Maryland's Health Matters - St. Joseph - Spring 2015 - (Page 7)

NEED A SPORTS PHYSICAL? Physicals are either by appointment or conveniently offered for fall, winter and spring sports seasons. For information about the next screening or to schedule an appointment, call 410-337-7900. SPORTS PHYSICALS: FIT FOR THE STUDENT-ATHLETE Towson Sports Medicine offers sports physicals for student-athletes way, if an athlete suffers a concussion, we can retest his or year-round. Physicals are performed her neurocognitive functions, compare the difference to the by Teri McCambridge, MD, a clini- baseline test, and determine whether there are changes." cal assistant professor of pediatrics Students are assessed by double board-certified sports med- at University of Maryland School of icine specialist and pediatrician Teri McCambridge, MD, of UM St. Joseph Towson Orthopaedic Associates, along with an athletic trainer. "Each student-athlete will receive a complete physical examination, balance testing and neurocognitive testing if we decide it's necessary," Dr. McCambridge says. "Depending on their results, we create an individualized program to support their return to school and sports." TSM is also a member of the University of Maryland Rehabilitation Network, offering a full range of rehabilitation services at locations throughout the state for student-athletes who may need services. TSM offers neurocognitive testing at numerous Baltimore Teri McCambridge, MD Medicine, and TSM athletic trainers in Towson and offered periodically at various schools. "Preparticipation physical exams are required for all athletes. The exam includes monitoring of vital signs, a vision test, and a musculoskeletal and medical evaluation. The purpose of the exam is to identify any issues that may disqualify an athlete from participation, such as a heart condition or asthma," says certified athletic trainer Brian Perez. County public and private schools. Testing is available at TSM for students ages 12 and older who are not offered them through their schools. Many TSM services are also available exercise under the supervision of the athletic trainer or par- through the Baltimore County Recreation and Parks' commu- ent." If all goes well and the student-athlete is symptom-free, nity athletic programs. Dr. McCambridge will clear him or her to return to sports. DOCTOR-MONITORED PATH TO RECOVERY AVOIDING TRAGIC CONSEQUENCES Once a concussion is diagnosed, several different treatment sports until their symptoms resolve to prevent tragic conse- paths are followed, according to Dr. McCambridge. "First, quences of more permanent brain injury or worse," she says. "Athletes are generally held out of contact or collision the student-athlete is removed from activity and prescribed Patients with continuing symptoms may be referred to the a rest period to see if symptoms such as nausea, headache, Concussion Management Program at University of Maryland photosensitivity, concentration and memory problems Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Institute, where neuropsychologist resolve. If symptoms resolve, the patient is ready for a pro- and clinical assistant professor of neurology at the University of gressive return-to-play program according to doctor's orders. Maryland School of Medicine Brenda Swartz, PsyD, provides a This five-step program begins with light aerobic exercise on more comprehensive evaluation with a multidisciplinary team, a treadmill or exercise bike. In the absence of symptoms, the including athletic trainers, therapists, educators and visual student-athlete will increase the intensity and duration of specialists, who create a customized treatment plan. TSM NOW AT PERFORMFIT IN COCKEYSVILLE! Towson Sports Medicine's new location at PerformFit of Cockeysville offers the community a complete range of expert physical therapy services, using hands-on techniques and aiding patients in recovery from injury and surgery, including total joint replacement and spinal surgery. "We have an incredibly experienced staff, many of whom have advanced certifications," says physical therapist Christina Lewis, director of TSM. "We work closely with the orthopaedic doctors at Towson Orthopaedic Associates, an affiliate of UM St. Joseph Medical Center." available at UM St. Joseph at stjosephtowson.com/ortho. In addition, the new TSM location at PerformFit offers competitive athletes who train there a seamless continuum of care for injury recovery. "We provide finely orchestrated rehabilitation for all levels of athletic ability, including very ambitious athletes who want to return to a highcaliber level," Lewis says. For more information, call 410-337-8847. stjosephtowson.com | Spring 2015 7 http://www.stjosephtowson.com http://www.stjosephtowson.com/ortho

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Maryland's Health Matters - St. Joseph - Spring 2015

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Maryland's Health Matters - St. Joseph - Spring 2015