Our physical therapists recognize that no concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) are the same. Concussions are commonly caused by a car accident, a fall, severe shaking, a direct blow to the head, or sporting injury, and can severely impact a person’s quality of life for several months.
The severity of a traumatic brain injury can vary dramatically. While some concussions are indeed minor, and may not require physical therapy intervention, other brain injuries can have lifelong consequences.
Most concussion symptoms typically resolve within 7-10 days, however in some cases, patients may experience prolonged symptoms for weeks or months after injury. In the immediate hours and days following a traumatic brain injury, the best treatment option is to take it easy. Resting your brain means really turning off everything that will stimulate your mind and to simply relax. This means limiting television, reading, loud music, and avoiding physical exertion. If the symptoms of a concussion have not resolved within 3 weeks of injury, physical therapy is recommended. Seeking out concussion therapy early on can prevent long-term issues and help you experience a quicker return to normalcy.
The Benefits of Physical Therapy
Concussion therapy is a highly useful tool in supporting recovery from traumatic brain injury. Our physical therapists at COAST Rehab will perform a comprehensive initial evaluation, which includes a cervical spine screen, vestibular and oculomotor testing, and balance assessment. Physical therapy programs for concussion often include vestibular therapy, which helps you orient yourself during periods of lightheadedness or loss of balance. To encourage this your physical therapist will introduce you to specialized activities, including fixing your gaze at a certain point in the distance, or using simple movements to stabilize your core and limbs. With proper guidance these strategies can be incredibly helpful in improving quality of life as you recover from a concussion. Other interventions may include manual therapy for the cervical spine, balance/gait training, and a progressive exertional/aerobic exercise protocol. Our physical therapists will also design an individualized home based program to keep you focused on meeting your goals between PT sessions. Our physical therapists are also trained in implementing return to sport testing protocols for athletes when appropriate.
A concussion is not something you can ignore. Regardless of the perceived severity, following a brain injury it is incredibly important that you check in with a physician to ensure that there is no potential for lasting brain damage. If you or a loved one have experienced a concussion, Contact Us today at our Manasquan, Toms River, or Millstone physical therapy clinics to learn more about concussion treatment and therapy options.
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