Concussion Therapy

Our physical therapists through the Brain & Balance Care program specialize in concussion management and will examine neurologic, orthopedic and cardiovascular systems in order to create a plan of care that is individual to every patient. We administer ImPACT testing, help patients make activity modifications in order to return to school or work and assist in the return to sport process. Symptoms are often vague but include visual motion sensitivity, dizziness, headaches, neck pain, sleep impairments, and difficulties with memory.
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What is a concussion?
A concussion is a brain injury in which trauma to the head results in a temporary disruption of normal brain function. This can occur with a direct or indirect force.

• You don’t have to lose consciousness to suffer a concussion
• You don’t even have to hit your head to sustain a concussion. It can occur from a whiplash type acceleration/deceleration injury
• An athlete should not return to sports while still experiencing symptoms of a concussion, as they are at risk for prolonging symptoms and further injury
• You should NOT sit in a dark room until your symptoms are better. A physical therapist can help walk you through “relative rest.”

What are symptoms of a concussion?

• Headache       
• Difficulty concentrating
• Easily confused
• Difficulty with memory
• Mood changes (irritability, anxious, sad)
• Slowed thought processes
• Nausea lack of energy, fatigue
• Dizziness, poor balance, lightheadedness
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Poor sleep

What can physical therapy do to treat a concussion?
Your physical therapist can help determine an individual program for your specific concussion. We can guide you through activity modifications to help get you back to school or work with minimal symptoms. Additionally, we can directly treat dizziness, headache, neck pain and balance impairments. 

How long do symptoms last?
80% of people who sustain a concussion will feel better within 3 weeks. Physical therapy can help speed that process up and make sure you don’t have any underlying impairments that could set you up for an additional concussion. For those who’s symptoms last longer than 3 weeks, symptoms can last months but physical therapy can address the specific impairments to improve/eliminate symptoms.