A concussion is a mild brain injury caused by direct trauma, whiplash, or blast injury. Sudden brain movement can induce the rapid onset of different symptoms that may reduce the quality of life. Concussions are common in sport-related activities, falls, and motor vehicle accidents and they can happen to anyone regardless of age.
Post-concussion rehabilitation focuses on getting patients with a concussion back on their feet in the shortest and safest time possible.
What is Post-Concussion Rehabilitation?
For a long time, it was thought that the only way to resolve concussion symptoms was through rest. However, with advancements in traumatic brain injury treatments, it has been shown that prolonged rest often leads to deconditioning, mental health issues, and may even lengthen your recovery time.
Various studies have also proven that concussed patients can benefit from early post-concussion physical therapy interventions.
Post-concussion rehabilitation is a treatment program aimed at reducing post-concussion symptoms and improving activity tolerance for better quality of life. Through specific exercises and techniques like vestibular rehabilitation, manual therapy, and modalities, physical therapists focus on specific areas to treat post-concussion syndrome and help you improve your health so you can get back to school, work, or your favorite sport.
How Post-Concussion Rehabilitation Improves Your Health
Here are some of the benefits you can expect from post-concussion rehabilitation.
Regaining Balance
A concussion can cause serious dizziness and balance issues. Our body maintains balance and spatial awareness through the vestibular system which is found in your brain and inner ear. Understandably, the impact can cause alterations in the complex network of canals and organs. When the vestibular system is impaired, you may experience vertigo (the room spinning around you), or feel unsteady and lightheaded.
Through different vestibular-based habituation exercises, a therapist retrains the vestibular system to provide the brain with the right neurofeedback or proprioception (your body’s position in space), allowing you to regain balance and stability you need to get back to your daily routine safely.
Optimal Vision
Concussed patients may also experience mild to moderate vision problems including light sensitivity, blurred vision, double vision, gaze instability, and difficulty in tracking objects with the eyes. Post-concussion rehabilitation helps to stabilize your vision by retraining the eyes and the brain to correctly interpret motion. Early physical therapy interventions help to optimize visual function for a better quality of life.
Neck and Spine
The head, neck, and cervical spine work as one unit. When the head suffers an injury, the impact can extend to the neck or cervical spine. Additionally, when you’re about to take a hit on the head, the subconscious reaction is to cover the head which leaves the neck and spine exposed.
Through various physical therapy exercises like strength and stretching exercises, a therapist can help relax and strengthen the neck, treat any underlying injuries, and increase cervical range of motion for full recovery.
Contact Custom Rehab PT for Quality Post-Concussion Rehabilitation Services
If you’re struggling with any post-concussion syndrome symptoms, call Custom Rehab PT. We offer evidenced-based concussion treatment services that help you to make a full recovery and maintain good health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.