Concussion Treatment Exercises You Can Do at Home

By: Paige Carroll, PT, DPT, CBIS

View all conditions and services

Have you or someone you know been recently diagnosed with a concussion? If so, you may be asking what are the best therapies to manage concussion symptoms while also staying at home? Good news – there is plenty you can do at home to promote a healthy recovery!

Watch the videos below to learn five concussion recovery exercises that you can do at home

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that causes a temporary disruption in brain function and communication. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, visual disturbances, anxiety, irritability, changes in sleep patterns and trouble concentrating. In the early stages following injury, mild to moderate rest is best followed by a progressive return to activity.

6 Easy Self-Care Strategies for People with a Concussion

Follow this helpful list of concussion therapies that you can do almost anywhere. Like any new therapy program, we highly suggest that you first consult with a certified concussion physical therapist or a doctor before trying these out at home.

1. Staying Connected and Keeping Yourself Busy

Not all activities have been cancelled! These can lessen the sense of isolation you may be feeling.

2. Pace Yourself Throughout the Day

Working remotely and online school means more screen time, increasing cognitive demand.

  • Take frequent breaks
  • Print out assignments when possible
  • Work in quiet areas to reduce distractions
  • Wear blue light blocking lenses
  • Use blue light filters on devices
  • Practice upright posture
  • Use a planner and lists
  • Work on one thing at a time

3. Incorporate Daily Exercise into Your Lifestyle

Sub-symptom aerobic exercise can help improve brain oxygenation and reduce recovery time. Keeping the neck gently moving can help with potential whiplash injury and cervicogenic symptoms.

4. Find Your Inner Zen

These uncertain times are stressful, so take control of your mental health too!

5. Maintain Proper Sleep Hygiene

These habits can help facilitate neurological recovery and boost energy and mood.

  • No electronics 1 hour before bed
  • No caffeine 4 hours prior to bed
  • Try using a sound machine or binaural beats
  • Follow a consistent sleep routine
  • Limit naps

6. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Due to the brain and gut connection, modifying your diet can help improve your brain health and reduce inflammation.

  • Adequate hydration
  • Reduce intake of red meats, refined sugars and processed foods
  • Enjoy good fats such as coconut oil, avocados and flaxseed and omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and herring
  • Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables

It is important to know that each concussion is unique, but whether you are a student, teleworking or a parent/caregiver, these self-help tips should aid in symptom management while at home. Be sure to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen. Virtual healthcare or an in-clinic evaluation may be a great option while social distancing to allow for a detailed assessment and individualized plan of care.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Clinical research scientist

Five Reasons to Participate in Research

During my participation in a clinical trial, I was able to learn first-hand about the process surrounding medical discoveries. I also gained an understanding of how to advocate for my health and learned to ask more questions about the risks involved in different medical treatments. Participation in research was incredibly beneficial to me personally. To help you learn more about research participation, we’ve compiled a list of 5 reasons to participate in research.

How to Measure Exercise Intensity

Target heart rate (HR) is a great way to measure exercise intensity to get the most out of your workout. For most people, it provides an accurate way to measure the safety of an activity in relation to the percentage of your maximum heart rate. However, for some people, because of several medications that regulate HR (such beta blockers) or the availability to acquire a device that monitors HR, using HR alone to measure exercise intensity can be challenging.

How to Maximize Physical Therapy Visits from Insurance

As a new year begins, so do new health insurance deductibles and benefits. It’s important to be aware of your healthcare expenses to plan for the year ahead. For those seeking physical rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, it’s important to remember that health insurance may not cover unlimited sessions. Understanding how to make the most of your visits covered by insurance is key to maximizing your benefits. Read on to learn how you can get the most out of your therapy visits while extending the time spent on your recovery to achieve your goals.

Tips To Cure Winter Boredom

It’s common to feel bored during the winter months when you’re spending more time indoors and routines shift. However, there are plenty of ways to stay engaged and have fun at home. From boosting mental sharpness to connecting with others, these activities can help turn boredom into an opportunity for growth and enjoyment.

View All Posts

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.