Physical Therapy Guide to Concussion

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can have long-term consequences on the brain tissue and alter the brain’s chemical balance. A concussion can induce both short- and long-term physical, cognitive, and behavioural symptoms and issues. Health care practitioners consider every concussion to be a serious injury. If you have suffered a head injury, schedule an appointment at a concussion clinic in Calgary.

A physiotherapist can evaluate your symptoms to see if you have a concussion and then treat your condition by leading you through a safe and customized recovery programme. They are movement experts. They can improve the quality of life by employing hands-on techniques, awareness, and prescribed movements.

Defining the concussion.

A concussion is brain damage caused by severe shaking of the head. The injury can occur as a result of rapid movement changes (whiplash) or a direct strike to the head. This shaking or pounding of the head causes harm to any part of the brain, causing immediate or delayed alterations in the chemistry and function of the brain. A loss of consciousness occurs in less than ten percent of concussions. Depending on which part of the brain is injured, many distinct temporary or permanent difficulties with brain function can emerge.

A concussion can happen at any age, from multiple causes, including;

–      Playground accidents like falling from a swing or slide.

–      Falls can lead to concussions.

–      Work accidents like head trauma, falls etc.

–      Sports injury to the neck or head.

–      Violent accidents such as a direct blow to the face, head, or back, domestic violence, assaults, blast or explosion etc.

Concussion recovery can take weeks, months, or even years, depending on various circumstances, including the severity of the damage and the age of the individual afflicted.

Other injuries, such as those to the neck and adjacent tissues, may accompany concussion and should be treated by a certified physiotherapist. More significant brain injuries, such as bruising, bleeding, or rupture, may occur and necessitate emergency medical attention from a physician, such as a neurosurgeon.

How does it feel when you are suffering from a concussion?

A concussion is a type of brain injury, and those who have had one often can’t articulate how they feel afterward. As a result, working with a physiotherapist who gets to know you, your family, colleagues, or co-workers who might notice any changes in you is critical.

Symptoms of concussion.

Concussion has a wide range of symptoms that can damage your physical, emotional, and mental health. Some symptoms appear right away, others a few hours later, yet others appear months or years after a concussion.

It is critical to seek concussion treatment in Calgary quickly after sustaining a head injury. Immediate and effective treatment from health care specialists, such as a physical therapist, can reduce the risk of death or lasting brain damage from a concussion. Only health care professionals have the skills and training to recognize concussions among the myriad of symptoms that might arise after a head injury.

Common symptoms of a concussion;

–      Dizziness.

–      Blurred or double vision.

–      Slurred speech.

–      Difficulty sleeping.

–      Headaches.

–      Fatigue.

–      Imbalance and difficulty in coordination.

–      Glassy-eyed stare.

–      Seizures.

–      Vomiting and nausea.

–      Sensitivity to light and sound.

Other than that, one might even experience cognitive, emotional, and long-term symptoms of the concussion.

Some concussion symptoms do not go away as quickly as they should. Further testing and treatment by a team of health care experts, including a physiotherapist, may be necessary.

How can physiotherapy help in treating concussions?

Physiotherapists can assess and treat various concussion-related issues. Because no two concussions are identical, a physiotherapist will analyze your neurological, orthopedic, and cardiovascular systems to determine the optimal treatment plan for your symptoms and needs in all of your everyday situations.

Treatment might include;

Rest and recovery.

After a concussion, your physiotherapist will explain to you and your family why you should limit any activity (daily tasks, work, school etc.) until it is safe to resume these activities. Rest allows the brain to repair and symptoms to disappear as rapidly as possible. The massage therapist in Calgary will recommend the most effective rest and recovery programme for your situation.

Strength and endurance.

Muscle weakness and decreased endurance might occur as a result of the physical and mental recuperation post-concussion. When the time comes, your physiotherapist can help you rebuild your strength and endurance without exacerbating your concussion symptoms with the help of exercises.

Improves balance.

If you’re going through dizziness or imbalance after a concussion, vestibular physical therapy can assist. It comprises the inner ear and its links to the brain, aids with balance and dizziness prevention. By using particular treatments or specialized exercises, a competent vestibular physical therapist may be able to help you get rid of the pain.

Concussion. 

Your physiotherapist will help you get back to normal activities as your symptoms improve gradually and you can regain your normal strength and endurance without symptoms reappearing.