Concussion Physiotherapy
Concussion physiotherapy rehabilitates an individual’s function after they have sustained a concussion. There are 5 broad categories:
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Vestibular
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Visual
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Cognitive
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Heart rate variability
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Neck dysfunction
These functions are affected by the physiological changes that occur in your brain due to a concussion.
Just like any hip, knee or shoulder injury, physiotherapy focuses on improving the deficits of that function. For example, when someone is struggling to bend down or lunge due to knee pain, a physiotherapist will train proper squatting technique and recommend strengthening exercises. Concussion physiotherapists train your body too, they just focus on your functions that involve your brain instead. But because the brain is involved in so many things, your rehabilitation program involves many aspects too.
Concussion physiotherapists will break down the function you are struggling with, work on your limitations at an easier level and then slowly re-introduce you to the harder tasks and activities that were initially symptomatic. This is rehabilitation in a nut-shell for almost any condition.
Your physiotherapist will also work with other health professionals such as your GP, neurologist, opthamologist and your coach or support network as needed.
What is a concussion?
Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury in the absent of structural damage, caused from an indirect or direct blow to the head. Often it can occur in sports such as rugby, soccer and martial arts, however those in construction, military and sometimes even just day-to-day with overhead beams and falls can sustain a concussion. It’s affects can range from difficulty concentrating and completing cognitive tasks such as school or work, to difficulty exercising and challenges with balance.
Common symptoms include:
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Dizziness
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Headaches
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Pressure in the head
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Fogginess
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Difficulty concentrating
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Sleep disturbances
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Increased mood swings and irritability
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Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
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Sensitivity to lights, smells and loud sounds
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Fatigue
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Difficulty looking at a screen
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Difficulty with short term memory
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Neck pain and stiffness
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Double vision (diplopia)
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Reduction in peripheral vision and visual acuity
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Altered balance
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Nausea
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Not feeling right or feeling down
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Difficulty exercising
Not all symptoms occur right away either. Some can take days or weeks to emerge. Pushing yourself more than your brain and body can handle, often precipitates more symptoms so it’s important to work within your capabilities as your body heals.
