On this episode of Under Ten Fitness we talk with the experts at the Human Performance & Rehabilitation center about concussions, which is a near and dear subject to them. The current concussion protocol is rest, wait and see however, the experts over at HPR have found that a more active approach can actually aid in the recovery process. Dr. Grove, Dr. Stephens, Coach Ben and Coach Pat share their expertise during this interview.
All of these gentlemen are experts in their respected fields and together they have a greater understanding of how to treat concussions. Through many years of research and practice they have found a way to help those who have suffered a concussion return to their former selves and even get back to the sport they loved but had to quit after getting hurt. Anyone can suffer a concussion, not just athletes, and it can drastically alter the direction of one’s life and also affect the quality of life.
As it stands today if you were to get in an accident or get hit on the field and end up with a concussion you would probably go to the hospital and if there was no other problem than the concussion you would be told to rest and avoid any strenuous activities. This is the current concussion protocol widely accepted and utilized today. However, the team at HPR have found a different solution that should be the new standard when it comes to concussion protocol. They discovered that running clients and patients through active drills that use their vision and other physical abilities aids drastically in the recovery process and can even help those who suffered from a concussion years earlier.
Listen to this episode where we talk in depth about their findings as well as hear first hand from one of their patients who has had multiple concussions and is on the road to recovery. Imagine being told you couldn’t play the sport you love or having trouble thinking clearly or remembering things. What if there was a way to reverse the effects of a concussion and even prevent future concussions? It’s all on this episode.
Meet the HPR team:
Dr. Higgins has studied brain function, movement, and pain for nearly 25 years. After working in the field for many years, Dr. Higgins concluded that many of the existing techniques and professions were too limited by their perspective or toolset. He soon recognized that many performance related issues, such as movement and pain, require a combination of neurological, soft-tissue and biomechanical alignment techniques, to remediate. Dr. Higgins sought out the best education and mentorship he could in coaching, neurological and soft tissue training and rehabilitation, finding it in the powerful combination of Z-Health Performance System and other techniques including A.R.T. (Active Release Techniques).
Ben Burlinson, the owner and founder of Performance Pediatrics and Co-founder of HPR Colorado Springs has more than 15 years of coaching experience with numerous national coaching certificates, including a National NSCAA license. Officially starting his career working with children as a teacher, Ben taught locally in Colorado Springs for nearly 10 years, instructing several subjects including secondary science, elementary math, and physical education.
Pat Marques served in the Active Duty Army for 20 years in the Infantry and Special Forces. After retiring in 2011 he decided to continue working with soldiers by helping our nation’s wounded warriors through adaptive physical training. As Pat pursued his education and certifications in exercise science he volunteered as a trainer to assist wounded, ill, and injured soldiers, beginning his strong relationship and shared passion with Dr. Higgins. Pat continued to serve our nation’s veterans as a national program manager for Wounded Warrior Project before re-teaming with Dr. Higgins at Human Performance & Rehabilitation.
Dr. David Stephens is the Director of Neuropsychology for HPR. Dr. Stephens has worked in a variety of clinical and administrative environments, including the roles of Director of Behavioral Health and Director of Mental Health for state agencies in Wyoming, Missouri and Colorado. His knowledge and understanding of the effects of concussions and head injuries provides HPR clients the best and most advanced applied resources in the country. His experience working with patients and clients with anxiety/post-traumatic stress disorder, hyperactivity (ADD/ADHD, etc.) addictions and depressions provides a great support system for our clients.
We want to say thank you to the team at HPR for sharing this great information and being a great resource for the Colorado Springs community.
Feel free to reach out and ask any questions you might have, they would be happy to hear from you!
Contact information:
Office Address: 402 West Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Office Phone: 719.225.4949
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @undertenfitness
Facebook: undertenfitness
Instagram: undertenfitness
And as always remember – Stay Motivated!
Drew Smith
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