Why You Need Physical Therapy After a Concussion

A concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury, can result in a wide range of signs and symptoms. Common symptoms of a concussion include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Light and/or noise sensitivity
  • Brain fog and fatigue
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Imbalance
  • Increased irritability or anxiety
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Neck pain

The short-term metabolic changes in the brain that occur due to a concussion can impact a variety of systems in the brain and body, including your visual, inner-ear and balance, and nervous systems as well as cognitive functioning. The neck is typically an involved region that can be painful and contribute to headaches and impairments in other systems.

Current research supports early detection and treatment of concussions to decrease injury recovery time.1 An evaluation by a physical therapist can help guide your concussion recovery. Your therapist will provide individualized education about:

  • Concussion pathophysiology
  • Strategies to modify activities
  • Initiating physical activity in a safe way to promote healing
  • Overlapping mechanisms between whiplash and concussion and the role of treating neck dysfunction

There is a common misconception that you shouldn’t be active after a concussion. However, research shows that initiating sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise can result in decreased symptoms and improved recovery time.2,3

Your physical therapist will evaluate you to determine which systems the concussion has impacted and what exercises you can perform to improve function. A physical therapist can also determine if you need a referral to other healthcare professionals to help manage your symptoms and decrease recovery time. The concussion rehabilitation team at Sheltering Arms Institute is trained and skilled in treating individuals with concussions across the lifespan.

To learn more about the concussion services provided at Sheltering Arms Institute, click here.

References:

  • Maree Cassimatis, Rhonda Orr, Andrew Fyffe, Gary Browne, Early injury evaluation following concussion is associated with improved recovery time in children and adolescents, Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Volume 24, Issue 12, 2021, Pages 1235-1239, ISSN 1440-2440, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2021.06.012. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1440244021001626)
  • Xiaotian Shen, Bixi Gao, Zilan Wang, Yanbo Yang, Zhouqing Chen, Lelin Yu, Zhong Wang, Therapeutic Effect of Aerobic Exercise for Adolescents After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Sport-Related Concussion: A Meta-Analysis from Randomized Controlled Trials, World Neurosurgery, Volume 146, 2021, Pages e22-e29, ISSN 1878-8750, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2020.09.143.
  • Leddy JJ, Haider MN, Ellis MJ, et al. Early Subthreshold Aerobic Exercise for Sport-Related Concussion: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Pediatr. 2019;173(4):319–325. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.4397

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Try Before You Buy: Exploring Assistive Technology

From a simple magnifying glass to voice-activated smart devices, technology is everywhere, and the right tools can support daily routines, connectivity with family, and safety within the home. However, with all the options available, how do you know what technology is right for you? And, once you find a device, what type of model and features should you choose? See how Sheltering Arms Institute’s Assistive Technology Lab can help.

Caring for the Caregiver

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and honor the dedication, compassion, and resilience of caregivers. Whether caring for a loved one recovering from trauma, illness, or injury, caregivers play an essential role in the healing process. However, caregiving can be overwhelming and emotionally demanding. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help caregivers take care of themselves so they may care for others.

Diet Tips to Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, and other health complications. A healthy lifestyle of exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and diet can help reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure. When it comes to your diet, the best one to follow is a dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet, or similarly, the Mediterranean diet. Learn specific dietary changes you can implement to help lower blood pressure.

Heat vs. Ice – Which is Better for Your Pain?

Are you experiencing pain or swelling, but are unsure if you should reach for an ice pack or a heating pad to find relief? Choosing the right therapy can help relieve discomfort and promote healing. Learn when to apply cold or heat to get the best results.

Coping with Anxiety After A Stroke

It’s common for stroke survivors and their family members to feel anxious after a stroke. So much changes so suddenly. As a stroke survivor myself, I certainly experienced anxiety: in the hospital, at the rehab center, and after I returned home. Not only were my physical and mental abilities different, but my family had to adjust as well. From coping with uncertainty to rebuilding daily routines, learn how to manage post-stroke anxiety and regain a sense of control.

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.