A concussion is a common injury, particularly among sportspeople and individuals who have suffered a blow to the head. While most people recover well others may develop severe symptoms that require prompt and appropriate management. The symptoms can range from headaches, dizziness, and fatigue to more serious symptoms such as loss of consciousness, confusion, and memory loss. In this blog, we will explore the different concussion symptoms, their potential causes and look at how physiotherapy and chiropractic care can assist individuals with concussion symptoms.
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
The symptoms of a concussion can be divided into four different categories: physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep. Physical symptoms can include headaches, nausea, double vision, sensitivity to light or sound, balance problems, and fatigue. Cognitive symptoms can include confusion, difficulty in concentration, memory problems, and feeling slowed down. Emotional symptoms can include irritability, aggression, depression, and anxiety. Sleep symptoms can include changes in sleeping patterns, drowsiness, or insomnia.
What causes concussion symptoms?
Concussion can result from a blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head and body. The impact can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain’s neural pathways, leading to a wide range of symptoms. Furthermore, individuals who have had a previous concussion have an increased risk of experiencing concussion symptoms after a subsequent injury making the concussion seriousness even more the second time.
How can physiotherapy help individuals with concussion symptoms?
Physiotherapy can play a vital role in helping individuals with concussion symptoms. The physiotherapist will assess the individual’s injury, determine the extent of the injury, and develop a personalized treatment plan that may include specialized exercises aimed at reducing dizziness or headaches, improving balance, and coordination, therefore reducing the longevity of the concussion. Furthermore, physiotherapy can also assist with the management of pain, fatigue, education about what to avoid with concussions, and improvement of sleep-related issues.
How can chiropractic care help individuals with concussion symptoms?
Chiropractic care is a natural and drug-free approach to promote overall health and healing, which can provide comprehensive care to individuals with concussion symptoms. Chiropractors can apply specific techniques to the spine or neck to alleviate muscle tension, improve the range of motion, and promote spinal alignment. Furthermore, chiropractors can also provide nutritional advice and lifestyle modifications that may help to prevent future injury and promote recovery.
Concussions can be a serious condition that requires prompt and appropriate management to minimize long-term complications. Physiotherapy and chiropractic care are integral in the management of concussion symptoms. At CARESPACE Health+Wellnesss, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our clients by providing individualized care that targets the root cause of the symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms of a concussion at any stage, we encourage you to seek prompt medical attention from your healthcare provider and speak to a qualified physiotherapist or chiropractor today.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapy practitioner at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
