CONCUSSIONS
Concussions are a common occurrence, not only in sports, but during the winter season with slips and falls and motor vehicle accidents. You don’t need to hit your head to sustain a concussion. A whiplash or jarring type accident can be an injury to the brain as well. Current research emphasizes the importance of early physical therapy for improving outcomes after sustaining a concussion. A study from Oregon Health & Science University suggests that initiating physical therapy promptly can enhance balance and reduce persistent symptoms (OHSU Dec 2024). Similarly, findings published in the Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal indicates that patients who began physical therapy approximately five weeks earlier than others, reported less dizziness and faster symptom improvement (APTA Jan 2025)
Concussions are a growing concern in sports, workplaces, and everyday life. Once thought to be minor injuries that resolved with rest alone, recent research has shed new light on the complexity of concussions and the critical role physiotherapy plays in recovery. With evolving diagnostic tools, personalized rehabilitation plans, and a greater understanding of how concussions affect brain function, physiotherapists are becoming essential in helping individuals regain their cognitive and physical abilities. Improved diagnostic tests such as blood tests and advanced imaging techniques have improved the accuracy of concussion diagnoses. Researchers have identified specific proteins and enzymes in the blood that can indicate a brain injury and help determine the extent of damage and prognosis of recovery. The post-concussion management has evolved as well. Previously, it was recommended to follow a “rest until symptoms subside” approach. Research now suggests that recovery timelines can vary depending on age, sex, history of prior concussions, and genetic predisposition. A more personalized approach, including early intervention and an individualized rehab plan, is proving to be more effective in reducing long-term effects.
The role of exercise in recovery has evolved as well. Previous recommendations of complete rest are now replaced with controlled, symptom limited physical activity. Light aerobic exercise can help to improve blood flow to the brain and stimulate neural repair. There is also a growing recognition of the link between concussions and mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. Mental health support alongside physical rehabilitation can improve overall recovery outcomes.
Physiotherapy can help to address and recognize various post-concussion symptoms including dizziness, headaches, balance issues, and cognitive impairments. The main areas your medical team needs to address are (a) vestibular – dizziness and balance problems can stem from a vestibular dysfunction in the inner ear complex. (b) oculomotor therapy – vision problems such as focusing, eye strain and sensitivity to light are common (c) cervical spine treatment – neck pain and stiffness can result from whiplash type injuries. Physiotherapy can help to release muscle tension, improve posture, and restore proper neck mobility, which can alleviate headaches and discomfort (d) physical activity – a monitored return to exercise protocol, ensuring increased activity levels without worsening symptoms. This approach prevents deconditioning while promoting neuroplasticity and brain healing (e) cognitive therapy – difficulty with memory, concentration, and problem- solving abilities can follow a concussion.
Concussion research is continuously evolving, leading to more effective diagnostic tools and treatment strategies. The shift from passive rest to active rehabilitation has emphasized the role of physiotherapy in concussion recovery. With specialized techniques targeting balance, vision, cervical spine health, and cognitive function, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in helping individuals safely return to their daily activities and prevent long-term complications.
Jennifer Gordon
(BSc.PT, GunnIMS, AFCI)
Physiotherapist – Bragg Creek Physiotherapy
www.braggcreekphysio.com
