Active Recovery Post Concussion
It used to be thought that rest was the best option until symptoms following a concussion have resolved. This is now thought to actually slow the recovery of a concussion. Individuals may experience dizziness, neck pain, mood changes, difficulty concentrating, or balance issues. It is recommended that an individual rest physically and cognitively for 24-48 hours but after that, gentle activity that does not reproduce symptoms can be beneficial.
A physical therapy evaluation can be helpful in determining a safe progression for return to sport or daily activities. During your evaluation, the Physical Therapist (PT) will assess your cervical spine, vestibular system, which is your inner ear and can cause symptoms of dizziness and imbalance, as well as your tolerance to exercise. Depending on the findings, your PT can provide you with exercises to help reduce your symptoms and get you back to an active healthy lifestyle!
Many concussions can resolve on their own but some require targeted treatment to “re-train the brain” to process information from your environment accurately and subsequently reduce symptoms. Baseline concussion testing can be a very effective tool to assess deficits following a concussion. This includes cognitive and balance testing which can be compared pre and post concussion to better target treatment, track progress of recovery, and guide a safe return to sport or activity. Don’t ignore the symptoms of a concussion. You and your PT can work together to take care of your brain!