Dr. Colby Staubs Now Certified in ImPACT Testing – Concussion Protocol: What It Means for Athletes and Families in St. Petersburg

At Suncoast Integrative Healthcare, we are proud to announce that Dr. Colby Staubs is now officially certified in ImPACT Testing, the same concussion protocol used in the NFL and major sports organizations around the world.

This advanced certification brings an elite level of care to athletes and families in St. Petersburg, ensuring that concussion evaluation and recovery are handled with the highest standards of safety, accuracy, and care.

But what exactly is ImPACT Testing, and why is this certification such a big deal for our community?

What Is ImPACT Testing?

ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) is a computer-based neurocognitive assessment tool used to evaluate brain function before and after a suspected concussion. It measures areas like memory, reaction time, attention span, and visual processing speed, all of which can be impaired after a head injury.

Originally developed for use in professional sports, ImPACT has become the gold standard in concussion management across the country—and now it’s available right here in St. Petersburg through Dr. Staubs.

Why Concussion Protocol Matters

Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and they can happen in a variety of settings—not just on the football field. Youth sports, car accidents, bike falls, and even seemingly minor head bumps can result in a concussion.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that millions of concussions occur annually in the U.S., many of them undiagnosed or undertreated.

That’s why having access to a certified concussion protocol, like ImPACT Testing, is so important. It helps eliminate guesswork and ensures that every patient is evaluated with objective, science-backed tools.

Baseline and Post-Injury Testing: A Complete Approach

One of the greatest strengths of ImPACT Testing is its ability to offer both baseline testing (before an injury occurs) and post-injury testing (after a suspected concussion). Here’s how it works:

Baseline Testing is typically performed before the sports season begins. It captures the individual’s normal cognitive function and serves as a comparison point in case of a head injury.

Post-Injury Testing is used after a concussion is suspected. It helps determine the extent of cognitive impairment and guides decisions about when it’s safe to return to sports, school, or daily activities.

This two-step approach helps prevent premature return-to-play, reducing the risk of second-impact syndrome—a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur if a second concussion happens before the brain has healed from the first.

What This Means for St. Petersburg Families

With Dr. Staubs’ ImPACT certification, families in the St. Petersburg area now have access to professional-level concussion care without having to travel or rely solely on emergency rooms or general practitioners.

This is especially important for:

• Student-athletes in school or club sports
• Parents and coaches who want peace of mind
• Weekend warriors and recreational athletes
• Anyone at risk of head injuries, including those in physically demanding professions

Dr. Staubs can now offer customized concussion care plans, combining ImPACT Testing with holistic therapies, chiropractic care, and rehabilitation when needed. This ensures that every patient receives comprehensive support through every phase of recovery.

Schedule Your Concussion Consultation Today

Whether your child plays football, you’re recovering from a fall, or you simply want baseline testing before an active season, we’re here to help.

Dr. Colby Staubs and the team at Suncoast Integrative Healthcare are ready to support your cognitive health every step of the way.

Contact us today at 727-519-3757 to schedule your ImPACT baseline test or concussion evaluation—and give yourself or your loved one the safest return to play and life.