University of Delaware opened a concussion clinic Tuesday that gives the public access to cutting edge treatment.
UD’snew STAR Health Concussion Clinic is a collaboration between Christiana Care sports medicine physicians, UD nurse practitioners and UD researchers.
"A concussion has recently become a treatable condition with the right therapy," said Thomas A. Buckley, assistant professor of applied physiology at UD.
“A lot of what we’re doing here at UD is identifying some of those therapies that help the most, as well as what we can do to prevent concussions.”
The old days of concussion therapy consisting of sitting in a dark room and not doing anything are gone.
"The new treatment is a lot of physical therapy, vestibular therapy and other rehabilitation techniques that can be used to facilitate recovery,” Buckley said.
Many of these therapies are widely available to professional and collegiate athletes. UD's new clinic makes them available to recreational athletes as well.
The clinic is targeted at helping young athletes, age 13 or older, since they’re most prone to getting concussions. But anyone is welcome.
Evidence suggests millions of concussions occur in the U.S. every year in youth sports.
Buckley said most people get better without treatment. But anyone who suffers more than one concussion in a short amount of time can face a long recovery and mental health problems later in life.
UD is currently one of the nation’s lead schools ina concussion study being carried out in partner with the NCAA and the Department of Defense.
The clinic is housed at UD’s STAR campus and is open Tuesdays from 8:00 am to 12:00 p.m.
To make an appointment, call 302-831-3195.