What Is A Concussion?
The general definition of concussion means the act of forcefully shaking or jarring which disturbs the function of nerves in the brain. A sports concussion can occur with a bump, blow or jolt to the head or the body which causes nerves in the brain to move. This movement causes the brain to hit the inside of the skull which can result in a change in brain cell chemistry and structural injury from cell stretching. This damage can result in a variety of signs and symptoms depending on the portion of the brain involved during a sports concussion.
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.
Sports concussions are described as “mild” traumatic brain injury because concussions are not usually life-threatening. However, concussions are brain injuries and can lead to serious long-term consequences if not managed correctly by a qualified healthcare professional. Typically, concussions are not the problem, the management after the concussion is. This is why physical therapy is necessary, as soon as possible.
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, a trip, and fall, or other events, concussion therapy is absolutely necessary to ensure that there is no lasting damage following the trauma.
What is Complete Concussion Management?
Complete Concussion Management is a network of trained multidisciplinary healthcare practitioners that collaborate with physicians to co-manage concussion injuries, helping patients and athletes safely return to academics, work and sport.
Finding Concussion Therapy Post-Trauma
The severity of a traumatic brain injury can vary dramatically. While some concussions are indeed minor, and may not require long-term intervention, other brain injuries can have lifelong consequences.
In the immediate hours and days following a traumatic brain injury, the best treatment option is to come to physical therapy as soon as possible. Current evidence suggests the sooner an athlete or patient is seen by a licensed physical therapist, the outcomes improve substantially.
Seeking out concussion therapy in West Hartford, Glastonbury or Granby, CT early on can prevent long-term issues and help you experience a quicker return to normalcy.
Without therapeutic intervention, long-term symptoms can include:
- Chronic headaches
- Fatigue
- Changes in weight
- Sleep disorder
- Muscle weakness and spasms
- Decreased libido
- Disrupted menstruation and infertility
Our Clients Get Great Results
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The therapists at CTPTS are amazing. They treat all kinds of aches and pains. My concussion is improving every day. Highly recommend!
Laura R.
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The staff is knowledgeable, professional, and welcoming. Each session is focused on my needs and progress. So happy I found them!
Nancy E.
Our Certification
CTPTS is proud to announce our affiliation and certification as a Certified Complete Concussion Management Clinic.
Our Physical Therapists are fully accredited to treat concussion patients whether it be for pre-season testing or balance rehab.
Additionally, our PT’s can also assist in the return to work, school, and sports activities.
Our Certified Concussion Therapists
- Jackie Oates, DPT
- Kyle DiRoberto, DPT
- Rebecca Cyr, DPT
- David Bostic, PT
When to seek help for a concussion?
Left untreated, concussions can even inhibit growth in young children and bring on early dementia for older patients. Fortunately, the physical therapy field is continually discovering new ways to help patients suffering from long-term concussion complications. If you believe you have suffered a concussion, please contact Connecticut Physical Therapy Specialists in West Hartford, Glastonbury or Granby, CT so we can do a thorough exam and get you on a recovery plan.
Your Next Steps…
- Request An Appointment
- Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
- Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
- Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free
