Physiotherapy Exercises for Concussion

A concussion can cause several problems in the brain and body. It can lead to loss of balance, dizziness, headaches, visual problems, and affect your quality of life.

Physiotherapy is one of the best ways to manage symptoms and complications of a concussion. With physiotherapy, you can gradually recover your physical and cognitive abilities. But you cannot do that all by yourself. 

It would be best if you had expert care who could plan a personalized physiotherapy program to aid your concussion recovery. That is why we are here. Are you an athlete recovering from sports injuries or just someone dealing with a concussion from a fall or accident? Our team of expert physiotherapists is here to support your recovery.

In this article, we’ll discuss the different physiotherapy exercises that can help you recover from a concussion. Let’s dive in.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow or sudden jolts to the head. This blow can cause the brain to move back and forth in the skull, damaging brain cells and disrupting normal brain function.

Common causes of concussions include sports injuries, car accidents, falls, bicycle accidents, and assaults, among others.

Concussions can cause various symptoms, such as:

• Headaches
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Memory loss
• Confusion or disorientation 
• Difficulty concentrating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
• Mood changes, such as irritability, anxiety
• Fatigue

How Physiotherapy Can Help You Recover from Concussion 

A concussion can affect several systems of the body and lead to physical and cognitive problems. If not treated correctly, these symptoms can persist for weeks or months. 

Physically, physiotherapy improves balance and coordination, reduces dizziness and vertigo, relieves headaches and neck pain, enhances visual function, and restores normal movement and mobility. This is achieved through techniques like Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT), Ocular-Motor Training, and manual therapy.

Physiotherapy also has cognitive benefits. It improves concentration and focus, enhances memory and processing speed, and reduces mental fatigue. This helps people who have suffered from a concussion return to their daily activities and work.

Using breathing and relaxation techniques, physiotherapy can provide emotional benefits. It helps relieve stress, promotes relaxation, and improves mood and sleep quality.

Physiotherapy Exercises for Concussion Recovery

Here are some of the most effective physiotherapy exercises for concussion recovery:

Balance Training Exercises

Many people experience balance issues after a concussion, making it difficult to walk, stand, or engage in physical activities. Your physiotherapist may recommend simple balance exercises that can be performed at home, such as standing on one foot or walking heel-to-toe in a straight line. These exercises help retrain your brain and body to work together effectively.

Vestibular Exercises

Vestibular rehabilitation exercises improve dizziness, vertigo, and other balance problems related to the inner ear. An example is the “gaze stabilization” exercise. It involves fixing your gaze on a stationary object while moving your head side to side or up and down. This exercise helps your brain readjust to head and eye movements, reducing dizziness. 

Other vestibular exercises include:

• Standing Balance: Stand with your feet together or on one leg (if safe) and hold the position for 30 seconds. For added difficulty, progress to standing on an unstable surface, such as a foam pad.
• Walking with Head Turns: Walk in a straight line while turning your head from left to right. This exercise challenges your balance and coordination.

Cervical (Neck) Exercises

If you experience whiplash, neck pain, or stiffness after a concussion, physiotherapy can help relieve it through specific neck stretches and strengthening exercises. Your physiotherapist may recommend gentle stretches to improve flexibility, reduce tension, and improve posture. 

Exercises

Light aerobic exercises, such as walking, cycling, and swimming, can help you recover from concussion and improve cardiovascular health. These aerobic activities increase blood flow to the brain, regulate blood pressure, and relieve headaches. 

You, however, need to engage in these activities only if they do not worsen your symptoms. So, ensure you work hand-in-hand with your physiotherapist.

Vision Therapy

Vision problems like blurred vision, double vision, or difficulty focusing are common symptoms after a concussion. Vision therapy helps retrain your brain to process visual information properly. 

A physiotherapist can guide you through vision training exercises that involve tracking objects with your eyes, switching focus between near and far objects, or following a moving object with your gaze. These exercises are particularly helpful for individuals struggling with reading, screen time, or other visual tasks after a concussion.

Cognitive and Functional Exercises

In addition to physical symptoms, concussions can lead to cognitive difficulties such as memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and mental fatigue. While not directly physical, some exercises can improve cognitive function by challenging the brain. These exercises target attention and concentration, processing speed, memory, executive function, and visual-spatial skills.

A few examples include:

• Dual-Tasking Exercises: Perform a physical task, such as walking or balancing, while simultaneously doing a cognitive task, like counting backwards or reciting the alphabet. This helps with multitasking and mental agility.
• Memory Games: Use apps or card games that challenge your memory and concentration. As your cognitive function improves, these tasks can be gradually integrated into your rehabilitation routine.

Breathing and Relaxation Techniques

Stress and anxiety are common after concussions, and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises can help manage these symptoms. Regular breathing exercises can help reduce muscle tension, regulate blood pressure, and promote a sense of calm. Incorporating relaxation techniques into your recovery plan can also improve your overall mental health and aid physical recovery.

Self-Care during Concussion Recovery

In addition to physiotherapy exercises, self-care plays a vital role in recovering from a concussion. Here are some essential self-care tips to support your healing:

• Rest
• Stay hydrated
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Monitor your symptoms
• Gradually return to activity

Conclusion

Take the first step towards a safe and effective concussion recovery with Revive Spine and Sport Physiotherapy Clinic in Edmonton, AB. Our expert physiotherapists will guide you through personalized exercises to alleviate symptoms like dizziness, balance problems, neck pain, and vision issues. 

With a comprehensive treatment plan and a one-on-one approach, we'll help you regain strength, confidence, and long-term wellness. Experience the benefits of our Concussion Treatment Edmonton programs, which address concussion holistically - not just the symptoms. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and start your journey to recovery with trusted Edmonton physiotherapy professionals.