When someone is injured while playing sports, is involved in a car accident, or suffers an intense impact to the head or body, they can experience one of the most common traumatic brain injuries: a concussion. While many people prioritize rest when it comes to concussion recovery, physical therapy can play a vital role in helping those injured recover safely and return to their normal activities. 

Understanding Concussions

A concussion occurs when you receive a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body strong enough that the brain moves rapidly within your skull. This movement can disrupt normal brain function and lead to a variety of symptoms, including:

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness or lightheadedness 
• Balance problems
• Neck pain
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Fatigue or trouble sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory issues and brain fog
• Visual disturbances 
• Feeling irritable, sad, or anxious

Symptoms can vary from person to person and may appear immediately or over several hours or days after the injury. 

Why Physical Therapy is Important

While many concussion symptoms can improve with time, some individuals experience lingering effects that interfere with daily life, work, school, or athletic performance. Physical therapists trained in concussion management can identify specific impairments contributing to ongoing symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Physical therapists focus on restoring normal movement patterns, improving balance, reducing dizziness, and helping the body and brain recover together. 

Key Areas Physical Therapy Addresses 

Balance and Vestibular Dysfunction 

Many people who experience a concussion also experience dizziness, vertigo, or feelings of unsteadiness. These symptoms often result from disruptions within the vestibular system, which helps control balance and spatial awareness. 

Physical therapists use specialized vestibular rehabilitation exercises to help retrain the brain to reduce motion sensitivity and dizziness, and improve balance, coordination, and stability during movement. They can also help you build tolerance to position changes.

Over time, these exercises can significantly reduce dizziness and restore confidence during daily activities. 

Neck Pain and Cervical Dysfunction 

Concussions often occur alongside neck injuries. Symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating, may be partially related to cervical spine dysfunction. Physical therapists can address neck stiffness, whiplash, muscle tension, range of motion limits, and postural problems. 

Manual therapy, stretching, strengthening exercises, and posture education can help reduce pain and improve overall recovery.

Vision and Eye Movement Issues 

Some concussion sufferers often experience blurred vision, difficulty reading, eye strain, or trouble focusing. These symptoms can result from disruptions in how the eyes and brain work together. 

Physical therapists may incorporate exercises, such as eye-tracking, visual-motor integration, and gaze stabilization, to improve visual focus, coordination between eye and head movements, and visual processing during daily activities. 

Exercise Intolerance 

After a concussion, participating in even mild physical activity can trigger symptoms. However, prolonged inactivity is no longer considered the best for recovery. Research has shown that carefully monitored aerobic exercise, after 48 to 72 hours of rest, can help promote healing and reduce symptoms. 

Physical therapists can create individualized exercise programs that gradually increase activity levels without worsening symptoms. 

Return-to-Sport and Return-to-Work Guidance 

Returning to sports, work, or school too quickly can prolong symptoms or put you at risk of additional injury. Physical therapists can help guide patients through a personalized recovery process based on their symptoms and milestones. 

This process may include:

• Monitoring symptom response to activity
• Gradually increasing physical exertion
• Improving reaction time and coordination 
• Ensuring safe participation in daily tasks
• Communicating with physicians, coaches, employers, or educators (when appropriate)

The goal is to return those who’ve had a concussion to their desired activities safely and confidently. 

Benefits of Early Intervention 

Seeking treatment early after a concussion can often lead to a better outcome. Physical therapists can identify factors that may delay recovery and address them before they turn into long-term issues.

You could experience faster symptom resolution, improved balance and coordination, fewer headaches and less dizziness, better neck mobility and posture, and increased exercise tolerance. You can also return more quickly and safely to normal activities. 

When to Seek Physical Therapy After a Concussion 

If concussion symptoms persist after a few days, interfere with daily activities, or worsen with movement, it may be time to consult a physical therapist. A thorough evaluation can help determine the underlying causes of symptoms and establish an effective treatment plan.

Heal Quicker with Physical Therapy

Concussion recovery involves more than simply waiting for symptoms to disappear. Physical therapy can address the physical, vestibular, visual, and functional challenges that often accompany a concussion and help you recover more fully, regain confidence, and safely return to activities you enjoy.