Physiotherapy for Concussions

Concussions, a form of traumatic brain injury, can have lasting effects if not properly managed. Early intervention with physiotherapy can significantly enhance recovery, addressing both the physical and cognitive symptoms associated with concussions.

A concussion occurs when a blow to the head or body causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull, leading to a range of symptoms. These can include headaches, dizziness, balance problems, cognitive disturbances, and emotional instability. Understanding the severity and variety of symptoms is critical to determining the appropriate course of treatment.

Symptoms of a Concussion

Concussion symptoms can be wide-ranging and affect both physical and mental functions. Common symptoms include:

• Headaches and Migraines: Persistent headaches are a hallmark symptom.
• Dizziness and Balance Issues: Vestibular disturbances are common, leading to difficulty with balance and spatial orientation.
• Cognitive Impairments: Problems with memory, concentration, and processing speed can occur.
• Visual Disturbances: Blurred vision, light sensitivity, and difficulty focusing are frequent complaints.
• Emotional Changes: Anxiety, depression, and mood swings are also potential consequences of a concussion.

Common Causes of Concussions

Concussions can result from various incidents, many of which are common in everyday life and sports. At Fit Physiotherapy in Newmarket, we frequently see patients with concussions resulting from the following causes:

1. Hockey Injuries: As a high-impact sport, hockey often leads to concussions due to collisions, falls, or being struck by a puck or stick.
2. Motor Vehicle Accidents: The sudden jolt from a car crash can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull, leading to a concussion.
3. Slip and Falls: Falls are a frequent cause of concussions, especially among the elderly and those with balance issues. A sudden slip or trip can result in a head injury, even if the fall seems minor.
4. Contact Sports: In addition to hockey, other contact sports such as football, rugby, and soccer can also be common sources of concussions due to physical impacts.
5. Workplace Accidents: Concussions can occur in various workplaces, particularly in environments where there is a risk of falling objects or slips and falls.

Understanding these common causes helps in both preventing concussions and recognizing when to seek treatment if one occurs. If you’ve experienced any of these incidents, it’s crucial to get evaluated by a physiotherapist to ensure a proper recovery process.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in managing concussions by addressing the wide range of physical and cognitive symptoms that patients may experience. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of recovery are covered, leading to a more comprehensive and effective treatment plan.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

• Purpose: Vestibular rehabilitation is essential for patients experiencing dizziness, balance issues, and vertigo after a concussion. These symptoms arise from disruptions in the vestibular system, which controls balance and spatial orientation.
• Techniques:
  • Gaze Stabilization Exercises: These involve focusing on a stationary object while moving the head side to side or up and down, helping the brain to better coordinate eye movements and reduce dizziness.
  • Balance Training: Balance exercises might include standing on one leg, walking in a straight line, or using a balance board. These exercises challenge the vestibular system to improve stability.
  • Habituation Exercises: These involve repeated exposure to movements that trigger dizziness, helping the brain adapt and reduce symptoms over time.

Manual Therapy

• Purpose: Manual therapy is crucial for alleviating the physical discomforts that often accompany concussions, such as headaches, neck pain, and musculoskeletal issues. These symptoms can result from whiplash or the force of impact that caused the concussion.
• Techniques:
  • Cervical Spine Mobilization: Gentle movements of the neck vertebrae can help reduce stiffness and pain, improving overall neck mobility.
  • Myofascial Release: This hands-on technique targets tight muscles and connective tissues to release tension and improve blood flow, which can help reduce headaches and neck pain.
  • Soft Tissue Massage: By relaxing the muscles around the head, neck, and shoulders, soft tissue massage can relieve tension that contributes to post-concussion headaches.

Cognitive Exercises

• Purpose: Concussions often lead to cognitive difficulties, including memory problems, reduced attention span, and slower information processing. Cognitive exercises are designed to rehabilitate these functions.
• Techniques:
  • Memory Drills: Tasks such as recalling lists, sequences, or details from a story can help strengthen memory.
  • Attention Tasks: Activities that require sustained focus, such as puzzles, reading comprehension exercises, or interactive games, can improve concentration and processing speed.
  • Executive Function Exercises: These may include tasks that involve planning, problem-solving, and decision-making, helping to rebuild cognitive flexibility and mental agility.

Visual Rehabilitation

• Purpose: Visual symptoms, such as blurred vision, double vision, and light sensitivity, are common after a concussion. Visual rehabilitation helps to restore normal visual function and comfort.
• Techniques:
  • Eye Tracking Exercises: These exercises involve following moving objects with the eyes to improve coordination and reduce symptoms like blurred vision.
  • Focusing Exercises: Shifting focus between near and far objects can help improve visual clarity and reduce eye strain.
  • Visual-Motor Coordination: Activities that combine visual tasks with physical movement, such as catching a ball or touching targets, help to improve hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.

Graduated Return to Activity

• Purpose: After a concussion, it’s essential to return to daily activities gradually to avoid exacerbating symptoms. This process ensures that patients can safely resume their routines, whether it’s work, school, or sports, without risking a setback.
• Process:
  • Initial Rest: The process begins with a period of cognitive and physical rest to allow the brain to heal.
  • Stepwise Progression: Activities are reintroduced gradually, starting with light cognitive tasks, followed by light physical activity, and progressing to more demanding activities as tolerated.
  • Monitoring Symptoms: Throughout the process, the physiotherapist closely monitors symptoms to ensure that each step forward is safe and appropriate for the patient’s recovery stage.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Early intervention with physiotherapy is crucial in preventing the long-term consequences of a concussion, such as post-concussion syndrome. In Newmarket, residents have access to specialized physiotherapists who are trained to recognize and treat the wide range of symptoms associated with concussions, ensuring a more complete and faster recovery.

 

 

Recovering from a concussion requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the various symptoms associated with the injury. For those in Newmarket, physiotherapy offers a safe, effective way to manage and overcome these symptoms, leading to a full recovery. If you or a loved one has suffered a concussion, consider seeking the expertise of a physiotherapist to guide you through the recovery process.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a concussion or seeking post-concussion care, consider seeking physiotherapy help. Early intervention is key to a successful recovery.

About FIT Physiotherapy

Fit Physiotherapy of Newmarket is a modern Physiotherapy Clinic dedicated to providing the most up-to-date practices in physio therapy. We seerve the residents of Newmarket and the greater York Region. For our patients, we provide custom individualized treatment plans.  Contact us today to learn more and to schedule an appointment.