How Can Physiotherapy Help to Recover from a Concussion?

Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a hit to the head or a sudden impact or movement to the body that can shake the brain inside the skull. Recovering from a concussion can be challenging, but the good news is that the majority of concussions are treatable with a little help.

Understanding a Concussion

Before diving into how physiotherapy can help, it’s important to understand what a concussion is. When you get a concussion, your brain can move rapidly inside your skull, which can cause some bruising as well as injury to blood vessels and nerves. Symptoms of a concussion can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, mental fogginess, mood changes, poor concentration, problems with balance and coordination, and visual disturbances. Approximately 70-80% of people will recover well in 4 weeks with active rehabilitation, but some folks can take longer (Kara et al 2020).

The Role of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists are trained professionals who help people recover from injuries and improve their physical health. When it comes to head injuries, physiotherapists who have specific training in concussion rehabilitation can play a crucial role in your recovery. Here’s how:

1. Reducing Concussion Symptoms

One of the main goals of physiotherapy is to reduce the symptoms of a concussion. This can include managing headaches, dizziness, and balance issues. Our physiotherapists will use specific exercises and techniques tailored to your needs to help alleviate these symptoms.

2. Improving Balance and Coordination

After a concussion, you might experience problems with balance and coordination. Physiotherapists can provide exercises that target these areas, helping you regain your stability and improve your coordination. This can be especially important for athletes looking to return to their sport safely, as well as workers with physically demanding jobs.

3. Gradual to Return to Work/Activity

Rest is crucial for a few days after a concussion, but you do want to start performing some normal activity as soon as you are able as too much rest can also slow down recovery. Our physiotherapists can help you find the right balance between rest and activity. They will create a personalized plan that gradually reintroduces physical activity, ensuring you don’t overdo it and prevent huge swings in symptom intensity.

4. Monitoring Progress

Throughout your recovery, our physiotherapists will closely monitor your progress. They will adjust your treatment plan as needed to ensure you’re recovering at the right pace. This ongoing support can make a big difference in your overall recovery.

5. Education

Education is a key part of physiotherapy. Your therapist will teach you about concussions and what to expect during the rehab process. They will also provide strategies to manage symptoms and help reduce the chances of a future concussion. Having this knowledge can empower you to take an active role in your recovery.

Exercises for Concussion Recovery

A variety of exercises can be used to help with concussion recovery. Here are some examples:

1. Vestibular Rehabilitation

Exercises that target the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and eye movements, are crucial in helping reduce dizziness and improve balance. Examples include head movements while keeping your eyes focused on a target or walking while turning your head.

2. Vision Therapy

Concussions can affect your vision, making it hard to focus or read. Vision exercises can help improve eye coordination and reduce visual symptoms, such as double vision, strain, and eye fatigue. These can include tracking moving objects with your eyes or trying to focus on objects at different distances.

3. Strength and Conditioning

Regaining strength is important after a concussion, especially if you’ve been resting for a while. Our physiotherapists will guide you through strength and conditioning rehabilitation program that will gradually build up your physical fitness while keeping a close eye on your symptoms.

4. Aerobic Exercise

Low-impact aerobic exercises, like walking or stationary biking, can help improve blood flow to the brain and speed up recovery. Your physiotherapist will ensure you do these exercises at a safe intensity.

Conclusion

Recovering from a concussion can be tough, but physiotherapy can make a significant difference. At Dockside Physiotherapy, we’re dedicated to helping your noggin heal and get you back to normal life. With personalized care and expert guidance, we’ll support you every step of the way.

References

Kara, S, Crosswell, H, Forch, K, Cavadino, A, McGeown, J, & Fulcher, M (2020). Less than half of patients recover within 2 weeks of injury after a sports-related mild traumatic brain injury: A 2-year prospective study. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine: 30(2), 96-101.