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A concussion is a mild traumatic injury that affects the brain. It occurs due to a direct blow to the head with a sudden, powerful mechanical force. You may not realize but this condition is far more common than you think. At least 160,000 Canadians suffer a brain injury that leads to concussions every year. Physiotherapists play an integral role in concussion along with other healthcare providers such as occupational therapists, physicians, optometrists, etc. Let’s take a detailed look at how physiotherapists help treat concussions.
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Concussion affects the functionality of the brain and not the structure. So, the signs of concussion fall into four categories- thinking, physical, emotional and sleep.
You need a professional’s help if you can relate to more than the signs mentioned above after suffering a huge blow to the head. Physiotherapy, however, is the most effective when you have signs like neck pain, headaches and dizziness.
Physiotherapists acquire the skill and knowledge to assess concussion signs, diagnose the condition and help the patient return to normal life as quickly as possible. There are three stages of physiotherapy concussion management as described below.
Both the patient and the physiotherapist first need to confirm if what you have is a concussion after all. So, they use either of the two screening tools to come to a final conclusion.
The VOMS serves as the primary clinical screen for concussion among adults with sports injuries and under 49 years old. SCAT3 is mostly preferred for detecting concussions in 13-year-olds and older.
It is crucial to assess the signs to determine which physiotherapy methods would be most effective in treating concussions. Physiotherapists consider the following factors while assessing the symptoms.
The purpose of assessing these factors is to detect if the condition affects the patient’s mood and sleep. In some cases, your therapist may recommend occupational therapy based on your signs.
The physiotherapist runs a series of physiotherapy tests to assess the severity of your symptoms. Also, the results of the physical tests help them prepare an effective treatment plan for the individual.
Here are some examples of tests and the symptom it assesses:
The assessment methods uncover the exact location, risk factors and severity of your injuries. The therapist recommends the best physiotherapy interventions accordingly to boost your recovery.
Finally, the physiotherapist explains every stage of the treatment to you before the sessions start. The common areas of treatment in concussion management include:
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Adolescents and young adults with vestibular issues after a concussion can benefit from this treatment. It includes manual therapies, neuromotor retraining and sensorimotor retraining.
The treatment methods here include soft tissue therapy, manual therapy, neuromotor retraining and sensorimotor retraining.
Specific aerobic exercises not only treat concussion symptoms but also promote fitness and autonomic function. The physical therapist usually guides you through a treadmill or exercise bicycle to get your muscles moving again.
Physiotherapy treatments are primarily based on assessment findings and individual symptoms. The physiotherapist may change the methods depending on your progress.
Concussion is a complex pathophysiological condition which takes a toll on your brain’s functionality. Thus, you may feel dizzy, confused or hard to remember things after the injury. Physiotherapy is highly effective when it comes to treating concussions for long-term recovery. If you are in Abbotsford and experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, consult with our team at Legend Physiotherapy.
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