Guide To Concussion Rehabilitation
Every year, an estimated 3.8 million sports- and recreation-related concussions occur in the United States.
Concussion injuries, often a form of mild traumatic brain injury, can lead to a variety of symptoms that affect different systems in the body, from thinking and vision to balance, mood, and sleep. This range of symptoms can make concussion recovery a complex process, requiring a holistic approach.
Agile Physical Therapy takes a highly individualized, evidence-based approach to concussion rehabilitation, combining clinical expertise with a focus on the whole person to support comprehensive recovery.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury from a bump or jolt to the head or body, causing the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This rapid movement can lead to chemical changes or brain cell damage.
Concussions affect various parts of the brain responsible for cognition, coordination, balance, mood regulation, and vision, which is why symptoms can be so varied. These symptoms may not always appear immediately, often showing up hours or even days after the injury.
Concussions can occur from a variety of incidents, and some of the most common causes include:
- Falls: Falling from a height or slipping on a surface can result in a jolt to the head or neck, making falls one of the leading causes of concussion, particularly in young children and older adults.
- Sports Injuries: Contact sports like football, hockey, soccer, and rugby are well-known for their concussion risk, but even non-contact sports can result in head injuries if a player collides with another person or object.
- Car Accidents: The impact from a motor vehicle collision can cause the head to jolt forward or backward suddenly, leading to a “coup-contrecoup” injury, where the brain is impacted on both sides as it bounces within the skull.
- Physical Assaults: Any blow to the head or violent shaking, as in cases of assault, can lead to a concussion, causing immediate symptoms or delayed effects.
- Recreational Activities: High-impact or extreme sports, such as skateboarding, skiing, and mountain biking, also carry a high risk of head injury due to potential falls or impacts.
A concussion is considered an acute injury, but symptoms can sometimes persist, evolving into post-concussion syndrome if left untreated. Recognizing the signs and seeking professional evaluation after any head injury can help in managing and mitigating long-term effects.
Do You Think You Need Concussion Rehabilitation?
It is important to be vigilant after sustaining a possible traumatic brain injury, no matter how mild. In rare cases, a dangerous blood clot that crowds the brain against the skull can develop.
Common concussion symptoms to look out for
The people checking on you should call 911 or take you to an emergency department right away if you have any of the following concussion symptoms:
- A headache that gets worse and does not go away
- Weakness, numbness, decreased coordination, convulsions, or seizures
- Vomiting repeatedly
- Slurred speech or unusual behavior
- One pupil (the black part in the middle of the eye) larger than the other
- Confusion, restlessness, or agitation; inability to recognize people or places
- Loss of consciousness, appearing very drowsy or difficult to wake up
Danger signs in children
Call 911 or take your child to the emergency department right away if they received an injury to the head or body and show the following symptoms:
- Any of the danger signs for adults listed above
- Will not stop crying and are inconsolable
- Will not nurse or eat
What Happens After You Have a Concussion Injury?
Concussion treatments have come a long way in the past few decades, with good evidence to support their benefit. Because concussion injuries affect many systems in your body, it is important to seek a physical therapist with experience in concussion rehabilitation.
While most people recover from a concussion within a few weeks, some individuals experience lingering symptoms that last longer, a condition known as post-concussion syndrome. Addressing these persistent symptoms with targeted rehabilitation is essential for full recovery.
At Agile Physical Therapy, we have specialized therapists ready to assist you with your concussion rehabilitation and recovery (scroll to the bottom of the page to get in touch with our specialists!).
What is Post-Concussion Syndrome?
Post-concussion syndrome symptoms can vary widely and often overlap with initial concussion symptoms, but they tend to be more prolonged. Common PCS symptoms include:
- Persistent headaches
- Dizziness and balance issues
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or excessive fatigue
- Emotional symptoms, including irritability, depression, or anxiety
- These symptoms may affect a person’s ability to work, attend school, or engage in regular physical activities. PCS symptoms can also be frustrating for patients, as they may feel like their recovery has stalled, impacting their mental health and overall well-being.
How Do We Evaluate Concussions?
First, we would love to get to know you. Then, we want to know the details of your injury, your health history, and any persistent symptoms you may be experiencing. Our physical therapists will ask about your specific goals in order to tailor the best treatments for you.
Taking a detailed history is a critical component of concussion evaluations. We believe it is important to cover all the bases during your first visit.
How do we determine your specific needs? Once we have a better understanding of your background, we will perform a clinical exam to find the roots of your issues. These exams may include any of the following:
- Cognitive screen
- Neck examination (for issues like neck pain related to the concussion)
- Eye and inner ear exam to assess for vestibular disorders
- Balance and movement exam, especially for those experiencing dizziness and balance disorders
- Heart assessment, including concussion treadmill testing to monitor endurance and recovery
- Return to sport or activity testing to ensure safe participation in sports or physical activity
What Goes Into Concussion Rehabilitation Treatments at Agile PT?
Following your evaluation, our therapists will implement treatments based on your individual needs. Our treatment programs are custom-built to target the areas that your brain and body need to recover optimally. Your program may include:
- Hands-on manual therapy
- Neck exercises to address post-concussion neck pain
- Inner ear exercises as part of vestibular rehabilitation
- Eye exercises for improving visual coordination and brain function
- Coordination and balance exercises
- Dual-task activities to retrain cognitive function
- Graded aerobic program to gradually increase physical endurance
- Sport or activity-specific training for those recovering from sport-related concussion
At Agile Physical Therapy, we commit to providing the best possible care. This may require collaboration with specialists from other disciplines, including Neurology, Neuro-optometry, Otology, Cognitive Psychology, and Occupational Therapy.
With your permission, we will communicate with other involved parties (your family, school, or work, etc.) regarding your treatment plan. This will ensure that everyone is aligned in supporting your recovery and helping you manage post-concussion symptoms.
Our specialized concussion therapists at Agile, including Stacey Sbutega, Manvi Gulati, and Trevor Hopkins, are trained to ensure that you are getting the best treatments. Our physical therapists address your individual needs, drawing from expertise in sports medicine and concussion rehabilitation. We look forward to helping you with your concussion rehabilitation journey!
Schedule a Consultation
If you or a loved one has experienced a concussion, our team at Agile Physical Therapy is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and begin your personalized rehabilitation journey.