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Health, Safety and Nutrition

INJURY INFORMATION

FC Richmond has a partnership with Dr. Rich Linkonis and the Central Virginia Physical Therapy (CVPT).

 Dr. Linkonis is a physical therapist and he and his practice are “open access” meaning a doctor’s prescription is not needed. Dr. Linkonis is equipped to provide an initial assessment of most sports injuries including possible concussions. He will recommend treatment in his clinic or can refer to a sports medicine orthopedic doctor if appropriate. Dr. Linkonis has committed to getting our athletes in to be seen in his clinic within 24 hours if the injury occurs during the week, or on Monday if the injury occurs over the weekend. Parents can email or call Dr. Linkonis directly at richlinkonis@gmail.com or (804)523-4634.

INJURY PROTOCOL

If players are injured - concussion or other types of injuries - they may certainly go to their own pediatrician or primary care physician.  However, going to a sports medicine professional, Dr. Linkonis or other, is often a better option.

IF A PLAYER SUSTAINS A CONCUSSION OR IS SUSPECTED TO HAVE A CONCUSSION

If a player sustains an injury and a concussion is suspected, it is our recommendation that the player see a sports medicine specialist such as Dr. Linkonis and the professionals at CVPT.  Concussion diagnosis and treatment research is changing rapidly and sports medicine specialists are current on this research.  A pediatrician and/or primary care physician may not be current on all research and may be using outdated diagnosis and/or treatment plans.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Dr. Rich Linkonis, CVPT, 804-523-4634, richlinkonis@gmail.com

Concussions Defined

Concussion is a complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain, induced by traumatic biomechanical forces.

Several common features that incorporate:

  • Concussion may be caused either by a direct blow to the head, face, neck, or elsewhere on the body with an "impulsive" force transmitted to the head.

  • Concussion typically results in the rapid onset of short-lived impairment of neurological function that resolves spontaneously.

  • Concussion may result in neuropathological changes, but the acute clinical symptoms largely reflect a functional disturbance rather than structural injury.

  • Concussion results in a graded set of clinical syndromes that may or may not involve loss of consciousness.

  • Resolution of the clinical and cognitive symptoms typically follows a sequential course.

  • Concussion is typically associated with grossly normal structural neuroimaging studies.

Concussion Injury Training for Coaches

Links

For more information on concussions, click here