Say Goodbye to the Dark Room: Up-to-Date Strategies for Concussion Treatment

Concussions can have a major impact on an individual’s quality of life, but the right treatment plan can help reduce symptoms and maximize recovery. Concussion treatment commonly involves rest, management of physical and cognitive activities, and evaluation of blood flow, vision and balance systems. Treatment plans should be tailored to the needs of the patient, taking into account their symptoms and lifestyle. Concussion treatment can not only reduce symptoms, but it can also improve quality of life by helping individuals return to their previous levels of participation in recreational activities, work or school. When it comes to concussion treatment, proper individualized care is crucial for successful recovery.

If you or a loved one has suffered a concussion, you may be wondering what the best course of treatment is. There are many options available, but not all of them are equally effective. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the benefits of concussion treatment and how it can help improve your quality of life. With the right care, you can make a full recovery and get back to living your life to the fullest.

Unfortunately most emergency room and family physicians are not up to date on best practices for concussion. Oldschool strategies of absolute rest (the dreaded “dark room”), the wait-and-see approach, or rushing back to work or school, are NOT the answer!

The benefits of concussion treatment

Concussion treatment is an important part of long-term recovery and prevention of future injury. Concussions are highly traumatic and lingering impacts can result in long-term health problems. Concussion treatment helps to reduce both the physical and psychological symptoms, allowing individuals to return to a normal life faster than if they had ignored their symptoms or simply relied on traditional remedies.

Basic concussion treatment focuses on moving through stages of cognitive and physical rest, followed by gradually reintroducing activities at a tolerable level. Advanced treatment also addresses:

Improving cerebral blood flow with aerobic exercise at the proper heart rate
Training the eye muscles and balance/coordination with specific exercises
Treating the neck with manual therapy and/or needling techniques
Balancing the autonomic nervous system with specific practices to improve sleep, energy levels, and any emotional disturbances.

Concussion treatment is an invaluable step for anyone who has sustained a head injury, providing them with the best chance for full recovery.

Early treatment is important to ensure the best possible outcome

Early treatment is critical for the optimization of concussion care, as it offers the opportunity to develop a plan for recovery that will reduce symptoms, and prevent them from becoming chronic. Luckily you can see a concussion trained physiotherapist right away with very short wait times, and you do not require a doctor’s referral to get started.

Utilizing evidence-based concussion treatment strategies such as monitored exercise, visual and vestibular rehab, neck physiotherapy, dietary intervention, and nervous system regulation techniques are an effective way to minimize the adverse psychological and physical consequences associated with this common injury. Whether the concussion was from a fall, sports, or a car accident- delaying initial treatment can lead to extended recovery times and prevent individuals from reaching their best outcome possible.

To be as proactive as possible, getting a concussion baseline test BEFORE injury, or AFTER recovering from injury, will help to guide treatment if you were to get a concussion in the future.

There are a variety of treatment options available, so it's important to find one that's right for you

Concussions can be tricky to treat, which is why it’s so important to find the treatment option that works best for you. Concussion physiotherapy is often recommended, as a specialty-trained practitioner can help you permanently improve your symptoms and increase your tolerance for physical and mental exertion. Every concussion injury presents a little differently, so a very thorough assessment is important in developing an individualized plan that takes your needs into account. Ultimately, the right treatment plan may take some time, however, it’s worth persevering as concussion symptom reduction will lead to improved quality of life.

Don't suffer from a concussion without seeking treatment - it could make things worse in the long run

Concussions should not be taken lightly. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, they can have a lingering impact on the body and mind. Concussion management is essential to decrease the risk of developing more severe consequences down the road. It’s important to seek out medical attention if you experience symptoms such as headaches, nausea, memory or concentration problems, or sensitivity to light or sound after a head or neck injury. Receiving appropriate concussion treatment will allow a patient to adapt their lifestyle following an injury; physiotherapy sessions can be designed to help manage these issues in a safe and effective way. Concussion rehabilitation provides not only physical adjustments but also mental and emotional coping skills which have been proven invaluable for those affected by this type of injury. The sooner you start treatment for your concussion, the more positive long-term outcomes there are likely to be – thus it is essential that proper Concussion Management is sought as soon as possible after a head injury.

If you or someone you know has suffered a concussion, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. There are a variety of options available, and the sooner you start treatment, the better the outcome will be. A Physiotherapist can help you develop a plan that’s right for you and get you on the path to recovery. Use the search box on this page to find a top physiotherapy clinic near you.

Book Your BACK NECK SHOULDER KNEE ELBOW HIP WRIST FOOT Pain Consult

This appointment is your opportunity to tell us what hurts and discover whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care is a good fit for you! During this session, you will talk with a physiotherapist or chiropractor on a phone call (or online) and create the right care plan specifically for your pain. There is no obligation on this session is to find out whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care can help you getting back to doing the things you love in life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risks of playing sports with a concussion?

Playing sports with a concussion can be extremely dangerous and should always be avoided. Getting a second concussion before the first one is fully healed can cause serious complications or death. This is known as second impact syndrome. The best way to know if your concussion is fully resolved is for a specialized concussion physiotherapist to perform a series of tests designed for return to play clearance. If you have already had a pre-season baseline test, then even better! You can retake the baseline test to know whether you still have a concussion.

How long does it take to recover from a concussion?

Recovering from a concussion typically takes 3-4 weeks, even if symptoms are gone before then. It is important for those who have experienced a concussion to receive individualized care in order to properly heal and reduce the risk of further injury. Other times, symptoms can linger or reappear as PCS (post-concussion syndrome, or persistent concussion symptoms). In this case, individuals may experience physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms for months or even years! The good news is that it is NEVER too late to seek treatment, and we have been able to help people reduce symptoms and return to their pre-injury activities after suffering for years.

Is it good to use ice after a concussion?

The short answer to whether it is good to ice after a concussion is no. It may help with head pain in the first hours, but it may also cause further damage if applied improperly or left on too long. Additionally, there is no good scientific evidence that suggests that icing will improve concussion symptoms or help concussion recovery.

About Rob McMillan

Meet Rob, one of the co-owners of Easthill Physiotherapy + Acupuncture. Rob not only has taken post-graduate training in concussion rehab, manual therapy, and treatment of vestibular/balance issues, including vertigo, he has a fabulous background in kinesiology and biomechanics. He’s particularly experienced in many sports injuries; from his years of competitive soccer and injuring every part of his own body, he gets what you are going through! A hockey and golf diehard, you can find him on the rink or the links in his spare time.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information presented in this blog post is for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, treatment or a diagnosis, consult with a medical professional such as one suggested on this website. The Clinic Accelerator Inc. and the author of this page are not liable for the associated risks of using or acting upon the information contained in this article.

Say Goodbye to the Dark Room: Up-to-Date Strategies for Concussion Treatment