Concussion Management
Physical therapy programs for concussion often build in vestibular therapy, which helps you orient yourself during periods of lightheadedness or loss of balance. Exercises such as fixing your gaze at a certain point in the distance, or using simple movements to stabilize your core and limbs, are invaluable during such moments.
Symptoms of concussion can be quite varied, depending on the nature of your injury, as well as your age and gender. Some problems for which people seek physical therapy for concussions include:
How can FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers Help?
Our FYZICAL therapists are specialized in evaluating and treating many problems related to concussion. Because no two concussions are the same, your therapist will examine your neurological, orthopedic, and cardiovascular systems in order to best prescribe a routine to individually address your particular symptoms and needs in your daily environments
Rest & recovery. First and foremost, your therapist will educate you and your family to understand why you should limit activity after a concussion and let you know when it is safe to return to these activities. Limitation of the following activities include; daily tasks, work duties, school, sports and/or recreational activities and the use of electronics. A period of rest helps is essential for the brain heal and also helps to alleviate symptoms up as soon as possible. Your therapist will prescribe a rest and recovery program most appropriate for your condition.
Restoring strength & endurance. The natural fatigue and required resting that early concussion recovery entails often results in weakened muscles and lowered endurance. To combat that, your physical therapist at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers will customize a strength-building program for you, as well as guide you through aerobic moves that help you regain that endurance.
Improving dizziness & balance. Vestibular therapy will be prescribed if you have dizziness or impaired balance following a concussion. The vestibular system, which includes the inner ear and its connections with the brain, aids in maintaining your balance and preventing dizziness symptoms. Your therapist will work on reducing or eliminating your dizziness and improving your balance through utilization of our proprietary balance paradigm consisting of an evidence-based approach to treatment. Our progressive framework provides each patient with a clear direction in therapy, specific to their sensory mismatch.
Reducing headaches. Your therapist will also assess and treat the many possible causes of your headaches. Individualized treatments include strength and range of motion exercises, posture awereness and correction exercises, eye exercises, hands-on techniques like massage and manual stretching and the use of modalities such as electrical stimulation, heat or ice therapy or ultrasound.
Returning to normal activity or sport. It is extremely important to avoid overloading the brain and nervous system when beginning to return to your previous level of activity as this can interfere with the healing process and increase the chances of your symptoms returning. Therefore, your therapist will assist you in returning to your normal life and sport/recreational activities in the quickest and safest way possible.