Concussion Physiotherapy in Edmonton

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Gentle, Effective, Proven: Concussion Physiotherapy Solutions at Rutherford Physical Therapy

A traumatic brain injury, like a concussion, can occasionally have long-term effects on brain tissue and alter the chemical balance in the brain. Concussions may present short-term and long-term impacts on an individual’s physical, cognitive, and behavioural functions. At Rutherford Physical Therapy, we take all concussions very seriously and are here to help guide you through this recovery process with expert concussion physiotherapy.

Understanding Concussions

A concussion occurs when the brain is displaced in the skull due to a strong impact. Most people talk about concussions, but less than 10% of cases cause a person to lose consciousness. Symptoms may appear immediately, but in most cases, they do not appear until hours or even days after the injury. Considering that a person’s symptoms may only emerge late in a head trauma episode, monitoring should be strictly taken after the occurrence.

If someone seems to be fine after receiving a head trauma, seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms occur at a later date is necessary since a concussion could be severe, with effects for an extended period, including cognitive disturbances and a likelihood of other traumatic brain injuries.

Early detection, complete rest, and proper medical care can ensure a full recovery and potential minimization of risks of complications.

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion

Early intervention involves recognizing concussion symptoms. Symptoms may include

Physical symptoms: headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, loss of balance, and sensitivity to light or sound.
Cognitive Symptoms: Trouble focusing, memory loss, disorientation, and delayed reaction time.
Emotional and behavioural symptoms: mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression.
Sleep Symptoms: Difficulty falling asleep, sleeping more or less than usual, and feeling drowsy or fatigued

If you notice any of these symptoms following a head injury, seek a healthcare provider’s attention immediately. Such assessment can prevent further complications and guide an effective plan of recovery.

Common Causes of Concussions

The U.S. CDC indicates that:

Sports and Recreation

Almost 50% of all concussions happen during sports and other recreational activities, especially in youth under 16. Sports-related concussions occur in around 1 to 1.8 million young athletes every year.

Falls are the most common cause of concussion among older adults.

Other causes include car accidents, work injuries, and intimate-partner violence, which also contribute to a significant percentage of concussions.

It is estimated that nearly 50% of all concussion injuries remain unnoticed. This is especially the case in older adults or those with multiple injuries.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

At Rutherford Physical Therapy, our experienced physical therapists are concussion experts. As movement experts, we offer comprehensive care, ensuring a safe and speedy recovery from your concussion.

Our Approach to Concussion Physiotherapy

1. Comprehensive Assessment

Our physiotherapists will assess the level of your injury and how it affects your cognitive and physical functions. This includes evaluating balance, coordination, neck mobility, and vestibular function.

2. Targeted Treatment Plans

Each concussion is unique, and so is each recovery. We will devise a specific rehabilitation program directed by your specific symptoms and goals. Our programs are built around:

Restoring balance and coordination:

exercises to improve the body's awareness of its position in space, thereby enhancing balance and coordination. These include standing on one leg, balance board exercises, or using a wobble cushion.

Relieving headaches and dizziness:

Treatment that addresses the neck to treat headaches resulting from musculoskeletal tension or strain.

Addressing neck pain and stiffness:

Hands-on techniques such as soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilizations, and myofascial release to relieve muscle tightness and improve neck mobility.

Improve concentration and cognitive function:

Techniques can include computerized cognitive training or paper-based exercises to stimulate brain function.

3. Vestibular Rehabilitation

For patients who experience dizziness or balance problems, we focus on the inner ear and visual system using vestibular rehabilitation therapy to improve stability and reduce symptoms.

Gaze Stabilization Exercises:

It enhances eye movement control and visual fixation, reducing dizziness and improving stability.

Balance Training with Visual Integration:

involves exercises that train the brain to coordinate information from the visual and vestibular systems, reducing dizziness and improving spatial orientation.

4. Exercise Therapy

Controlled and gradual exercise may facilitate recovery through improved blood flow to the brain as well as physical fitness. We support you through safe exercises that prevent symptoms from exacerbating while promoting healing.

Aerobic Exercise:

Low-intensity cardiovascular exercises, such as walking or cycling, boost blood flow to the brain, thus promoting healing and fitness.

Strengthening and stretching exercises:

These involve working all muscle groups to achieve overall fitness and prevent compensatory movements that would otherwise worsen the condition.

5. Education and support

for recovery go beyond the clinic. We empower our patients with education on managing symptoms, lifestyle changes, and preventing future concussion injuries. Our team will support you every step of the way.

When to Seek Concussion Physiotherapy

If you have a head injury, you must get evaluated by a medical professional. Physical therapy may be an essential part of recovery if you have any of the following symptoms:

Symptoms continue for more than a few days.

You cannot go back to work or school.

You have difficulty keeping your balance or coordination.

You have frequent headaches or neckaches.

You are sensitive to light or sound.

Why Choose Rutherford Physical Therapy?

Start Your Recovery Today

At Rutherford Physical Therapy, do not let a concussion take your health, confidence, or quality of life from you. We are on the team to help you regain the above in whichever case you may need, be it as an athlete, returning to the game after injury, or any person needing respite from lingering symptoms of concussions.