A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can have serious, long-term consequences if not treated correctly. But while it’s important to seek medical advice if you think you may have suffered a concussion, there are also other treatments available that can help you recover quickly and safely. One of these treatments is physiotherapy, which is increasingly being used as an effective way to reduce the symptoms of a concussion and speed up the recovery process. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how concussion physiotherapy can help those who have suffered from a concussion, as well as how to access it. Read on to learn more!
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of brain injury that occurs when your head is hit or jolted. Concussions can range from mild to severe and can cause a variety of symptoms, including headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and memory problems.
If you think you may have suffered a concussion, it’s important to see a doctor or other medical professional right away for an evaluation. In some cases, concussions can lead to serious long-term health problems, so it’s important to get the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment for concussions. Physiotherapists can help assess your symptoms and develop a customized treatment plan to help you recover as quickly and safely as possible. Treatment may include exercises to help improve balance and coordination, as well as techniques to help reduce pain and swelling.
How can physiotherapy help with concussions?
If you have recently suffered a concussion, you may be wondering how physiotherapy can help. Concussions can range in severity from mild to severe, and can cause a variety of symptoms including headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and sensitivity to light and noise. Physiotherapy can help to reduce these symptoms and aid in your recovery.
Your physiotherapist will work with you to create a customized treatment plan based on the severity of your concussion and your symptoms. Treatment may include exercises to help improve balance and coordination, as well as education on how to manage your symptoms. Concussion physiotherapy can also help to speed up the healing process by increasing blood flow to the injured area and reducing inflammation.
If you are suffering from a concussion, don’t wait to seek treatment. Physiotherapy can help you recover quickly and safely so that you can get back to your normal life as soon as possible.
Different types of physiotherapy treatments for concussions
There are many different types of physiotherapy treatments for concussions. The most common and effective ones are as follows:
- Craniofacial Release Therapy: This therapy involves manually releasing the tight muscles and connective tissues around the head and face. This helps to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation. It also helps to reduce pain and promote healing.
- Cervical Spine Manipulation: This therapy involves manually manipulating the bones and joints of the neck. This helps to improve range of motion, relieve pain, and promote healing.
- Vestibular Rehabilitation: This therapy helps to retrain the brain to properly process information from the vestibular system (the inner ear). This can help to reduce dizziness, nausea, and vertigo.
- Balance Training: This therapy helps to improve balance and coordination. It can also help to reduce dizziness, nausea, and vertigo.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): This therapy uses eye movements to help reprocess trauma stored in the brain. EMDR can help to reduce symptoms such as headaches, anxiety, insomnia, and hypervigilance.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of talk therapy that can help to change negative thought patterns that may be contributing to concussion symptoms such as depression or anxiety. CBT can also help to teach coping skills for dealing with difficult symptoms.
- Massage Therapy: Massage helps to reduce muscle tension and improve circulation. This can help to reduce pain, improve sleep quality, and promote healing.
How to find a good physiotherapist
If you’ve recently suffered a concussion, you’ll want to find a good physiotherapist to help you recover quickly and safely. Here are some tips for finding a great physiotherapist:
- Ask your doctor or other healthcare provider for recommendations. They will likely have suggestions for reputable physiotherapists in your area.
- Ask family and friends if they know of any good physiotherapists. Chances are, someone you know has already been through the process of finding a great physio.
- Once you have some names, do your research. Read online reviews and check out the physiotherapist’s website to get an idea of their services and approach.
- Make sure the physiotherapist is properly qualified and licensed to practice in your area.
- Schedule a consultation with the physio before committing to anything, so that you can make sure they’re the right fit for you and your needs.
What to expect during physiotherapy treatment for a concussion
When you visit a physiotherapist for concussion treatment, they will assess your symptoms and create a customized treatment plan. Depending on the severity of your concussion, treatment may include:
-Rest and relaxation: This is important to allow your brain to heal. You may need to take some time off from work or school.
-Exercise: A gentle exercise program can help improve symptoms and speed up recovery.
-Manual therapy: Techniques such as massage and manipulation can help reduce pain and promote healing.
-Education: Your physiotherapist will teach you about how to manage your symptoms and what to do to prevent further injury.
Results of physiotherapy treatment for concussions
There is growing evidence that physiotherapy can help people recover from concussions more quickly and safely. A recent study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma found that people who received physiotherapy treatment for their concussion had significantly better outcomes than those who did not receive treatment.
The study found that people who received physiotherapy treatment were more likely to return to their pre-injury level of functioning and had less need for medication. They also had fewer doctor visits and missed less time from work or school.
Physiotherapy treatment for concussions typically includes exercises that help improve balance and coordination, as well as education about how to manage symptoms and prevent further injury. Treatment is often started soon after the injury occurs, and most people only need a few sessions before they start to feel better.
If you have suffered a concussion, be sure to see a physiotherapist as soon as possible to get started on your road to recovery.
Conclusion
Physiotherapy is a great option for those who have sustained a concussion and are looking to recover quickly and safely. With the guidance of an experienced physiotherapist, you can get back on your feet in no time while also reducing the risk of further injury or complications. Not only will it help with physical healing, but it can also aid in mental recovery as well by helping you develop a positive attitude towards your health. If you’ve been thinking about trying out physiotherapy, now might be the best time to do so – don’t wait any longer!