How to Return to Sport After a Concussion: Your Roadmap to Recovery

A concussion can be a frightening experience. You may feel like you have no control over your body and no idea what is happening. It is normal to feel this way after a head injury. The good news is that with the help of a physiotherapist, you can take the necessary time for healing before returning to physical activity. In this blog post, we will provide you with a roadmap to recovery so that you can get back to your sport safely and effectively.

Table of Contens

What Is A Concussion?

What To Do If You Receive A Concussion?

What Types Of Treatments Do I Need To Recover?

How To Assess For A Concussion?

Should I Lock Myself In A Dark Room After A Concussion?

What Is A Return To Play Plan?

When Can I Return To Sport?

Roadmap

What Is A Concussion?

A concussion is a type of brain injury that can occur after a blow to the head. Concussions can cause a variety of symptoms, including headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. A concussion can also affect cognition, balance, and sleep. Most people with concussion injuries recover within a few weeks, but some may experience persistent symptoms. Concussions are serious injuries, and it is important to seek medical attention if you think you or someone you know has a concussion. The most important thing to do is to listen to your body and give yourself time to recover. It is important to avoid any activities that could put you at risk for another head injury while you are recovering from a concussion.

What To Do If You Receive A Concussion?

Your first step should always be to see your medical doctor to rule out any dangerous or life-threatening complications from a concussion. A physiotherapist can provide a full assessment and create a rehabilitation plan to help people with concussions recover. If you have a concussion, it is important to follow your physiotherapist's instructions and give yourself time to heal. A concussion is a serious injury, but with proper treatment and care, most people make a full recovery.

What Types of Treatments Do I Need To Recover?

If you have suffered a concussion, it is important to work with a rehabilitation team to develop an individualized treatment plan. treatment should be multidisciplinary and cover a variety of cognitive, physical, emotional, and neurological symptoms. Physiotherapy can help to address some of the physical effects of concussions, such as headaches and dizziness. Cognitive rehabilitation may help manage concussions-related changes in thinking and memory. Finally, counseling or therapy can help address any emotional difficulties that may arise after sustaining a concussion. By working with a multidisciplinary team, you will be able to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that meets your individual needs and helps you on the road to recovery.

How to Assess For A Concussion

If you have suffered a concussion, it is important to see a specialist and have a concussion assessment completed. A variety of concussion assessment tools are available. At Human Integrated Performance our multidisciplinary team utilizes the C3 Logix Concussion Assessment.

The C3 Logix assessment was created by the Cleveland Concussion Clinic to help assess concussion injury and manage recovery. A variety of treatment options are available to help manage concussion symptoms including Vision Therapy, Vestibular Therapy, Manual Therapy, Cognitive Rehabilitation, and Physiotherapy, among others. The best course of action will be determined by the specialist based on the severity of your concussion and your individual needs. don't delay in seeking treatment as concussions can have serious long-term effects.

Should I Lock Myself In A Dark Room After A Concussion?

One common myth surrounding concussions is that rest and avoiding all activity is the best way to speed up the recovery process. However, recent research has shown that light exercise and activity after the initial days following a concussion can actually lead to better outcomes. It's important to have a physiotherapist assess your injury and create a tailored rehabilitation plan to ensure your recovery is safe and as quick as possible. Controlled activity under the guidance of a physiotherapist will help you regain your normal functional abilities and avoid any further complications.

What is a Return to Play Plan?

Concussions include a variety of symptoms, including headache, fatigue, dizziness, and irritability. concussions can also cause problems with balance, coordination, and concentration. Once a concussion has been diagnosed, the next step is to begin a return-to-play plan. It is important to follow a strict return-to-play plan under the guidance of a physiotherapist. This will help to ensure a safe return to sport and prevent re-injury.

When returning to your sport after sustaining a concussion, the physiotherapy team will design a tailored exercise program that progresses from low-intensity activities to more high-intensity movements. One of the key components of any return-to-play plan is incorporating sport-specific exercise. This helps to gradually rebuild the strength and coordination required for your sport and reduces the risk of further injury. 

This type of exercise is important to help the athlete gradually regain their previous level of function and prevent further injury. If you have suffered a concussion, be sure to follow your return-to-play plan closely in order to ensure a safe and successful return to your sport. With careful planning and rehabilitation, most people can make a full recovery and return to their previous level of activity.

When Can I Return To Sport?

The decision on when to return to sport should be made by a healthcare professional who is familiar with your individual case. In general, it is recommended that people with concussions refrain from returning to play until they have received medical clearance from their doctor or physiotherapist. Once you have been cleared by a healthcare professional, you can slowly start to reintroduce previous levels of activities and sports back into your life.

The Road Map

If you or a loved one has suffered a concussion, it is important to seek medical help right away. A physiotherapist can provide a full assessment and create a rehabilitation plan to help people with concussions recover. By working with a multidisciplinary team, you will be able to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that meets your individual needs and helps you on the road to recovery. The C3 Logix assessment was created to help individuals return safely to physical activity after suffering from a concussion. We offer this assessment at our clinic, so please call us today for more information or to book an appointment.