.svg)
By
At Twin Cities Orthopedics in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, a novel approach to concussion treatment is making a significant difference in athletes' recovery times.
The TCO Concussion Center, which opened last spring, is providing comprehensive care under one roof, allowing athletes like 16-year-old soccer player Sawyer Danielson to return to their sports faster and safer.
Danielson, a junior forward for St. Paul Academy, experienced a concussion right before her team's post-season.
"During the game, I could kind of tell I wasn't feeling right."
At TCO's Concussion Center, she was promptly diagnosed and began her recovery journey.
What sets TCO's facility apart is its integrated approach. Dr. David Olson, a sports medicine doctor at TCO, explained:
"You could delay things by twice as much if you have to wait for different appointments. We bring everything together here."
Olson, who also works as the Vikings team doctor, emphasizes the value of this approach, which is used with NFL stars like Justin Jefferson and Kirk Cousins.
A key component of TCO's treatment is the use of Eye-Sync, a virtual reality tool that monitors patients' eyes. This technology played a crucial role in Danielson's recovery, helping rebuild strength in her eye muscles weakened by the concussion.
"That really retrains the eyes to get back to their baseline, to a normal state."
After three visits to TCO over two weeks and diligent home exercises, Danielson made a triumphant return to the soccer field for her team's state tournament.
"I didn't feel it at all and just felt brand new."
Her stellar performance led her team to a State Championship title, a first in school history for girls soccer.
Danielson, who recently committed to D1 soccer at the University of Minnesota, offers advice to fellow athletes facing concussions:
"Trust the recovery process. It might not feel like it's doing much at first, but know it is, and you'll be back before you know it."
TCO's Concussion Center is working hard to provide hope and transform the recovery experience for athletes and promise a quicker, safer return to the sports they love.
Read the full story here and watch the CBS video interview!
