Do You Want Your Concussion Recovery To Last 3 Weeks or 3 Months?
What you do immediately after sustaining a concussion determines how quickly you heal.
We have all seen “the hit.” We are watching a sporting event on TV, in the stands, or even for our child, and there is a collision that causes a collective groan to ripple throughout the stadium. The player looks dazed. They place their hands on their head, blinking and shaking their head like an Etch-a-Sketch while rising to their feet as if to shake off what just happened. Everyone is thinking the same thing: “did they just get a concussion?” This player is now at a crossroads: Do they continue playing? Or do they put their brain health first?
Let’s explore the paths this player could go down:
Let’s go over the steps in detail so you can maximize your concussion healing time!
1) Seek A Healthcare Provider Immediately
After sustaining a concussion, the most crucial step you can take is to seek immediate medical attention. If you are playing a sport, STOP! Come off the field and get a sideline assessment by a qualified provider. Research shows that immediate removal from activity is associated with shorter recovery time.
Plan to schedule an assessment with a concussion specialist for further evaluation. Consulting a healthcare provider promptly can significantly shorten your recovery time. Conversely, delaying your visit to a healthcare professional can prolong your recovery and increase the risk of complications.
This study found athletes who sought care within the first 7 days of injury were associated with earlier recovery times compared to athletes who sought care between 8-21 days after injury. Early intervention = being back in the game sooner
2) Immediate Steps to Aid Healing
While waiting to see a healthcare provider, there are several things you can do to support your concussion recovery:
- Rest: Give your brain the break it needs. Aim for 24-48 hours of complete rest, avoiding strenuous physical and cognitive activities.
- Ice: Apply ice packs to the back of neck or center of the chest for 2-5 minutes to alleviate symptoms of nausea or dizziness (BONUS: it can also help with insomnia!)
- Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support brain health. Limit sugar intake (especially sugary drinks!) to decrease inflammation.
- Sleep: Ensure you get plenty of sleep, as it is crucial for brain recovery. When you wake up, try to be in sunlight for at least 5 minutes to reset your circadian rhythm
- Gradual Return to Activities: After the initial rest period and consultation with a concussion specialist, slowly reintroduce daily activities under guidance of your healthcare team, paying close attention to how your body responds. Avoid rushing back into strenuous activities too quickly.
3) Concussion Rehabilitation with a Trained Physical Therapist
Physical therapy concussion specialists play a vital role in your recovery journey. These professionals are trained to:
- Conduct thorough assessments: PT specialists evaluate your symptoms and functional limitations to develop a personalized treatment plan to get you back to your sport or work.
- Manage symptoms: They provide targeted therapies to address issues such as dizziness, balance problems, and neck pain that often accompany concussions.
- Guide safe return to activities: PT specialists create structured, progressive exercise programs that help you gradually return to your sport or daily activities safely.
- Educate and support: They offer education on concussion management, bust myths surrounding concussions, and empower you to make informed decisions about your health.
A new school year means a new sports season! While getting injured is never fun, following these guidelines and working closely with healthcare and PT concussion specialists can help you get your head back in the game!
Stay informed, take immediate action, and trust the process for a smooth recovery journey.
