Friday, January 26, 2018

Post Concussion Physical Therapy

By Kirsten Carmichael DPT, CSCS, SFG I, MFDc

How does a Physical Therapist help someone post-concussion?


Most concussions (80-90%) will resolve within a 7-10 day time period.  For a small percentage of people symptoms last beyond 2-3 weeks and in these cases a Physical Therapist may be able to help.
The vestibular system located in the inner ear senses motion of the head and helps stabilize your eyes while you are in motion.  If the vestibular system is disrupted you may continue to experience dizziness, sensitivity to motion, difficulty balancing, etc. 

Testing eye movement during an evaluation
A Vestibular Physical Therapist can provide a detailed assessment to determine the nature of your symptoms and begin exercises to help the system adapt and heal. 
Training convergence with a Brock String
Balancing on an unstable surface and getting in some rotational work
A Physical Therapist can also address any underlying issues with the neck that may present with a concussion.  It is always important to assess if dizziness and headaches are actually coming from the cervical spine.  We also initiate cervical strengthening exercises as early as possible.  Strengthening the neck has been found to reduce the odds of concussion which is important when returning to sport.

Working the scapular muscles and strengthening the neck wearing a special cervical weight
 Research has also found that getting moving as soon as possible after a concussion is important.  With exertion therapy we monitor you through a progressive and sport specific return to play program. We work with your doctor to make sure you are ready to return to sport. Additionally, we make sure you have regained your strength, agility, plyometric, and reaction time to prevent any future musculoskeletal injury.
Heart rate monitor on and ready to get moving on the Airdyne bike



Working on some dynamic stability training



  Higher level training challenging the vestibular and cardiac systems in multiple                                    planes

If you are experiencing lingering concussion symptoms contact us and see what we can do to help you get back in the game!


A Day in the Life of Post ACL Sports Physical Therapy

By Kirsten Carmichael PT, DPT, CSCS, SFGI Post ACL reconstruction surgery is one of the most common things I see as a sports Physical The...