What Can I do to Reduce the Risk of Concussions?
Concussions are a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a blow, bump or jolt to the head or body that forces the brain to move rapidly within the skull. They’re common in sports, falls and accidents, but their impact can go far beyond the immediate injury. Recognising, managing and mitigating the risks of concussions is essential for anyone involved in physical activity, especially athletes. This blog explores the symptoms of concussions, red flags that necessitate urgent medical attention and how Pro Health Physio can help reduce the risk of getting a concussion and aid recovery after one. Whether you’re an athlete, a parent or a health-conscious individual, this guide will help you understand concussions better and take proactive steps toward safety and recovery. Symptoms of Concussions Concussions can present a wide range of symptoms that vary in severity. These symptoms are typically divided into physical, cognitive, emotional and sleep-related categories. Physical symptoms include headaches or pressure in the head, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, balance problems, and sensitivity to light and noise. Some individuals may experience blurred or double vision as well as feelings of fatigue or low energy. Cognitive symptoms can include difficulty concentrating, confusion, a sense of being “foggy” and memory problems such as trouble recalling events before or after the injury. Emotional symptoms often manifest as irritability, sadness, nervousness or mood swings. Sleep-related symptoms may involve trouble falling or staying asleep or sleeping more or less than usual. These symptoms may appear immediately or develop over hours or days after the injury. It’s crucial to monitor individuals who have experienced head trauma, as symptoms can worsen or evolve over time.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help?
While most concussions resolve with proper care, some cases require urgent medical attention. Red flags are symptoms which indicate medical attention. These include, but are not limited to loss of consciousness or severe and worsening headaches. Repeated vomiting, seizures and convulsions are serious indicators, as are symptoms such as weakness, numbness or decreased coordination. Slurred speech, difficulty waking up, one pupil being larger than the other, persistent confusion and unusual behaviour or personality changes are all signs of potentially severe injury. If any of these symptoms occur, seek emergency medical assistance immediately. Delaying treatment can lead to serious complications. It is important for us to say that this is not medical advice and if you have any concerns, you should attend A&E immediately. Reducing the Risk of Concussions Reducing the risk of concussions requires a multifaceted approach that includes education, proper technique and physical preparedness. In contact sports, there is evidence to suggest mouthguard’s can help reduce the force of impact to the jaw and head. Strengthening the neck and core muscles is another key strategy. A strong neck and core can help stabilise the head and reduce the force transmitted to the brain during an impact. Exercises such as neck isometrics, planks and rotational core exercises can be particularly beneficial. Developing proper technique is crucial in sports that involve physical contact. Physiotherapists and coaches should emphasise safe tackling, heading and landing mechanics in activities like rugby, football or gymnastics. Improving reaction time and balance through exercises that enhance proprioception and coordination can also reduce the likelihood of falls or improper reactions to impacts. Balance exercises such as single-leg stances or stability ball work are especially helpful. Finally, education and enforcement of rules designed to minimise dangerous play are vital. Athletes, coaches, physio’s and referees should prioritise safety and encourage a culture where athletes feel comfortable reporting symptoms without fear of repercussions. If in doubt, sit them out.
FA Concussion Guidelines:
https://www.thefa.com/get-involved/fa-concussion-guidelines-if-in-doubt-sit-them-out
Rugby Guidelines/Educational Resources:
https://www.englandrugby.com/run/player-welfare/headcase#:~:text=The%20RFU’s%20HEADCASE%20programme%20aims,concussion%20awareness%20and%20education%20resources.
Can physiotherapists Help Reduce the Risk of Concussions?
Physiotherapists play a vital role in concussion prevention by focusing on enhancing strength, stability and movement patterns in athletes. Strengthening the neck and core muscles through targeted exercises can increase stability and reduce the whiplash effect during impacts. Pro Health Physio also design training programs to improve balance and coordination, incorporating various plyometric, shock absorbing exercises, single-leg variations and agility drills. These exercises reduce the risk of accidents, particularly in sports and high-risk activities. We complete movement pattern assessments help identify potential risks, such as poor landing mechanics or improper head positioning during sports activities and corrections that can reduce the risk of picking up injuries while also optimising performance. Education is another key component. Pro Health Physio pride themselves on being able to provide athletes, coaches and parents with the knowledge they need to understand concussion risks, recognise symptoms and prioritise safety. We have previous lead workshops and one-to-one sessions for professional and elite athletes playing football and rugby. These empower individuals to make informed decisions and adopt preventive measures. Pro Health Physio’s Role in Recovery If a concussion does occur, physiotherapy plays a pivotal role in recovery and returning to normal activities, including sports. After a concussion, rest is critical to allow the brain to heal. This includes limiting physical and cognitive activities. Physiotherapists help manage symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and neck pain through techniques like manual therapy and specific exercises. Recovery involves a gradual return to activity, guided by a step-by-step process. The stages include symptom-limited rest, light aerobic exercise such as walking or stationary cycling and the reintroduction of sport-specific activities like running or non-contact drills. This progresses to non- contact training, full-contact practice with medical clearance and finally, a return to competition. For individuals experiencing balance problems, dizziness, or visual disturbances, vestibular and oculomotor rehabilitation can address these issues. Pro Health Physio uses techniques such as gaze stabilisation, balance training and habituation exercises to aid recovery. Coping with a concussion can also be emotionally challenging. We work closely with neurologists and mental health professionals to address anxiety or mood changes associated with recovery. Regular assessments ensure recovery is on track and help identify any lingering symptoms that require further attention.
We have several contacts with expert level professionals in this area, which we can refer out to help guide your return to play. These include concussion specialists, specialists dentists, those with dizziness/vestibular rehab skills and many more.
When Should You Get Help?
If you suspect a concussion, seek medical advice immediately. Early intervention can prevent complications and support recovery. Consult us at Pro Health Physio if symptoms persist beyond 7-10 days, if you experience difficulty returning to daily activities or sports or if balance, coordination or visual issues interfere with your routine. It’s also essential to seek help if there’s a history of multiple concussions, as this increases the risk of long-term effects. Final Thoughts Concussions are serious injuries that require proper attention and care. Prevention through education, physical preparation and safe practices is essential, while early intervention and physiotherapy can ensure a smoother recovery process. By understanding the risks, symptoms and strategies for recovery, we can all play a part in reducing the impact of concussions on individuals and communities. If you or someone you know has experienced a concussion, don’t hesitate to reach out to a physiotherapist for guidance and support. At Pro Health Physio, our experienced team is here to help you stay safe, recover fully and return to the activities you love.
Further resources:
Elliot et al (2021) Proposes neck strengthening to reduce sports related concussions, including upper trapezius strengthening, deep neck flexor endurance and general shoulder strengthening.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-021-01501-1?fromPaywallRec=false
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