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The Need for Physiotherapy During a Concussion Injury

Fri Jul 8

A concussion is a regenerative injury where the neck and upper back discomfort patients may also complain of dizziness and balance issues. Here, physiotherapy may come to the rescue as physiotherapists in Calgary can help begin the rehabilitation process. Physical therapists may also treat concussion-related visual dysfunctions in the early stages of recovery.

There are multiple possible causes of symptoms, which a physiotherapist may distinguish after doing a comprehensive concussion examination that includes several concussion tests. You would next begin implementing your treatment plan for concussion care by focusing on specific symptoms.

Balance/dizziness rehabilitation

Concussion sufferers can benefit from the services of physical therapists trained in vestibular rehabilitation. Dizziness, vertigo (room-spinning), disequilibrium (off-balance, nausea), and visual impairment are all symptoms of impaired vestibular functioning. These physical therapists can provide exercises and methods to help your vestibular system adjust and return to normal functioning after a complete assessment.

Treadmill test and individualized aerobic exercise program

The Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test, a graded exercise assessment, may be administered by physical therapists well-versed in the concussion literature. Using a customized treadmill test, doctors may establish the maximum amount of effort patients can tolerate before their symptoms begin to deteriorate. Physiotherapists use such information where an individual aerobic exercise regimen is assigned.

How can Physiotherapists Help Patients with Concussion?

Your physiotherapist implements your treatment plan based on an in-depth examination of your concussion, including a series of tests to evaluate your symptoms. After this has been determined, the care of a concussion will concentrate on your specific symptoms.

Baseline testing

The best way to diagnose a concussion or assess whether a concussion has completely healed is to do a baseline test. Before suffering a concussion, a pre-concussion test should be administered to the athlete while they are fully healthy. As a starting point, baseline data contains measurements of an athlete’s mental and physical abilities. 

Athletes may then repeat these measurements to evaluate whether they are still experiencing concussion symptoms or have completely recovered. When an athlete’s baseline data is available, it removes the guesswork from the return-to-play decision.

Cervical Spine Issues

Neck or spine problems caused by a concussion are discussed here. 

• Work on your neck muscles. 

• Joint mobility may be improved with manual therapy. 

• Myofascial Release Techniques to ensure that the soft tissue around it is well mobile.

Vestibular issues

This term describes dizziness and poor balance caused by issues with the vestibular system. 

• Canalith Repositioning.

• Maneuver to transfer ear crystals to a place in your inner ear that helps ease dizziness.

• Balance Training.

Visual disturbances

This refers to problems with eyesight or sight after a concussion. 

• Training of the Ocular Reflex to enhance visual-motor control 

• Reduction of Visual Disturbances

Exertion issues

This is about how a head injury can cause problems with exertion. 

• Exercise Prescriptions are individually designed exercises to help people move better.

Rest and recovery

Your physiotherapist will recommend the appropriate rest and recovery regimen based on your specific situation. Rest is critical to your recovery since it promotes brain healing and reduces the severity of your symptoms. You should keep an eye on your limitations and take your time returning to your normal routine after a period of recovery.

Restoring strength and endurance

Your physiotherapist will assist you in gradually recovering your strength and endurance while monitoring your symptoms. As a consequence of rest, your muscle activity and endurance may decline; thus, it is essential to strengthening these qualities as quickly as possible.

Stopping dizziness and improving balance

Dizziness, vertigo, and trouble keeping one’s balance are all treatable with vestibular physiotherapy. Your physiotherapist will provide you with unique treatments and exercises to assist in alleviating the symptoms of your vestibular system. 

Reducing headaches

Physiotherapy treatments and exercises will be prescribed depending on your physiotherapist’s likely causes of your headaches. Stretching, range-of-motion exercises, eye exercises, specialist massages, and electrical stimulation are all possible therapeutic options.

Returning to normal activity or sport

Your physiotherapist’s primary objective is to assist you in returning to your regular life as quickly and safely as possible. Your physiotherapist will serve as your guide to assist you in gradually returning to your usual activities without aggravating your symptoms. This is accomplished in a way that is thoughtful and tailored to your daily routine.

Conclusion: Incorporating Physical Therapy Into Your Rehabilitation

See whether physical therapy is an option for you and your specific issues. Physical therapy may be unfamiliar to your primary care physician or other healthcare experts, such as a neurologist. The concussion clinic in Calgary can help you with the right physical therapy, which may provide you with customized treatment to alleviate your pain. 

People who care about your rehabilitation will help you get your life back on track, even if it’s difficult to see or detect. Physiotherapists who are appropriately educated in designing patient-centered outcomes are included in this group of people.