In the first days following concussion, brain rest is critical to ensuring a recovery that occurs most completely, in the shortest amount of time. That rest includes avoiding/reducing reading, computer work,video games, texting, and watching TV. As the days pass, symptoms usually improve quickly and activity can be gradually re-introduced. Light exercise begun at the right time aides in faster recovery. Communication with your doctor, teachers, coaches, and therapist is critical to success. The team of providers coordinate return to school, adjustment to homework levels, and accommodations during the school day. Return to Play and Return to Learn protocols are specific, and followed carefully. For many children and their parents, this process can be scary and overwhelming. Riverwalk Physical Therapy has many years experience assisting with the coordination of this process.
Ongoing symptoms can include headache, dizziness, blurred vision, neck ache, mood irritability, brain fog, and fatigue. These symptoms need to be prioritized, with treatment fitting well into an already busy schedule for students and parents. Specific tests are carefully chosen to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms. Exercises are prescribed for each individual, ensuring your therapy is performed in the most efficient and effective manner. The frequency of clinic visits in the Concussion Protocol is 4 days in a row and it is essentially and exercise only protocol, but in some cases manual therapy may be offered for headache, whiplash, or neck/back ache that is often associated with concussion. This can include gentle massage, joint traction/mobilization, and stretching. All therapies are performed in a comfortable fashion, putting you and your child at ease. Duration of therapy varies widely according to the severity and number of symptoms, and pre-existing medical conditions.
Riverwalk Physical Therapy has extensive experience in concussion recovery, and monitors research in this area regularly. We work with all levels of student athletes in all levels of recreational and competitive sports. Riverwalk PT works closely with many local pediatricians regarding “Return to Play”