Concussion Management

The natural fatigue and required resting that early concussion recovery entails,  often results in weakened muscles and lowered endurance. To combat that, your physical therapist will customize a strength-building program for you, as well as guide you through aerobic moves that help you regain that endurance. Chances are, you won’t be referred to physical therapy during the immediate aftermath of a concussion. It is important to understand your symptoms and work with athletic trainers and physicians to determine the proper diagnosis. Once diagnosed, sometimes rest is the best way to deal with short-term symptoms such as vomiting, confusion, weakness and headaches. But if these problems persist and new ones arise, physical therapy can be helpful.

Long-term symptoms can be quite varied, depending on the nature of your injury, as well as your age and gender. The most common symptoms that people seek PT for concussions include:

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• Fatigue

• Weight loss or weight gain

• Ongoing headaches

• Irritability

• Loss of balance and frequent falls

• Dizziness and lowered blood pressure

• Muscle weakness and spasms

• Decreased sex drive

• Sudden loss of menstruation