The Role of Sports Therapy in Concussion Rehabilitation: Essential Steps for Recovery

There are around three million concussions each year. Concussion symptoms can be severe and continue for days, weeks, or even months, regardless of whether the cause was physical contact or sports. 

If you’ve had a concussion, discuss the benefits of sports therapy for rehabilitation with your doctor, or visit a sports therapy clinic.

What is Concussion

A hit to the head, a knock on the neck, a jolt, or another sudden movement to the body can result in a concussion, a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). You should visit a doctor if you believe you’ve suffered a concussion. A medical professional should assess your injury and keep track of your healing. 

After a concussion, it’s crucial to take some time to rest and let your brain recover. Before you resume your regular activities, a doctor must provide consent. A second concussion before the previous one has fully healed raises the risk of severe brain swelling and may even be deadly.

What are the Symptoms of Concussion

Concussion symptoms vary based on the individual and the injury. You can show symptoms immediately or not for several days or weeks after the incident. Throughout your rehabilitation, your symptoms could alter. Additionally, likely, you won’t pass out. 

Common signs of a concussion include:

• neck discomfort or headaches
• Nausea/vomiting
• consciousness loss
• (Ringing in the ears) Tinnitus
• sensitivity to noise and/or light 
• double or blurry vision
• being unsteady or clumsy 
• trouble sleeping
• Insomnia (fatigue, lack of energy)
• trouble focusing
• Feeling perplexed
• Unsteady speech
• more emotional or irritable

What is Sports Therapy

Sports therapy, commonly referred to as sports rehabilitation, is a medical field focusing on musculoskeletal injuries and disorders that impact athletes and physically active people. Sports therapists are trained medical practitioners that assist patients with injury recovery, performance enhancement, and problem prevention.

Sports therapy’s main objective is to assist individuals in regaining their peak physical condition following an injury or other setback. Sports therapists combine manual therapy, exercise prescription, and rehabilitation procedures to treat injuries and musculoskeletal abnormalities. They also work with physiotherapists, sports doctors, and strength and conditioning trainers to ensure that athletes receive comprehensive care.

What is the Role of Sports Therapy in Concussion Rehabilitation

Sports therapy is essential to the recovery of those who have experienced concussions. It is used in concussion rehabilitation to help patients get back to their pre-injury level of movement and function while guiding them safely through the healing process. The following are some crucial elements of sports therapy’s role in the recovery from concussions:

Baseline Testing and Evaluation

Sports therapists frequently carry out initial evaluations of the concussion’s severity and the scope of impairments. To compare pre-and post-injury performance, they may also conduct baseline testing (pre-injury evaluations of cognitive and physical function) to monitor progress.

Rest and Slowly Resume Activity

Rest is essential in the initial stages of concussion rehabilitation to promote brain healing. Based on the patient’s symptoms, sports therapists assist in creating a suitable rest and activity schedule, gradually restoring physical and mental activities once it is safe.

Symptom Control

A critical step in the recovery process is monitoring and treating concussion symptoms. Sports therapists advise patients on how to manage their symptoms and steer clear of activities that can make them worse.

Physical Activity and Therapy

Sports therapists may design specific exercise and rehabilitation programs to enhance coordination, balance, and proprioception, which can be impacted by a concussion after the acute phase of the injury has subsided.

Rehabilitation of the Vestibular

People who experience balance issues and dizziness after a concussion benefit from vestibular therapy. To rehabilitate the vestibular system and enhance balance, specialized exercises are required.

Cognitive Therapy

Sports therapists can use cognitive rehabilitation activities to address concerns, including memory, concentration, and problem-solving abilities. Cognitive deficiencies are typical following a concussion.

Guidance for Return to Play and Education

Athletes, coaches, and parents can benefit greatly from sports therapists’ knowledge regarding concussions, the healing process, and safe return-to-play guidelines. When it’s safe for someone to resume sports or other physical pursuits, they can offer advice.

Therapy for Vision

Concussions can impair visual function, resulting in problems with eye tracking and light sensitivity. The visual impairments may be addressed with vision treatment.

Psychological Assistance

It can be challenging to deal with a concussion’s aftereffects, which can cause emotional and psychological discomfort. Sports therapists may collaborate with clients to offer emotional support and handle any mental health problems that develop throughout the healing process.

Continued Evaluation

Sports therapists continue to assess the individual’s development throughout rehabilitation, changing the treatment plan when necessary based on their recovery course.

Every concussion is distinct, so treatment methods should be customized to the individual’s symptoms and requirements. The interrelated approach to concussion recovery may also involve other medical specialists in more severe instances, such as neurologists or neuropsychologists.

Consult a doctor immediately if you believe you have had a concussion. If your symptoms don’t go away within a fair amount of time or if physical therapy could help your symptoms, your doctor may advise concussion rehabilitation or physical therapy.

Make sure to visit licensed physical therapists if your doctor advises it to speed up your rehabilitation.