Allowing your child to participate in sports is a rewarding experience that teaches them discipline, endurance, teamwork, and more. The fear that most parents share is the possibility of injury. From broken arms and tears to concussions, parents’ worries are valid. At Ohio Sports and Spine, our trusted experts have decades of experience rehabilitating patients from sports-induced head injuries. Within this blog, we help you understand concussions better and how you can help your child get back to being an athlete after suffering from one.
Areas of the Body Affected by Concussions
Before we dive into the ways that physical therapy can help during the recovery from a concussion, it is important to identify the areas of the body most affected by a concussion’s presence.
- Neck: Stiffness and tension within the neck can worsen headache pain.
- Vestibular System: This part of the body affected by concussions leads patients to feel dizzy and off balance.
- Vision System: Patients can experience blurred vision and eye strain.
- Autonomic Nervous System: Feeling dizzy after exercising or experiencing extreme fatigue can be a symptom of a concussion.
- Nausea or Vomiting: A tell-tale sign of concussion is the response of throwing up which is caused by potential nerve stimulation or swelling.
Research conducted by the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy concluded that of the forty-four million children involved in sports-related activities, around 3.8 million experience a concussion resulting from sports each year.
What Is the Benefit of Physical Therapy in Concussion Recovery?
Quicker Recovery
The same study by the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy also determined that using aerobic interventions can allow the body to heal at a quicker rate. Getting back into movement in a physical therapy setting can be beneficial to patients because it is a controlled environment. Encouraging your child to continue to move in some capacity is key, but working with a physical therapist at OSSI ensures you are doing the right type of exercise in moderation.
Reduces the Risk of Post-Concussion Syndrome
Many studies have shown that utilizing multimodal physical therapy can lead to a lower risk of prolonged concussion symptoms. This type of physical therapy does not focus on one part of the body; instead, it allows intervention in many parts of the body. Since a concussion can impact multiple bodily functions, this form of physical therapy is a solution to targeting multiple problem areas.
Provides Youth Athletes with Personal Support
Youth athletes are used to the on-the-go lifestyle, and being told to rest can cause them to struggle. With the help of a physical therapist, recovery can be less isolating and more solution-based. By introducing activity slowly and intentionally, the personalized support can help ease the anxiety behind recovery, shining a bright light on the future.
Finding Specialists in Physical Therapy-Based Concussion Recovery
Concussion recovery can be difficult, but finding a specialist who cares about your recovery has never been easier. At Ohio Sports and Spine, our physical therapy team will work alongside you through your journey to get back in the game. For further information on what OSSI can do for you, contact us today!
