Understanding Concussions: Your Complete Guide to Recognition and Recovery

“By the age of 10 years, one in five children will experience a concussion but only 25% of those concussions result from sport participation”

Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury that requires careful attention and proper management. At Active Health Co, we believe in providing comprehensive education about concussion safety while working alongside medical professionals to support recovery.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

If you suspect a concussion, seek immediate medical attention, especially if symptoms are severe or worsen. This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace proper medical assessment and care.

Understanding Concussions in Sports and Daily Life

Common Causes

Sports-related concussions often occur in:

  • Contact sports (football, rugby, boxing)
  • High-impact sports (skiing, skateboarding)
  • Team sports (soccer, basketball)
  • Combat sports (martial arts)

Non-sports causes include:

  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Falls and accidents
  • Workplace incidents
  • Recreational activities

Recognising Concussion Symptoms

Immediate Signs

  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Memory loss about the incident
  • Balance problems
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting

Delayed Symptoms

  • Persistent headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Sensitivity to light and noise
  • Mood changes
  • Fatigue
  • Vision problems

When to Seek Emergency Care

Red Flags Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Severe or worsening headache
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Increasing confusion
  • Weakness or numbness
  • Slurred speech
  • Unusual behavior changes

The Recovery Journey

Initial Phase

  • Concussion assessment and diagnosis
  • Rest and symptom monitoring
  • Following medical advice
  • Gradual return to activities
  • Sleep and stress management

Rehabilitation Phase

Once medically cleared, various healthcare professionals can support recovery:

Physiotherapy Support

  • Vestibular rehabilitation
  • Balance training
  • Neck muscle strengthening
  • Guided exercise progression
  • Movement pattern correction

Our Active Health Co. resident physiotherapist. Josh provides:

  • Concussion baseline testing
  • Concussion assessments for post head injury
  • Treatment and return to sport guidance and advice

Click here to book a time with Josh and for concussion baseline testing.

Chiropractic Care

  • Cervical spine assessment
  • Gentle manual therapy when appropriate
  • Posture correction
  • Movement guidance
  • Physical rehabilitation support

Professional Care Approach

Integrated Recovery Support

Our healthcare team works in conjunction with your medical providers to:

  • Support prescribed treatment plans
  • Monitor progress
  • Address associated symptoms
  • Guide safe return to activities
  • Prevent future complications

Rehabilitation Strategies

  1. Vestibular Rehabilitation
  • Balance exercises
  • Gaze stabilisation
  • Motion sensitivity training
  • Spatial orientation exercises
  1. Physical Recovery
  • Neck strengthening
  • Postural education
  • Graduated exercise programs
  • Activity modification guidance
  1. Return to Activity Protocol
  • Staged progression
  • Activity monitoring
  • Symptom tracking
  • Performance assessment

Prevention Strategies

Sport-Specific Safety

  • Proper technique training
  • Appropriate protective equipment
  • Rule adherence
  • Recognition of risk situations

General Safety Measures

  • Workplace safety protocols
  • Home environment assessment
  • Fall prevention strategies
  • Activity awareness

Supporting Long-Term Recovery

Lifestyle Considerations

  • Sleep hygiene
  • Stress management
  • Nutrition support
  • Activity modification

Gradual Return to Activities

  • Work/school reintegration
  • Sport-specific protocols
  • Activity pacing
  • Monitoring symptoms

The Role of Healthcare Professionals

Collaborative Care Approach

Our team at Active Health Co:

  • Works with medical providers
  • Follows established protocols
  • Provides evidence-based care
  • Monitors recovery progress

Your Recovery Journey

Individual Care Plans

We develop personalized approaches considering:

  • Injury specifics
  • Symptoms present
  • Activity goals
  • Recovery timeline
  • Medical recommendations

Moving Forward

Recovery Support

At Active Health Co, we:

  • Follow medical guidance
  • Provide complementary care
  • Monitor progress
  • Adjust treatment as needed
  • Support safe return to activities

Taking Action

Remember:

  1. Seek immediate medical attention for suspected concussions
  2. Follow medical advice carefully
  3. Engage in appropriate rehabilitation when cleared
  4. Return to activities gradually
  5. Monitor symptoms throughout recovery

Ready to Support Your Recovery?

Our team can help support your journey back to health and activity. Contact us to learn more about our collaborative approach to concussion recovery care.

Book an appointment now.

Your health and safety are our primary concerns. Always follow medical advice first and foremost in concussion care.