If you believe you're suffering from symptoms after a concussion, it's best to seek treatment as soon as possible. Alliance is a leader in concussion rehabilitation through physical therapy, and offers thorough services to treat concussion symptoms in patients. Our highly educated clinicians offer programs to treat short and long-term concussion symptoms.
Active physical therapy rehabilitation of concussions is one kind of therapy that can assist with post-concussion symptoms. A physical therapy routine will likely be one part of a multi-faceted recovery program. The kind of rehab patients seek will be dependent on the symptoms they're suffering from. The best PTs will utilize a number of treatments to manage and recover from concussions.
Signs and symptoms of a concussion
People experience a number of different symptoms related to a concussion, and they can affect your physical, emotional, and mental health. Some concussion symptoms occur immediately, while others show up months or even years later. That's why it's critical to seek treatment sooner rather than later. Some immediate, short term, and long term symptoms can include but are not limited to:
- Dizziness
- Balance deficits
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Early dementia/chronic traumatic encephalopathy (brain disorder)
Long and short-term symptoms are serious and can drastically affect a person's overall health and wellbeing. Thankfully, physical therapists can help.
How physical therapists help with concussion rehab
Physical therapists can evaluate and treat symptoms related to concussions. Every concussion is different, so a PT will test cardiovascular, neurological, and orthopedic systems to best design a program to help concussion patients.
Aspects of the program could include:
Rest and recovery
An educated physical therapist will likely limit types of activity after a concussion. Things like sports, recreation, the use of electronics, and even work may need to be a second priority.
Restore strength and endurance
After a period of rest and inactivity, loss of some strength and flexibility is normal. A PT will help restore strength and endurance through a series of exercises that won't interfere with concussion rehabilitation.
Stopping dizziness and improving balance
Experiencing dizziness and difficulty balancing after a concussion is a common symptom, and a physical therapist trained in vestibular PT may be able to help. A qualified vestibular PT will apply special treatments and exercises to help prevent dizziness and regain normal balance.
Reducing headaches
Headaches can be effectively treated and treatment may include eye exercises, hands-on techniques like specialized massage, electric stimulation, and stretches.
Returning to pre-concussion activity
As treatment and progress begin to ease concussion symptoms, a PT will help patients steer back into normal activities and even sports. A PT will be concerned with overloading the brain and nervous system, as an overload on the brain tissue can make concussion symptoms return. They'll continue to monitor progress to help ensure such an overload does not happen and the brain can heal properly.
Contact an Alliance physical therapist today for concussion rehabilitation
If you'd like to start concussion treatment, contact an Alliance physical therapist. Our team has concussion specialists across the nation who are ready to work with you and can see you in clinic or virtually.
Contact us today to start your road to recovery!
Get Help at a Location Near You