Concussion Treatment Exercises You Can Do at Home

By: Paige Carroll, PT, DPT, CBIS

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

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is the use of a very thin filament (needle) to address areas of muscle tension and pain. The purpose is to relieve pain by increasing blood flow to the muscles and joints, helping nerves become less irritated, and encouraging the relaxation of muscles. Dry needling addresses musculoskeletal issues by targeting muscle trigger points to alleviate pain and muscle tightness, while acupuncture uses needles at specific points along energy pathways to address the body’s overall health and energy.

Smartphone Apps to Help Spinal Cord Injury Patients

In contemporary life, we as individuals and communities are constantly connected to each other. We crave social interaction, leisure activities, and access to each other as well as the world around us. Over the past decades, modern technologies such as smartphones have facilitated our desire to engage not only in communication with each other, but with our environment as well.

Managing and Preventing Incontinence with Physical Therapy

More than 25 million adult Americans suffer from incontinence. Men and women are often embarrassed to seek treatment for loss of bladder or bowel control. Urinary and fecal incontinence can cause low self-esteem, create social isolation, and impair quality of life. Incontinence is the lack of voluntary control over urination or defecation. There are two major types of incontinence and they are treated differently.

Backpack Safety

Backpacks are a convenient way for students to carry around their schoolbooks and supplies throughout the day, but using them incorrectly can lead to serious muscle and joint injuries. Carrying a heavy load can strain the shoulders, back, and neck. As a result, the body tries to compensate by leaning forward or sideways, which can lead to misalignment of the spine and weakening of muscles.

How to Keep Your Wheelchair Running Smoothly

Poor wheelchair maintenance can increase the risk of your wheelchair breaking down, which can lead to personal injury or even death, and increase the cost of your medical care. Additionally, wheelchair breakdown can limit your mobility and social participation. Here are tips to keep your wheelchair running smoothly.

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.