Concussion Therapy
Dealing with neck pain or headaches after having a concussion?
Our PT concussion program incorporates various treatment techniques to help you get out of pain and back to functioning.
Understanding Concussions & the Importance of Proper Recovery
A concussion is the most common form of traumatic brain injury (TBI), caused by an impact or blow to the head. It disrupts brain activity and can lead to a range of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties.
One of the greatest dangers of concussions is returning to activity too soon—especially if the brain hasn’t fully healed. Repeated concussions, particularly those occurring in close succession, can lead to serious long-term consequences or even be fatal.
To prevent this, organizations like the CDC, NFL, and other sports leagues have developed concussion protocols—structured guidelines for evaluation, treatment, and return to activity. These protocols help ensure that individuals recover safely, following a step-by-step process that prioritizes brain health.
⚠️ If you or someone you know experiences a concussion, rest and proper management are key! Seek medical guidance and follow recommended recovery protocols to prevent long-term damage.
What To Do After A Concussion
CDC Guidelines for Treatment
The CDC’s concussion protocol details a gradual timeline for return to normal activities, school, and athletics. Progress is monitored at every stage, with doctors clearing patients for more activity once they’re certain it’s safe. For athletes, it can be broken into six stages, following an initial rest period of 28 to 72 hours: Your PT will help guide activity progression within each stage.
Rest and return to limited activity: Ensuring adequate rest and avoiding exertion is the first stage. Once you’re clear to return to school or work, screen time should be limited. The aim is to return to physical activities that aren’t risky, such as short, 10-minute walks.
Light aerobic exercise: Once light activity is reincorporated and symptoms subside further, the aim is to do exercise to boost heart rate. This might mean walking, swimming, or using a stationary bicycle for 20 minutes at 70% of your maximum heart rate.
Sport-specific exercise: Gradually, exercises associated with the specific source are reintroduced. This might mean noncontact activities like running sprints or doing skating drills.
Noncontact drills: Once it’s safe to do so, athletes begin to engage in more strenuous drills and start strengthening and resistance training.
Full-contact practice: Before being allowed to return to competition, with the doctor’s OK, the athlete takes part in full-contact training and practice and is carefully monitored after each practice.
Return to play: As long as there are no symptoms or issues following practice and a final evaluation, the athlete is cleared for competition.
Our Therapists at Advance Physical Therapy are ready
to help you get back to your activity
