Millions of people in the United States suffer from concussions each year! Despite being a well-known and common injury, many people still don’t know the safest and most effective way to recover. Follow along as we discuss concussions, the outdated method of treatment, and the new and improved concussion protocol to achieve the best recovery outcomes.
What Is A Concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain moves rapidly inside the skull. This can result from a jolt, impact, fall, or other forceful motion. Concussions can cause a wide range of symptoms. Some people experience headaches, while others suffer from dizziness, nausea, balance issues, fatigue, memory problems, or difficulty concentrating. Although concussions are often associated with sports injuries, they can happen to anyone—from falls and car accidents to any direct impact on the head.
The OLD Method For Treating Concussions
For years, the standard concussion recovery method involved strict rest, staying in a dark, quiet room, and avoiding all physical and mental activity until symptoms subsided. However, new research has shown that this approach can actually prolong recovery, increase feelings of isolation, and lead to a lack of healthy activity, ultimately slowing the healing process.
The NEW Concussion Protocol
Recent medical research has shown that a more active recovery approach is safer, more effective, and helps individuals return to daily activities more quickly. Instead of complete rest, the updated concussion protocol includes:
- Gradual movement – Participating in light physical activity as tolerated, such as walking or stretching, until symptoms appear.
- Symptom-guided rest – Taking breaks when symptoms flare up but not avoiding activity altogether.
- Cognitive activity – Slowly reintroducing reading, puzzles, word searches, and work/school tasks based on symptom tolerance.
- Balance and coordination exercises – Engaging in light balance and coordination exercises to help the body and brain heal together.
- Exposure to stimuli – Gradually reintroducing normal environmental stimuli like natural light and soft noise.
Engaging in light activity increases circulation, improving blood flow to the brain. With enhanced blood flow, the brain can recover faster, reducing symptoms and promoting overall brain function.
Physical Therapy For Concussion Recovery
If you experience a concussion, physical therapy plays a crucial role in the new concussion rehabilitation protocol. Rather than waiting for symptoms to subside on their own, a skilled physical therapist can develop a personalized recovery plan that includes:
- Vestibular therapy – Exercises to improve coordination and balance, reducing instability and dizziness.
- Oculomotor training – Techniques to enhance eye tracking and focus, addressing visual symptoms.
- Cervical spine treatment – Therapy to relieve neck pain and stiffness often associated with concussions.
- Guided return to activity – Physical therapists help patients safely reintroduce exercise, movement, and daily activities without worsening symptoms.
- Headache management – Targeted exercises, manual therapy, and posture correction to relieve tension headaches and migraines.
Your customized treatment plan depends on the symptoms you experience. Someone with dizziness will have different rehab exercises than someone struggling with concentration or memory issues. At Midland Sports Rehab and Freeland Sports Rehab in Midland, Freeland, and Saginaw, MI, our physical therapists will create a tailored plan to help you recover as effectively as possible.
Conclusion
If you or someone you know is suffering from a concussion, physical therapy can help! A personalized treatment plan can speed up recovery, reduce symptoms, and help you return to daily life faster. The days of resting in a completely dark, silent room are over—active, symptom-guided rehabilitation promotes faster, more effective healing with better long-term outcomes.
At Midland Sports Rehab and Freeland Sports Rehab in Midland, Freeland, and Saginaw MI, our expert physical therapists are here to guide you through a safe and effective concussion recovery. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward a full recovery using the new concussion protocol!