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Concussion Managment

Heartland Orthopedic Specialists - Sports Medicine

Heartland Orthopedic Specialists will provide sports medicine services, with Certified Athletic Trainers, for the AAHA organization. Find additional information for concussion management and about their sports medicine services on their website.



AAHA Athlete Concussion Management

ALL athletes 12 years and older will need to complete a baseline ImPACT assessment. 

     -These assessments are good for 2 years.

During the season if at any time you are concerned your child (any age level) may have sustained a concussion:

  -They should refrain from all activity until seen by an athletic trainer
  -Decision will need to be made on whether to seek immediate medical attention or call our office furing regular business hours.  (see handout of concussion signs and symptoms)
  -Contact our office at 320-335-6067 to schedule a time to meet with an athletic trainer

AFTER a concussion the return to play progression is as follows:

  -Athlete will refrain from any activity (elevation of heart rate) until signs and symptoms have resolved completely.  They will check-in with the athletic trianer periodically during this time.
  -Once symptom free and athletic trainer feels they are ready a post-concussion ImPACT assessment will be completed.  Based on these results and other factors involved, the athletic trainer will make a decision on if more rest is needed or if the return to play progression can begin. 
  -The return to play progression is a 5-step return, with gradual elevation of heart rate each day assuming there is no return of symptoms.
  -It is not uncommon for this to be a 10 to 14 day process, but each athlete and injury can be very different.
  -Coaches will not allow athletes to return to activity until a note is received from a Heartland Orthopedic Specialists Athletic Trainer.  If you do go in to the ER or see your family physician, please bring a note from them to our athletic trainers as this will be taken into consideration when making return to play decision.

General questions or concerns can be directed to Andrea Nelson, ATC - Sports Medicine Coordinator - 320-760-6414  or aallyn@heartlandorthopedics.com