EXERTION REHAB IN CONCUSSION THERAPY
What is a concussion?
A concussion is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Concussions are commonly referred to as a mild traumatic brain injury, mTBI. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain.
No structural damage, but a chemical imbalance
Normal MRI or head CT scan
May or may not involve a brief loss of consciousness
According to the most recent CDC data, in 2014, falls were the leading cause of TBI. Falls accounted for almost half (48%) of all TBI-related emergency department visits. Falls disproportionately affect children and older adults:
Almost half (49%) of TBI-related ED visits among children 0 to 17 years were caused by falls.
Four in five (81%) TBI-related ED visits in older adults aged 65 years and older were caused by falls.
Being struck by or against an object was the second leading cause of TBI-related ED visits, accounting for about 17% of all TBI-related ED visits in the United States in 2014.
Over 1 in 4 (28%) TBI-related ED visits in children less than 17 years of age or less were caused by being struck by or against an object.
Falls and motor vehicle crashes were the first and second leading causes of all TBI-related hospitalizations (52% and 20%, respectively).
Timeline
As you can see, not all concussions are sports-related, but any head trauma has the potential to develop symptoms that could require treatment. Most adults with concussions heal within 10-14 days and children within 4 weeks. If symptoms persist longer than this, a person should be referred to a trained health care professional for concussion treatment. Current evidence suggests after a brief rest of 24-48 hours (no electronics, work, or school) after injury, a person can be encouraged to become gradually and progressively more active. Patients must follow a subthreshold principle in exercise and cognitive tasks. Subthreshold means the activity should not bring on or worsen their symptoms. This is where a specialty-trained physical therapist is KEY!
Recovery
A PT with advanced training in the treatment of concussion is well versed in exertion therapy. Exertion rehab in concussion physical therapy is used to identify patients who have fully recovered from their concussion injuries or to facilitate recovery.
Exertion therapy is individually designed based on multiple factors. Firstly, prescribed based on a patient’s heart rate at rest and goal. Research demonstrates that patients who follow supervised aerobic activity after a brief period of rest, recover more quickly than those who do not. Also, evidence points to patients who suffer from post-concussive syndrome finding a reduction in symptoms with exertion therapy than those who do not partake in aerobic exercise. Secondly, exertion therapy is designed based on symptoms. For instance, persistent dizziness could be from vestibular trauma and require specialized exercises in Vestibular Rehab Therapy, VRT. Additionally, neck pain and headaches could be from untreated cervical spine issues. This can be easily identified and treated by a trained concussion PT. Lastly, exertion therapy is sports-specific. For example, treating a patient by placing them on a treadmill for 30 minutes to increase the heart rate does nothing to simulate what it feels like to play on a football field. Exertion therapy uses sports-specific drills to drive multiple body systems to work in unison. Thus, ensuring a patient is truly ready to return to play.
Conclusion
A concussion can be debilitating. However, when you follow the evidence, getting treatment from a PT trained in concussion therapy you can expect quicker and fuller recovery. Scheduling with the right kind of healthcare professional can save you valuable time and finances. By getting timely treatment you can spare time off school, work, and sport.
If you or someone you know has suffered a newly diagnosed concussion or have persistent concussion symptoms call Custom Care Rehab at 330-618-5703 to discuss your options. Even better, treatment can be accomplished in the comfort of your own home, sparing you the discomfort of driving and attending therapy in a busy gym while you are suffering from concussion symptoms!
