A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that occurs as a result of a sudden blow or force applied directly or indirectly to the head, resulting in disturbance in brain function. Concussion symptoms can affect a person physically, emotionally, and cognitively.
Symptoms of Concussion
- Physical: Headache, neck pain or stiffness, imbalance, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, sleep disturbance, altered vision, sensitivity to light and sound
- Emotional: Irritability, restlessness, anxiety, depression, mood swings, aggression, decreased stress tolerance
- Cognitive: Short- or long-term memory loss, confusion, slowed processing, fogginess, difficulty concentrating
Concussion Therapy
Physical therapy is often prescribed for patients after a concussion to address the physical symptoms of concussion. This may include manual therapy for headache or neck pain; vestibular rehabilitation to address dizziness, altered vision, or imbalance; and exercises to improve range of motion, flexibility, strengthening, and balance. Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized type of physical therapy that addresses the parts of the inner ear and the brain that are responsible for balance, equilibrium, and gaze stability. Physical therapy also includes extensive patient education to help patients gradually return to their normal activities without exacerbation of symptoms, including exercise or sports.
Physical therapists also monitor their patients’ emotional and cognitive symptoms and communicate with the referring physician if a referral to other health care providers may be warranted.
Contact us to schedule your Physical Therapy appointment today!
References
- Morris, L. and Nogi, A. (2019, August). Concussion. Fact Sheet.
<http://www.neuropt.org/docs/default-source/vsig-english-pt-fact-sheets/concussion36b835a5390366a68a96ff00001fc240.pdf?sfvrsn=f6bb5343_0> - Farrell, L. (2015). Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy. Vestibular Disorders Association. Portland, OR.
<https://vestibular.org/sites/default/files/page_files/Documents/Vestibular%20Rehabilitation_long%20version.pdf>
Andrea Myers, PT, DPT, OCS is a Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist. She graduated from St. Ambrose University in 2006 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Andrea has a strong background in treating patients with a variety of orthopedic diagnoses, including sports injuries, back and neck pain, and patients who have undergone orthopedic surgery. She has extensive training in manual therapy, including myofascial release, Integrative Manual Therapy, craniosacral therapy, and Kinesiotaping. She is also certified in vestibular rehabilitation for the treatment of vertigo and balance disorders. Andrea is a former professional road cyclist with multiple top-ten placings in international competitions. She is a certified bike fitter and is well known for her knowledge and experience in treating cyclists and multi-sport athletes of all levels.
