Concussions are a common type of head injury that can occur from a blow to the head, a fall, or a car accident. They involve a temporary disturbance in brain function and can range from mild to severe. It’s essential to understand the stages of concussions so that you can seek the appropriate care. One of the most effective ways to recover from a concussion is through physiotherapy and chiropractic care. In this blog post, we discuss the stages of a concussion and how physiotherapy and chiropractic care can help patients recover from this type of injury, so that you know how long concussions last during recovery.
Stage 1: Impact Phase
The impact phase is the first stage of concussion, and it involves the initial injury to the brain tissue from the impact. Common symptoms of concussions during this stage include dizziness, headache, confusion, and memory loss. During this phase, it is essential to rest the patient to prevent further injury. Physiotherapy can help patients in this stage by providing vestibular rehabilitation to address dizziness and reduce headaches. Additionally, chiropractic care can help ensure proper alignment of the neck and spine, which can alleviate pain and promote proper function of the nervous system, making sure to let you know what to avoid with concussions.
Stage 2: Movement Phase
The movement phase is the second stage of a concussion, which may last for a few weeks to a few months. During this phase, patients may experience a range of symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, and difficulty with memory and concentration. Physiotherapy can help patients in this stage by providing rehabilitation exercises to improve balance, coordination, and vestibular function. Chiropractic care can help alleviate pain and improve mobility, thus promoting overall healing and recovery.
Stage 3: Management Phase
The management phase is the third and final stage of a concussion, which can last for several months. During this stage, patients may still experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, but they can now engage in more physical activities. Physiotherapy can help patients in this stage by providing specific exercises targeting the brain’s affected areas to promote neuroplasticity and recovery. Chiropractic care can help improve the patient’s overall posture and flexibility while reducing pain and promoting proper alignment. It is important to follow recovery closely to make sure your concussion doesn’t become serious.
Concussions can be a daunting experience, but with proper care, patients can recover from this type of injury fully. Physiotherapy and chiropractic care can be part of an effective treatment plan to help patients recover from a concussion. By addressing specific symptoms at each stage of concussion, patients can take an active role in their rehabilitation and achieve a full recovery. If you have suffered from a concussion, it is best to consult with a physiotherapist or a chiropractor to determine the appropriate care plan that works best for you.
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!
