A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow or jolt to the head, neck, or body that results in an impact to the brain. While concussions are often considered mild compared to other types of brain injuries, they can still have a significant impact on an individual’s health and well-being. Concussions can lead to various symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and emotional changes. These symptoms can persist for days, weeks, or even months, significantly affecting one’s ability to return to normal activities, including work, school, and sports.
While rest and time are often the first steps in concussion recovery, research has shown that early intervention and appropriate rehabilitation can speed up recovery and prevent long-term complications. This is where physiotherapy plays a key role in concussion management. A physiotherapist trained in concussion rehabilitation can assess, manage, and treat the various physical and cognitive symptoms that arise after a concussion.
Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion
It’s important to recognize the symptoms of a concussion, which can vary from person to person and may not always be immediately apparent. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Physical symptoms:
- Headaches
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Fatigue
- Visual disturbances (blurry vision or double vision)
- Cognitive symptoms:
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Memory problems
- Confusion or feeling “foggy”
- Emotional symptoms:
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood swings
If you suspect that you or someone you know has sustained a concussion, it’s essential to seek medical attention right away for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Concussions can worsen if not managed appropriately, so early intervention is key.
How We Can Help with Concussions
At Move Authentically Physiotherapy, we offer a holistic, evidence-based approach to concussion recovery. Physiotherapists use a combination of manual therapy, exercises, education, and specialized techniques to help patients recover and safely return to their regular activities. Here’s how we can support your concussion recovery:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT):
One of the most common symptoms of a concussion is dizziness or balance problems, which can be caused by vestibular (inner ear) dysfunction. We are trained in vestibular rehabilitation and use specialized exercises and techniques to help improve balance, reduce dizziness, and restore proper function of the inner ear. These exercises are carefully tailored to the individual’s specific symptoms and progress at a controlled pace to avoid worsening symptoms. - Neck and Spine Assessment:
Many people who sustain a concussion also experience neck pain or stiffness due to the impact of the head or body. Wel assess the neck and spine for any areas of tension or misalignment. Manual therapy, including joint mobilizations and soft tissue techniques, can be used to relieve pain, restore mobility, and address any musculoskeletal issues (issue with muscle, bone, tenson, ligament, joint, cartilage) that may be contributing to headaches or discomfort after a concussion. - Return-to-Activity Guidelines:
One of the most important aspects of concussion rehabilitation is knowing when it’s safe to return to physical activity, work, or school. We use a graded, step-by-step approach known as “return-to-play” or “return-to-activity” protocols. These protocols ensure that individuals gradually increase their physical activity levels without triggering a relapse of symptoms. By using a controlled progression, we can help prevent reinjury and promote a safe return to regular routines. - Post-Concussion Syndrome Management:
In some cases, concussion symptoms may persist for weeks or months after the initial injury, a condition known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS). Symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes can interfere with daily life. We can help manage these symptoms by addressing underlying physical factors, including the neck, posture, and balance issues that may contribute to PCS. We can also refer to other healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for you. - Cognitive Rehabilitation:
Concussions can impact cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and concentration. While physiotherapists do not directly provide cognitive therapy, we often collaborate with neuropsychologists and other specialists to provide education and guidance on cognitive rehabilitation strategies. These strategies can include exercises to improve attention span, memory retention, and processing speed, which can help individuals recover from the cognitive side effects of a concussion.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Preventing Long-Term Effects
Although most people recover from a concussion with proper treatment, some may experience persistent symptoms, which can lead to long-term consequences. We can help reduce the risk of prolonged symptoms by providing appropriate rehabilitation techniques that promote recovery and improve brain health.
Through early intervention and structured rehabilitation, physiotherapy can minimize the risk of developing chronic issues such as:
- Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS): Persistent symptoms after the concussion has healed, which can interfere with daily functioning.
- Second Impact Syndrome: A rare but serious condition that occurs when a second concussion happens before the first one has healed, potentially causing severe brain damage.
- Chronic Neck and Spine Issues: Repetitive impacts from concussions may cause ongoing neck pain, stiffness, or musculoskeletal issues that can affect daily life.
Concussions are serious injuries that require careful and comprehensive management to ensure a full recovery. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in concussion rehabilitation by addressing the physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms that result from the injury. We can help patients recover faster, reduce the risk of long-term complications, and safely return to their daily activities.
For more information on concussion rehabilitation, contact us to speak with one of our experienced physiotherapists and take the first step toward recovery.