Post-Concussion Syndrome And Physiotherapy
Concussions are a common form of head injury that can have long-lasting effects on your physical and psychological health. While most concussions heal on their own through sufficient amounts of rest, like any muscle, you can work it to increase strength and optimize rehabilitation.
What Is A Concussion?
Concussions can vary from a mild to severe form of traumatic brain injury caused by an indirect or direct impact to the head and/or neck. The mechanism of injury is typically through falling, extreme shaking/jostling (i.e. contact sports like hockey), and whiplash. When the head experiences impact, the brain can bounce around or twist in the skull, which can be damaging to the brain cells and create chemical imbalances.
As concussions cause not only physical but chemical changes too, concussions create physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms that can be short or long-term. Some signs and symptoms of a concussion include:
- Headache
- Neck pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Fatigue
- Ringing in the ears
- Loss of consciousness
- Poor concentration
- Moodiness and anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
- Behavioural shifts
- Memory loss
While these symptoms are common in the first few days to weeks of a concussion, depending on the severity, not all symptoms resolve in the anticipated time frame. This is when you may be experiencing post-concussion syndrome.
What Is Post-Concussion Syndrome?
This term applies to cases where the symptoms of a concussion persist for weeks or months after the initial injury. If you have lingering symptoms such as headaches, light sensitivity, dizziness, etc., you must address them with a proper treatment plan.
Since concussion recovery time is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, you should seek a medical professional to assess your progress. Your Physiotherapist will ask you a variety of questions to develop a clear understanding of your injury. This starts with identifying symptoms and detecting associated complications, such as testing your strength, coordination, cognition, vision, smell, hearing, and memory. This information is essential to record your improvement and design a personalized treatment plan for your goals and needs.
The Role Of Physiotherapy In Concussion Recovery
Irritants such as bright lights, loud noises, and strong scents that can cause unnecessary discomfort are minimized. Private rooms will be offered if possible. We also suggest times when the Clinic will be the quietest as far as staff and other patients.
Along with an optimal setting, your Physiotherapist will strategize a treatment plan to target your injury. Some important forms of treatment for concussions are:
- Rest and Recovery
To allow your brain to heal safely, you’ll first be prescribed an adequate amount of rest. This includes limited physical activity and brain stimulation; therefore, you should avoid exercise, music, screens, and socializing until medical approval is permitted. Depending on the severity of the injury, this could last between three days to several weeks.
- Reduce Pain
Concussions come with uncomfortable head and neck pain. To minimize discomfort, your Physiotherapist may prescribe specific stretches and treatments to reduce headaches and other symptoms. Other treatments such as acupuncture, dry needling, cupping, TENS, ultrasound and eye exercises, and neck stability and strengthening exercises can assist with reducing tension and pain.
- Restore Function
As concussions require a large amount of rest, you may experience overall body weakness and fatigue. To address this, your Physiotherapist will provide a selection of low-movement stretches and exercises to gradually restore your strength and endurance.
- Return to Normal Life
For a full recovery, it is essential to prioritize a gradual return to your normal level of activity and lifestyle. Jumping back into certain activities too quickly can exacerbate your injury and increase your risk of further complications. As concussions become much more severe with reinjury, it’s crucial to receive medical approval before returning safely to your pre-concussion lifestyle.
Key Physiotherapy Treatments For Concussion Recovery
Cervical Spine Treatment
If the neck or spine has been affected by the concussion or injury, physio in Winnipeg can help with the following:
- Manual therapy to ensure the joints are moving well
- Manual traction to decompress the spine
- Soft tissue release and stretching techniques to ensure good mobility of the surrounding soft tissue (muscles, ligaments, etc.)
- Strengthening of neck muscles. It is very important to strengthen your neck post-injury. This will help to prevent future injuries and ensure you can maintain a neutral position or ideal posture of your neck when performing activities of daily living (work, home, leisure, sport, and even sleep!).
Gradual Return To Exercise
Chin Tuck
- Lie on the floor with a rolled-up hand towel under your neck. Your head should be touching the floor.
- Slowly, bring your chin toward your chest.
- Hold for a count of 5 seconds, and then relax for up to 10 seconds.
- Repeat. Perform 2 sets of 10 repetitions daily.
Neck Rotation
- Sit in a firm chair or stand up straight. When your pain is very bad, you can do this on a bed without a pillow. It will be easier with more support and less active muscle use.
- Keeping your chin tucked down (as though you are trying to give yourself a double chin).
- Slowly turn your head to the right and hold for 5 seconds.
- Then, slowly turn your head to the left and hold for 5 seconds.
- Repeat 2 sets of 10 repetitions daily.
Why Choose Fit4Life Physio For Concussion Rehabilitation in Winnipeg?
We offer specialized physiotherapy for motor vehicle accident injuries, and we practice myofascial release, as well. Contact us today!