Concussion Recovery
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body that jars the brain. It’s common in contact sports like football, hockey, and soccer.
Common Symptoms
Headache or pressure in the head
Dizziness, balance problems, or blurred vision
Confusion, difficulty concentrating, or memory issues
Nausea or sensitivity to light/noise
Fatigue or sleep disturbances
Physical Therapist Diagnosis
PTs trained in concussion management evaluate balance, coordination, eye movements, neck function, and symptom response to activity. History and standardized concussion assessment tools guide diagnosis and recovery planning.
Why it Happens
Concussions result from direct or indirect impact to the head. Even without loss of consciousness, brain function is temporarily impaired.
Why it Doesn’t Always Heal on Its Own
Most concussions resolve within weeks, but some lead to persistent post-concussion symptoms if not properly managed. Returning to sport too soon increases the risk of more serious injury.
Ideal Physical Therapy Treatment
Rehab focuses on symptom management, restoring balance and coordination, and guiding safe return to play.
Key strategies include:
Activity modification and graded return-to-play progression
Vestibular and balance rehab for dizziness and coordination issues
Cervical spine manual therapy and dry needling if neck involvement contributes to symptoms
Oculomotor training for eye tracking and focus
Education for athletes, coaches, and families on safe progression
Expected Outcomes
Most athletes recover within 1–3 weeks, though some cases take longer. A structured rehab plan ensures safe return without setbacks.