Is Physiotherapy Essential for Post-Concussion Recovery?

Concussions: Causes and Symptoms

A concussion is a brain injury caused by an impact on the head. When the brain is jolted, it can temporarily impair brain function. Common causes of concussions may include sports injuries, falls, workplace incidents, and physical assaults. Symptoms of a concussion may vary based on the severity of the injury.

How Physiotherapy Helps in Post-Concussion Recovery

Post-concussion recovery is multifaceted, requiring a blend of rest, rehabilitation, and gradual reintroduction to activities. We focus on concussion physiotherapy in Spruce Grove to address each patient’s unique needs, helping to alleviate symptoms and improve overall function.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is a crucial component in addressing post-concussion symptoms, particularly those related to balance, dizziness, and coordination. Concussions can disrupt the vestibular system, vital in maintaining balance and spatial orientation. If you’re dealing with dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues following a concussion, VRT is essential for retraining both the brain and the inner ear. Our physiotherapists focus on exercises that target gaze stabilization, eye-head coordination, and balance retraining. For instance, gaze stabilization exercises involve focusing on a stationary target while moving your head from side to side, which enhances visual control and balance. 

Manual Therapy for Neck Pain and Tension

Manual therapy is another vital technique used to manage neck pain and tension that often accompanies a concussion, especially if the injury involves whiplash-like motion. Our physiotherapists apply manual therapy techniques to alleviate tightness, improve neck mobility, and reduce associated headaches. Techniques include gentle joint mobilizations and soft tissue work on the neck and upper back to relieve pain and tension. Additionally, stretching exercises enhance the range of motion and relax tight muscles. This hands-on approach helps ease discomfort and minimizes the risk of ongoing neck issues that could complicate your recovery.

Therapeutic Exercises for Strength and Endurance

Therapeutic exercises are designed to address physical deconditioning that often follows a concussion due to necessary rest periods. Once your symptoms are under control, we create a customized exercise program to help you gain strength, endurance, and coordination without worsening your symptoms. Our approach includes introducing low-impact activities such as stationary cycling, walking, or swimming to recondition your body gradually. Strength exercises focus on core stability and functional movement patterns, including planks, glute bridges, and bodyweight squats. We closely monitor your progress so as not to overexert yourself, adjusting the program as needed based on your recovery.

Cognitive and Visual Exercises

Cognitive and visual exercises are integrated into your treatment plan to address the cognitive impairments often caused by concussions. Issues with concentration, memory, and processing speed are common, and our physiotherapists use specific exercises to improve mental clarity and reduce symptoms like brain fog. These exercises include memory games and puzzles that challenge your brain, visual tracking exercises that enhance focus and reduce eye strain, and coordination drills that improve cognitive and motor function. Incorporating these exercises into your recovery plan is crucial for returning to normal activities with better cognitive control and fewer symptoms.

Gradual Return to Activity Program

A gradual return to activity is a fundamental aspect of post-concussion care. Our physiotherapists will guide you through a step-by-step process to ensure you safely resume daily tasks, work, or sports without risking a relapse of symptoms. We start with light, non-strenuous activities and progressively move to more demanding tasks as our symptoms decrease. By monitoring your progress at each stage, we ensure you’re not pushing yourself too hard, which helps prevent post-concussion syndrome or extended recovery times. This individualized approach is designed to help you regain strength and confidence while minimizing the risk of reinjury or setbacks.

Reclaim Your Life with Physiotherapy for Post-Concussion Recovery

Recovering from a severe concussion is a delicate process that requires professional guidance and a structured treatment plan. At Sunrise Physiotherapy, we offer physiotherapy for concussions tailored to your needs, addressing both the physical and cognitive aspects of recovery. 

Don’t let symptoms of concussion hold you back any longer. Our expert physiotherapists at Sunrise Physiotherapy are here to help you navigate your recovery and regain control of your life. Contact us for a consultation today, and let us guide you toward concussion relief.