Concussion Recovery Approaches: Return to Learn vs. Return to Play

Return to Learn

Return to Learn is a series of recommendations to best support a student’s return to school after a concussion. Someone with a concussion will often be fine in their home environment, but when they go to school, there is a significant increase in their symptoms.

Students often report:

  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Impaired eye movements, making it hard to read and take notes
  • Balance issues, making navigation of hallways or busy environments challenging

Return to Play

Return to Play describes the process that a person must go through to ensure they are safely returning to sports and activity. Once someone has cleared their vestibular and oculomotor exam and is not reporting any symptoms, he or she will go through two to three sessions of progressive exercise and sports-specific activities.

These exercises focus on testing each individual’s systems that were noted to be impaired after the concussion to ensure they are fully recovered before being able to return to full activity levels.

If you or a loved one is interested in either of these services, please email us or give us a call at (804) 764-1000.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

5 Strengthening Exercises Following Lower-Limb Amputations

During inpatient rehabilitation, your therapy team will guide you through a personalized strengthening program designed to support your recovery. This program focuses on building the key muscle groups needed for safe and effective mobility with a prosthesis. Continuing these exercises at home is essential for maintaining progress and maximizing independence.

Managing Phantom Limb Pain

Losing a limb is a life-changing experience—physically, emotionally, and mentally. One of the more unexpected and often misunderstood aspects of limb loss is phantom limb pain (PLP). Despite the limb no longer being there, individuals may continue to feel sensations—sometimes painful—where the limb used to be. But why does this happen, and what can be done about it? Let’s break it down.

Spring Into Action with the Proper Garden Tools and Accessories

Now that spring has sprung, it’s time to tend those gardens! Just be careful not to overextend your body into positions that have been dormant all winter. Gardening can require you to bend, lift, and twist in ways that can injure your back, knees, or other parts of your body. While garden tools can make your digging and planting easier, sometimes the use of tools encourages poor positioning or increases the chance of injury.

5 Exercises For Concussions

A concussion is defined as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) induced by direct or indirect force transmitted to the head. Looking at the statistics, there were 27.16 million new TBI cases globally in 2019. Nationally, there were approximately 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2020 and 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021.² Approximately 80% of all TBIs are classified as mild head injuries (CDC). These numbers highlight the significant public health impact concussions have worldwide, and the importance of proper evaluation and management.

What to Wear to Physical Therapy

When heading to physical therapy, comfort and functionality are key. Your attire can significantly impact the effectiveness of your session, affecting your ability to move freely, follow your therapist’s instructions, and perform exercises with ease. The right clothing not only promotes flexibility but also allows your therapist to evaluate your movements and address areas that need attention. Here’s what to wear – and what to avoid – for a successful visit!

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.