Post-Concussion Dizziness: An Integrated Approach to Treatment and Recovery
Concussion injuries can trigger a multitude of symptoms, each unique and complex in its own right. The severity of these symptoms can vary considerably, ranging from barely noticeable to exceptionally…
A Look at the Eyes: Assessing Vision In Concussion Patients
The Visual System: More Than Meets the Eye The visual system is one of the most complex of the human body’s systems. It begins with two simple organs—the eyes—but its…
Assessing Smooth Pursuit Eye Movements Following a Concussion
What are Smooth Pursuit Eye Movements? Smooth pursuit eye movements are an essential aspect of vision and our ability to track moving objects traveling less than 30 degrees/sec. When we…
In Focus: Assessing Visual Accommodation After Concussion
What is Accommodation? Accommodation is the process through which the eyes change focus in order to adjust for an object’s distance from the viewer. This is done through a combination…
Using graded exercise therapy and manual therapy in concussion recovery may be contrary to the “old way” of dealing with a concussion injury. Traditionally, patients were told to rest after a concussion. We all have a friend, family member or teammate who was told to hide out in a dark room and avoid all social contact, light and noise. They were told to wait until their symptoms to go away.
But, is this really all you can or should do?
Absolutely not.
An initial period of 24 to 48 hours of relative physical and cognitive rest is recommended immediately after a concussion.1 But, there are many studies that support progressive return to activity strategies – including return to learn, work and play. In most cases, manual therapy (i.e., hands on treatment of the neck) is also an important part of effective concussion management.
If a patient has been resting for more than a week and still has significant symptoms, it’s time to get help from a licensed healthcare practitioner with training in concussion management.
How can exercise therapy help?
A closely monitored active rehabilitation program, including controlled, sub-symptom-threshold, submaximal exercise is considered safe and may be beneficial to support recovery.1
Many studies show reduced blood flow in the early stages after a concussion, which may continue for some time after the injury.2,3,4 This may be why patients feel better when completely resting, but experience symptoms when they become physically or mentally active. Getting up, walking around, going to work, scrolling an iPad or reading a book can increase symptoms and make them feel worse following a period of rest.
The way the body and brain distributes blood after a concussion may be impaired. The blood is not going to the right places. Therefore, a specific, graded and guided exercise program can help to improve blood flow in the brain. This program has been proven to reduce concussion symptoms such as dizziness, headaches or confusion, for example.5,6,7
Having the exercise program supervised by a licensed healthcare practitioner is critical. A healthcare practitioner with training in concussion and exercise therapy can help to establish benchmarks, set points and develop a tailored approach for each patient.
What about manual therapy?
Injury or dysfunction of the neck can have the same symptoms of a concussion. Dizziness, headaches, balance problems, nausea, visual and hearing disturbances, brain blood flow issues, and reduced mental function are associated with both concussion and neck injuries, such as whiplash.8
Having a patient undergo a thorough neck examination by a licensed healthcare practitioner can help to address any underlying neck problems that may be contributing to symptoms. Importantly, many of these symptoms can be treated with manual or physical therapy of the neck by a physiotherapist, chiropractor, or other licensed healthcare professional.
For more information about exercise therapy or manual therapy following a concussion, visit our website to find a clinic near you.
Complete Concussions specializes in collaborative, evidence-based concussion care. Our evidence-based training programs and integrated healthcare technologies empower multidisciplinary teams to implement standardized care for those impacted by concussions.
Our network and patient database enables large-scale research to advance concussion management, and ultimately, the long-term health and well-being of concussion patients and also teach them some concussion care at home.
We analyze leading research to develop best-in-class approaches to concussion care.