Concussion Injuries

Concussions or mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (mTBI) often go undiagnosed after a concussive event. These events could happen from motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, or any other injuries which lead to direct or indirect blows to the head.

What are concussions?

A concussion is a brain injury caused by force to the head. Whether it be a bump, jolt, or forceful blow to the head, these motions cause the brain to move back and forth and damage the brain cells. Symptoms such as headaches, neck pain, fatigue, sleep changes, irritability, and emotional symptoms can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to dissipate, and sometimes even longer into over a month. Almost 90% of concussion symptoms are transient and become resolved within 2 weeks, but if these symptoms persist, patients begin to deal with Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS).

How can physical therapy help my concussion injuries?

Physical therapy can help with recovery in many ways. Some of the most common outcomes and treatment plans include the following:

⇒ improving associated vestibular and oculomotor impairments
⇒ restoring cervical mobility
⇒ improving neck pain and headaches
⇒ progressive aerobic exercise program
⇒ determining safe return to play
⇒ use of the sensor-based system to assess balance and sways
⇒ use of specialized technology to improve static and dynamic balance
⇒ motor coordination and control and multitasking while improving focus and visual co-ordination

Why use physical therapy if concussions heal over time?

Concussions can have lasting effects that are hard to resolve if left untreated. Cognition and physical impairments can make returning to work stressful and returning to sports a much higher risk. Physical therapy interventions and assessments are designed to monitor the improvements in the underlying problems and assist with a safe return to the prior level of function. Progress towards the normal reaction time in sports and normal motion are major benefits to those who receive treatments. In addition, athletes who are temporarily removed from sports can be confident in their ability to safely return to their activities after receiving treatment.

How can I receive concussion injury treatments?

Schedule an appointment with Advance Physical Therapy to get an overall treatment plan set up and ask your physical therapist if concussion injury treatments could aid your healing and performance. Call us to schedule an appointment today!