Concussions and Kin

A concussion is defined as a traumatically induced disturbance of brain function. Concussions are a mild type of traumatic brain injury and are a result of a direct or indirect injury to the head. The forces applied to the head (either directly, or indirectly) can cause the brain to rapidly shift and hit the inside of the skull, causing a potential injury to the brain itself. This can result in prolonged symptoms that affect an individual’s daily life, and their functional status. Symptoms of concussions are wide-ranging and differ between individuals. Some of these symptoms can include, but are not limited to; confusion, mental fogginess, difficulties in concentration, irritability, headaches, and mental and physical fatigue. Concussions are like snowflakes, no two are alike!

It is a common belief that when recovering from a concussion, an individual should be on bed rest for extended periods until the concussion symptoms have completely subsided. However, that is rarely ever the case. Research has shown that extended rest after a concussion can increase the duration one might feel symptoms when compared to an individual that does not take a prolonged rest and instead engages in light physical activity sooner. The onset of physical activity helps increase blood flow throughout the body and into the brain, which promotes healing. The sooner an individual can return to their activities, the quicker it can help with recovery.

Physical therapy plays a vital role in the recovery of a concussion. By re-introducing an individual to light activities, this may assist in speeding up the recovery process and help you return to participating in your activities. A client will attend a session with a kinesiologist or physiotherapist and undergo an assessment of their current functional status and injury-related limitations. Based on this assessment, the therapist will prescribe appropriate exercises, both cognitive and physical, that will assist in recovery while being mindful of the concussion symptoms. Under the supervision of a physiotherapist or kinesiologist, the client will be shown how to complete this unique, personalized program that will help one to gradually return to their functional levels prior to the injury. They are also able to provide the education and strategies that you can use in your daily life to prevent an increase in symptoms, while also completing your activities of daily living. This gradual return to physical function can assist an individual in learning how to monitor their own symptoms, as well as how to improve their healing and possibly lessen the duration of recovery.

A key role a kinesiologist plays in concussion rehabilitation is assisting a client in managing their energy levels after the injury. Individuals tend to assume that they can complete the same workloads that they were able to do prior to the concussion. This results in clients pushing themselves too hard which results in an increase in symptoms. A kinesiologist can assist by helping an individual plan their days so that they are able to complete their tasks without exerting too much effort, while also ensuring there are strategies a client can use for when symptoms are elevated and they need to take a break.

Rest is important for the recovery of a concussion. However, too much rest can cause a prolonged period of symptoms and ultimately increase the overall recovery time. A gradual return to physical activity can promote healing and have you back to participating in the activities that you love.