3 types of physical therapy treatments for a concussion

On average, about 3 million concussions happen each year. Contrary to popular belief, this type of injury is not reserved only for athletes; concussions can be caused by auto accidents and falls, as well as injury due to sports.

Some of the telltale signs of a concussion include:

• Headache or neck pain.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Light sensitivity.
• Difficulty focusing.
• Difficulty balancing.
• General confused feeling.

While some of these symptoms begin immediately, others may take a day or two to develop. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor right away. A concussion is a traumatic injury to the brain, and your doctor will want to evaluate your symptoms to be sure you are OK. 

When is physical therapy recommended for a concussion?

After evaluation, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to treat your concussion. While most people will heal from a concussion on their own, some more severe concussions may require physical therapy to help speed along the recovery. 

Typically, physical therapy for a concussion will last a few weeks, and will be primarily focused on reducing the symptoms of the concussion, such as balance issues, prolonged headaches, and any muscle/joint pain in the neck or shoulders.

Types of physical therapy for concussion treatment

While every patient will receive a personalized treatment plan specific to his/her needs, most physical therapy treatments for a concussion include a mixture of the following therapies:

1. Exercise and stretching — Guided exercises and stretches will not only increase blood flow to the brain, which will help your concussion heal faster, but it will also help relieve some of the tension in your neck and shoulders, as well as assist in regaining your balance and coordination.
2. Manual therapy — Manual therapy is a combination of manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, and sometimes electrical stimulation of the joints and muscles that may have been damaged during the injury. 
3. Vestibular rehabilitation — Vestibular rehabilitation is a series of exercises specifically designed to promote balance and vision focus. 

If you have suffered a concussion, and you are experiencing the symptoms listed above, contact our team at Advent Physical Therapy today. Schedule a free consultation today, and we can help you get back to feeling like yourself.