Children and young adults are most likely to get a concussion because of their involvement in various sports activities. But, concussions can happen to anyone doing basic everyday tasks. A sudden fall, workplace injuries or car accidents can also result in the symptoms of concussion. It is crucial to get concussion rehabilitation treatment as soon as you suffer a head injury, even if it’s mild. You can recover efficiency through proper diagnosis and treatment. Concussions are common in Canada but treatments are also available to get you back on your feet in no time.
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What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic injury to the brain. It disrupts the normal functioning of your brain leading to short-term and long-term effects. Most people get a concussion after a sudden blow to the head which directly alters the brain’s function. Some people may lose consciousness but most do not in a concussion.
How do you know if you have a concussion?
If you have suffered a head injury, you should get checked by a physical therapist. Concussion symptoms can take some time to appear and may go unnoticed initially. Concussion affects thinking abilities, physical health, mood and sleep quality. Check out for the below-mentioned signs if you or your loved one has a head injury.
| Physical Signs | Thinking Abilities | Emotional Signs | Sleep Quality |
| Dizziness Balance problems Blurry vision Headaches Constant feelings of tiredness Sensitivity to light or noise | No clear thoughts A feeling of ‘slowing down’ Concentration problems Problems in processing new information | Irritability Anxiety Nervousness Persistent sadness | Lack of sleep Sleeping more than usual |
Can you get it without hitting your head?
Yes, you can still get a concussion without hitting your head directly. Sudden and forceful head or neck movements can also cause concussion symptoms. This can happen in sports like football, roller coaster rides or car accidents.
How to Heal a Concussion Fast?
Concussion symptoms may or may not appear immediately after you hurt your head. You should consult with a physical therapist within 48 hours of sustaining the injury. They follow a proper protocol which I have discussed later in the blog to help you recover.
What is the immediate concussion treatment?
As an immediate treatment, take complete rest for 2-3 days if you notice the signs of concussion. You must allow your brain and body to heal. You should start feeling a tad better after the rest period. If you suffered a concussion while playing sports, do not resume the game unless a physical therapist examines you.
What you should not do after a concussion?
- Driving
- Reading
- Watching TV
- Using phone
- Working on laptops
- Physical activity
- Playing video games
- Operating machinery
- Being alone for at least 24 hours
How to Return to Normal Life?
Once the 2-3 days of complete rest is over, you need to gradually return to your normal lifestyle. Do not push yourself too hard. Listen to your body and take rest whenever you want.
Here are the stages of concussion rehabilitation.
| Concussion Recovery Stage | What to do? | What time does it take? |
| Acute Phase (First 48-72 hours) | ||
| Physical Rest | Take complete rest. No phones, loud noise and bright lights. | 2-3 days |
| Cognitive Rest | Take mental rest. Avoid reading, studying or writing. | 2-3 days |
| Recovery Phase | ||
| Gradual Returning to Light Activities (After 1-2 days of resting period) | Start with light physical and cognitive activities under medical supervision. A physical therapist guides you through the intensity and types of activities and exercises you can start with. | Several weeks to months |
| Symptom Monitoring | Check for the status of symptoms. | Throughout recovery |
| Cognitive Rehabilitation | Indulge in exercises that improve your problem-solving, attention and memory skills. | Weeks to months |
| Physical Therapy | Go to a physical therapist to fix your balance, vestibular and coordination problems often associated with concussion. | Weeks to months |
| Post-Concussion Syndrome(PCS) | ||
| Symptoms Evaluation | In some cases, patients may experience persistent symptoms of recovery such as fatigue, dizziness and concentration problems. | Months or longer |
| Specialized Treatment | Physiotherapists treat PCS with specialized treatments like cognitive-behavioural therapy and exercises. | Varies based on individual needs |
Whether you are a student or an athlete, recovery from a concussion looks somewhat like this. The activities, their frequency and intensity may however differ.
How Does Concussion Rehabilitation Treatment Work?
Physiotherapists who specialize in concussion treatment provide concussion rehabilitation treatment. The healthcare professionals diagnose the problem, restore your normal lifestyle and prevent the recurrence of symptoms.
Here’s what to expect.
Initial Assessment
The physical therapist evaluates your physical symptoms and functional limitations caused by concussions. They also assess your balance, headaches, vestibular health, coordination and neck pain.
Diagnosis
You may have to go through specific tests that help diagnose the condition. Examples of tests in concussion treatment:
- Neurological tests- Evaluate balance, coordination, vision, hearing, strength, sensation and reflexes
- Cognitive tests– Evaluate memory, ability to remember details and focus levels
The therapists prepare an individualized treatment plan after the diagnosis.
Concussion Management
There are a wide range of treatments to manage concussion symptoms. The most common ones are as follows:
Cervical Spine Rehabilitation
Physios may relieve neck pain associated with concussion. They use manual therapy techniques to reduce your pain and restore neck mobility.
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Concussion is often accompanied by balance problems and dizziness. Therapists use this technique to improve the coordination of the brain and inner ear, thereby helping your body maintain balance.
Cognitive Rehabilitation
Concussion can take a toll on your cognitive abilities. Physios may work with other healthcare professionals to fix cognitive symptoms like lack of concentration.
Progressive Exercise Program
Physiotherapists recommend a set of specific exercises to get you back to a normal, functioning lifestyle. They start with low-impact exercises such as stationary cycling or walking. Eventually, they increase the intensity and duration of the exercises to improve your overall strength, endurance and fitness.
Self-Management Advice
Physical therapists empower you to manage the symptoms of concussion and return to your life as healthy as a horse. They help you understand concussion, its impact on your health and how you can prevent the condition in future. They help you listen to your body and return to physical and cognitive abilities gradually.
Do You Need Concussion Treatment?
Concussion symptoms reduce within 48 hours. You should get immediate medical attention if the symptoms feel worse or the same after 2 days. Avoid any form of exercise or physical activity in the first 72 hours. Allow your body and brain to rest completely for 48 hours straight and you can already feel better the third day. But, it is not yet time to resume work or sports since complete healing takes time. A licensed physical therapist can guide you to return to a functioning lifestyle through progressive exercises and other therapies. They help you prevent the problem from recurring in future. Physiotherapy First is one of the multidisciplinary clinics that provide concussion therapy in Brampton to kids, teenagers, athletes and senior citizens. You should get your symptoms addressed as soon as possible after suffering a head injury.
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