Treating Concussions the Right Way

Concussions are more than just a bump on the head. Although non-life-threatening, they’re still serious brain injuries and can affect balance, concentration, sleep, and everyday activities. And for this reason, they benefit immensely from a comprehensive approach to care.

At Stride Sports & Physiotherapy, our integrated team works to provide exactly that! Let’s explore what concussion care looks like in our clinic.

What to Expect from Physio-Based Concussion Care

An Initial Assessment

Concussions can cause a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. That’s why your first appointment will consist of a thorough evaluation to help us understand your particular needs. We will:

• Review your symptoms and medical history, including what led to the concussion.
• Assess your balance, eye movements, neck mobility, and overall strength.
• Identify problem areas that may be slowing recovery, such as dizziness, headaches, or poor sleep.

From there, we’ll use this information to create a treatment plan that fits your unique symptoms and lifestyle.

Guided Recovery Plans

Concussion recovery timelines are different for everyone. Some people feel better in days, while others may need several weeks or months of structured therapy. What’s most important is that progress is steady and symptoms gradually improve.

At Stride Sports & Physiotherapy, you’ll receive clear guidance on how much activity you can perform each week. We’ll regularly adjust your treatment based on your response and can make referrals to other specialists as needed.

A Variety of Treatment Approaches

Everyone experiences concussions differently, which means concussion care is not one-size-fits-all. Recovery often requires multiple strategies, and we’ll work closely with you to determine which will work best for your needs. 

That said, here are some of the typical concussion treatment techniques we offer:

Education and Guidance

Understanding your symptoms and knowing how to pace yourself is critical. We’ll let you know which activity levels are appropriate when you can increase their intensity.

Graduated Exercise Therapy

Monitored aerobic exercise, like walking or cycling, is an important part of concussion recovery. However, it needs to be carefully monitored to avoid worsening symptoms. Our team can ensure you get the activity you need.

Physical Symptom Management

We offer several techniques to address common physical post-concussion symptoms, including headaches and neck pain. Massage therapy can help ease discomfort and reduce muscle tension, while therapeutic exercise can improve neck stability and posture.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Concussions can also affect the vestibular system, leading to symptoms like dizziness or balance problems. We can guide you through targeted techniques to resolve vestibular dysfunction.

Cognitive and Lifestyle Support

Concussions can affect concentration and memory. We’ll work with you on strategies to manage screen time, organize tasks, and create rest breaks that support recovery.

Additional Treatments

Depending on your needs, we might suggest the following techniques:

• Acupuncture for pain relief.
• Dry needling to reduce muscle tension.
• Shockwave therapy for stubborn muscle-related discomfort.

Sources: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9897009/, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10324323/ 

Haunted by Joint Pain? Call Your Local Physiotherapist!

October 1st marks the start of spooky season, and if you notice some mysterious aches and pains as you’re hanging up decorations or designing the perfect Halloween costume, don’t get spooked. Call the physiotherapists at Stride Sports & Physiotherapy instead.

Physiotherapy focuses on helping you find relief through movement. As physiotherapists, we’re experts in your body’s musculoskeletal system and understand how a seemingly minor issue can cause significant pain.

Through a blend of different techniques, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, patient education, and more, we’ll help you find relief from joint pain so you can live an active, healthy lifestyle all year long.

This October, don’t let pain haunt your days; make time to care for your health so you can enjoy the season to the fullest.

Three Ways to Celebrate the Spooky Season… Physio-Style

• Do the Monster Mash. Dancing is a great way to get more movement in, and “The Monster Mash” is a classic of the season. Regular exercise has a host of benefits, from reducing your risk of chronic diseases to improving your mood. Not sure how to get started? Our team can help you find an exercise program that suits your needs and abilities.
• Call the Exercist. If persistent pain has you feeling like someone else, our “exercists” can help exorcize your pain with a customized treatment program. Hands-on manual therapy techniques offer acute pain relief and improved mobility, and a therapeutic exercise program will help restore strength and functionality in the impacted areas.
• Prepare for the Zombie Apocalypse: When the dead rise, the last thing you want is to injure yourself as you make your escape. Our physiotherapists can perform a comprehensive evaluation to alert you to any muscular weakness or imbalances that might lead to injury. Then, we’ll walk you through a plan to correct them so you can fight zombies (and face other daily challenges) without fear.

Get Spooky and Healthy This October with Physiotherapy!

The team at Stride Sports & Physiotherapy wants to help you live an active, independent lifestyle free of pain and other physical impairments. To learn more about the role physiotherapy plays in managing pain, reducing injury, and keeping you healthy, schedule an appointment with us today!

Sources: https://www.choosept.com/why-physical-therapy/benefits-of-physical-therapy