Are concussions serious?
There is a dangerous trend of equating an injury with how visible the problem is. Of course, a broken bone or a torn ligament is going to create a scene, but this isn’t a failsafe way to judge an injury. When an athlete blows out their knee it becomes something that everyone can see, and the pain on the player’s face merely confirms what everyone else is already thinking: that injury is real, that injury is painful, that person is going to need medical attention.
Despite concussions being invisible, the symptoms you can experience are very real. Concussions are described as a “mild” traumatic brain injury because concussions are not usually life threatening. However, concussions can sometime lead to persistent symptoms, especially when not managed correctly by a qualified healthcare professional.
Head injuries aren’t typically as visible. When someone hits their head on TV, they may become unconscious for a moment or they may be able to stand up right away. They might look dazed or need a minute to regain their ability to think straight, but then they can walk off the field just fine. The injury doesn’t look as serious. And too often it isn’t treated as seriously.
A broken bone may be visible, but a concussion is in many ways far more serious of a problem. A brain injury requires immediate and ongoing care to ensure that the brain can regain optimal functionality. On television, injuries that turn out to be “just a concussion” are often anti-climactic events that the audience is led to believe will be over in days, if not hours. In real life, however, these traumatic brain injuries — which usually stem from a fall, severe shaking, a car accident or a direct blow to the head — can severely impact a person’s quality of life for several months.
A cold is typically more obvious than a chronic disease, but that doesn’t make the chronic disease any less difficult to deal with. In fact, chronic disease is typically significantly more serious and complicated than the typical cold. Similarly, concussions are not something that can be overlooked. Following brain injury, whether as a result of a sports incident, a car accident, trip, and fall, or other events, concussion therapy is absolutely necessary to ensure that there is no lasting damage following the trauma.
Receiving Appropriate Concussion Care
The severity of a concussion can vary dramatically. While some people with concussions experience only minor symptoms, and may not require long-term intervention, other concussions can have lifelong consequences.
IIn the first 24-48 hours following a concussion, the best treatment option is to take it easy. Try to avoid any activities that make your symptoms feel worse. After 48 hours, it is important to start working towards resolving your symptoms with interventions targeted to your specific symptoms.
During this time, the important thing is to check in with your doctor or a physiotherapist specializing in concussion management to have your injury assessed, and to get specific advice on post-concussion protocols for optimal recovery.
Recent research is showing us that early intervention of various therapies can significantly improve recovery, and has led to a more active approach to concussion treatment.
At PhysioPlus, we specialize in concussion management with:
✅ Personalized treatment based on your symptoms and goals
✅ Multi-disciplinary team that includes rehab specialist with extensive training in concussions
✅ Concussion profile assessment (cognitive, ocular, vestibular, migraine, cervical, emotional)
✅ Aerobic testing like the Buffalo Treadmill Test and Blackhawks Test to guide safe reintroduction of activity as proven to help recovery
✅ Evidence-based Return-to-Play and Return-to-Learn protocols
✅ Faster, more complete recoveries
✅ We also work directly with your family doctor, coaches, teachers, and other care providers to create a clear, coordinated recovery plan.
Seeking out concussion therapy early on can prevent long-term issues and help you experience a quicker return to normal.
How can Occupational Therapy help me with my Concussion?
Recovering from a concussion isn’t just about healing the brain, it can also affect how you feel about yourself and your daily life. Many people experience frustration, worry, or even a sense of loss when they can’t keep up with school, work, sports, or social activities the way they used to. Occupational therapy (OT) helps by focusing on what matters most to you.
Together, we’ll look at the activities, routines, and roles that are important in your life, and find practical strategies to help you return to them step by step. Whether it’s managing fatigue, rebuilding confidence, or learning new ways to stay engaged while your brain heals, OT gives you the tools and support to feel more like yourself again.
WHEN TO SEEK HELP FOR A CONCUSSION?
Left untreated, concussions can lead to persistent symptoms that interfere with school, work and the overall enjoyment of life. Fortunately, the physiotherapy field is continually discovering new ways to help patients suffering from long-term concussion complications. If you believe you’ve suffered a concussion, please contact PhysioPlus Health Group so we can do a thorough exam and get you on a recovery plan.
GET THE CARE YOU NEED AT HOME WHEN YOU CAN’T COME TO US
PhysioPlus now offers the convenience of IN-Home Physiotherapy and Occupational therapy for patients who can’t make it into our clinic. You can now receive the personal care you need in the comfort of your own home from our Registered Physiotherapists, Occupational therapists and Physio-Pilates Instructors.
Enjoy the convenience of flexible scheduling, less travel, and increased privacy while still receiving top-notch treatment.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, trying to manage a chronic condition, or simply trying to optimize your health and wellness, our PhysioPlus therapists can give you exceptional results with incredible convenience.
Click here to learn more about our IN-Home Physiotherapy program.
Click here to learn more about our Occupational Therapy program.
