified Orthopedic Doctor Aside from an effective evaluation of your ailment, the specialist may suggest a series of sports rehab sessions.  If you want to get better quicker, a top Physical Therapist can absolutely work wonders!

So, don't forget the warm-up, eat smart, protect yourself against current or potential injuries, and "Tee it Up"!

Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.

Lubbock Sports Medicine

Dr. Kevin Crawford, MD

4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79409

(806) 792-4329

Stay Hydrated & Stay Healthy

On or Off the field, it's important to stay hydrated.

So busy are we during sports activities or during the regular course of the day that we often forget to hydrate ourselves.  During moderate exercise in the Texas summer heat, that's the last thing you want to do. During intense physical activity, that's the worse thing you want to do.

If we forego water breaks, we could easily experience symptoms of dehydration.  The symptoms can range from dizziness, cramping, and headache to more serious fainting, coma, and even death.  

A multitude of dehydration-related deaths occur each year across the spectrum of highly intensive activities, and are especially prevalent throughout the South and Southwest. Therefore, not taking the necessary steps toward hydration can be a very quick and detrimental matter.  With 60% of the human body made up of water, even a slight dehydration can negatively impact an athlete's performance, putting him or her at risk even that much more.

Aside from helping to protect us from heat exhaustion and over-exertion of the body, proper water (or sports drink) intake also assists in muscle repair and function, as well as overall health.  

Fortunately, coaches and trainers in organized sports are typically ultra-aware of the need to hydrate their athletes.  Many include mandatory "rehydration periods" during practice and during the game. However, it's up to the individual athlete to drink what they need.

As untreated dehydration can quickly result in heatstroke, what are some of the telltale signs that our bodies are lacking sufficient liquid?  A lack of sweating or urination, headaches, fatigue, rapid pulse, nausea, and pale skin are some of the signs of dehydration, among others. 

Remember to keep it safe, keep it cool, and drink lots of water or sport drinks to help keep you at the top of your game.

Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.

Lubbock Sports Medicine

Dr. Kevin Crawford, MD

4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79409

(806) 792-4329