How To Recover from Concussions Faster –without Risking Long-Term Damage
When it comes to concussions, these are undoubtedly some of the most debilitating injuries, especially for athletes. At Vertical Sports Physical Therapy, we see many people expressing post-concussion issues, a large proportion of which are football and soccer players. This isn’t uncommon as both sports do see a significant number of concussion-related injuries. If these injuries aren’t treated properly and promptly, they can lead to serious long-term effects that can be detrimental to overall health.
What Is Concussion?
A concussion is a mild, traumatic brain injury that affects brain function. Effects are often short-term and can include headaches and trouble with concentration, memory, balance, mood, and sleep. Concussions are usually caused by an impact to the head or body that is associated with a change in brain function. Not everyone who experiences a blow to the body or head has a concussion, but they are very common occurrences in sports.
What are the symptoms of A Concussion?
The symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not occur right away. Symptoms can last for days, weeks, or even longer. When they do appear, the symptoms usually include headaches, confusion, and loss of memory known as amnesia. Amnesia usually involves forgetting the event that caused the concussion. As concussions persist, symptoms can progress to nausea, vomiting, and blurry vision.
To combat the consequences of concussions, people often turn to common remedies but many of these approaches fail to address the root cause or even prolong recovery. One frequent mistake is relying on complete rest for extended periods. While rest is crucial in the first 24-48 hours after a concussion, prolonged inactivity, often referred to as “cocoon therapy,” where you avoid all stimuli, can actually slow down recovery.
Another common but ineffective approach is the overreliance on painkillers to manage headaches or discomfort. While medications can offer temporary relief, they don’t address the underlying damage caused by the concussion. In fact, excessive use of painkillers can lead to rebound headaches, dependency, or other complications that may hinder recovery.
What Is Our Approach To Fixing / Treating Concussions?
Ensuring a safe return to sport after a concussion requires a thoughtful and comprehensive approach. At Vertical Sports Physical Therapy, treating concussions goes beyond just rest. We employ a comprehensive, evidence-based approach designed to address the immediate symptoms of a concussion and ensure a safe and effective recovery process. Our goal is to not only help patients return to their sport or daily activities but also reduce the risk of long-term complications or repeated injuries. While rest is crucial early on, it’s equally important to follow a structured return-to-play protocol. This process not only helps you recover fully but also reduces the risk of another concussion.
Baseline Testing and Assessment
One of the key components of our concussion care is baseline testing. Before the season begins, we work with local teams and athletes to establish a detailed baseline of their cognitive and physical performance. If a concussion occurs, these baseline results allow us to evaluate post-injury conditions accurately and compare them to the athlete’s pre-injury state. This ensures we make informed decisions about the readiness to return to play.
Personalized Recovery Protocols
This includes gradually reintroducing cognitive and physical activities, tailored to the individual’s symptoms and progress. We also address related areas of the body, such as the neck, upper back, and shoulders, which are often affected in conjunction with concussions.
Data-Driven Rehabilitation
At Vertical Sports PT, we integrate advanced tools like force plates and dynamometry to measure strength, balance, and coordination. This allows us to track progress objectively and identify any lingering deficits that could increase the risk of re-injury.
Education and Prevention
We also emphasize educating patients and athletes on concussion prevention strategies. Whether it’s proper techniques in sports or exercises to improve neck stability, we aim to empower our clients to stay safe.
With our hands-on approach and cutting-edge tools, we ensure a thorough recovery, helping patients confidently return to their sport or activity.
Download Our Free Report
Worried about the lasting effects of a concussion? Are concussions keeping you from your sport or daily life? Download our free concussion report today and learn the proven steps to manage symptoms, improve recovery, and protect yourself from long-term complications. This expert guide is packed with practical tips and strategies to help you better understand your concussion and take control of your healing journey.