Local Rehab Clinic Shares Tips for Brain Injury Awareness Day

Every 13 seconds, someone in the United States sustains a traumatic brain injury, according to the Brain Injury Association of Michigan. One in every 60 people in the country (more than 5.3 million total) lives with a traumatic brain injury-related disability, and more than 2.5 million children and adults sustain a traumatic brain injury every year. In light of these startling statistics, Livonia-based The Recovery Project, a high-intensity physical therapy firm for people with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and other moderate to severe conditions, is determined to spread awareness, prevention and therapeutic tips in honor of Brain Injury Awareness Day on March 18.

“Traumatic brain injuries are a devastating, yet incredibly common, occurrence in the United States. They are life-changing, but many do not realize that there are steps that can be taken to significantly improve the quality of life of those with injuries and their families,” said Polly Swingle, co-CEO and lead physical therapist with The Recovery Project. “Our team at The Recovery Project is dedicated to educating the community about these injuries, and to providing best-in-class support to people with traumatic brain injuries and their caregiver network.”

The main causes of traumatic brain injuries include falls, trauma through events like car accidents, assaults and more. Research also shows that males are more likely to sustain a traumatic brain injury at any age, and that the annual cost of traumatic brain injuries to society exceeds $76.5 billion.

There are many types of treatment and therapy options available, but one of the most effective in improving quality of life is regular exercise. The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion states that following a brain injury, individuals who exercise are typically less depressed and report a better quality of life than those who do not exercise. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, helps nerve impulses travel faster to the brain which improves how quickly you process and think, increases body awareness, improve mood and memory, increases heart and lung efficiency, positively impact balance and reduces reliance on assistive devices.

For more information about traumatic brain injuries, and how high-intensity physical therapy can make a positive impact, visit www.therecoveryproject.net.

The Recovery Project provides aggressive, focused and effective physical and occupational therapy and training to people with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, and other neurological disorders. Through personalized therapy programs designed and administered by highly trained and compassionate staff, utilizing the latest evidence-based research and state-of-the-art equipment at accessible locations in Livonia, Mich., and Macomb, Mich., The Recovery Project produces hope and life-changing results for clients and their support networks. For more information, visitwww.therecoveryproject.net.