Concussions are a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). These injuries can happen during a hit to the head or a violent jolt to the body that can cause the head to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can disrupt the normal function of the brain, even though there may not be any visible signs of injury.
Football is a high-contact sport, which makes concussions a big concern. Concussions in football can happen due to:
- Direct impacts — A helmet-to-helmet collision with another player can be a frequent cause.
- Falls or hitting the ground — Tripping, tackling or a hard landing can cause the head to hit the ground, which can lead to a concussion.
- Whiplash — Sudden acceleration or deceleration of the head, even without a direct blow, can cause the brain to bounce inside the skull, which can result in a concussion.
Concussions can be common in sports, especially football. Youth and high school football players can be at a higher risk of experiencing a concussion and lasting effects compared to other sports. Up to 67,000 high school football players may experience a concussion in a single season. While it can be frustrating to be sidelined, getting back to the game can be possible. Rest is crucial for your initial recovery, but physical therapy can be a powerful ally in your journey back to peak performance.
How physical therapy can help you recover from a concussion from football
It’s important to remember that every concussion is different, and your recovery timeline will be unique. Physical therapy is all about personalized care. Your physical therapist will listen to your concerns, assess your symptoms, and create an individualized treatment plan to meet your specific needs and help you achieve your goals. Physical therapy can help you bounce back from a concussion by:
- Taming the dizziness — Football requires constant balance and coordination. A concussion can mess with your inner ear, the part of your ear that helps you stay upright. Physical therapists trained in vestibular rehabilitation have a toolbox of exercises that can help retrain your balance system. These exercises can help your brain and body communicate better, which can reduce dizziness and help you feel more steady on your feet. Vestibular exercises may involve:
- Head movements — Slowly moving your head in different directions can help recalibrate your sense of balance.
- Visual tracking — Following objects with your eyes can help strengthen the connection between your visual and vestibular systems.
- Balance training — Standing on wobble boards or foam pads can challenge your balance system and promote adaptation.
- Clearing the fog — Foggy thinking and trouble concentrating can be common concussion symptoms. Physical therapy doesn’t directly access your brain, but it can help create an environment for healing. Your physical therapist may use cognitive exercises that can help challenge your memory, attention and problem-solving skills. These exercises can help stimulate your brain to relearn and strengthen connections that were disrupted by the concussion. Cognitive exercises can include:
- Memory games — Remembering sequences of numbers or completing memory puzzles.
- Attention drills — Following specific instructions or focusing on a particular sound amid distractions.
- Brain training games — Playing interactive games designed to challenge cognitive skills.
- Taming the headaches — Post-concussion headaches can be an issue. Physical therapy can’t make them disappear completely, but it can help manage them. Your physical therapist may use techniques like soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilization to ease muscle tension in your neck and head, which can contribute to headaches. They may also teach you relaxation strategies like deep breathing and meditation. These strategies can help you manage stress and reduce headache intensity.
- Helping you get your strength back — A concussion from football can make you feel weak and fatigued. Physical therapy can help you rebuild your strength and stamina safely. Your physical therapist will design a personalized exercise program that can gradually increase in intensity. As your brain heals, your body can follow suit. To accomplish this, your program may include the following types of exercises:
- Core strengthening exercises — These exercises can improve your core stability, which plays a crucial role in overall balance and movement.
- Flexibility training — Gentle stretches can help improve your range of motion and reduce muscle stiffness.
- Cardiovascular conditioning — Low-impact exercises like walking or stationary biking can help you gradually improve your cardiovascular health and energy levels.
- Enabling you to return to the field with confidence — Getting back to football after a concussion requires a gradual and safe approach. Your physical therapist will work closely with your doctor, athletic trainer and coach to create a safe return-to-play protocol. This return-to-play protocol may involve gradually increasing your activity level. To help you prepare to return to the field, your return-to-play protocol may include:
- Noncontact drills — Starting with exercises that don’t involve physical contact with other players.
- Gradual increase in intensity — Slowly progressing from light activities to more demanding drills that simulate game situations.
- Symptom monitoring — Your physical therapist will closely monitor your progress, ensuring that you’re symptom-free and ready to return to the field at your fullest potential.
- Going beyond the physical — Concussions can sometimes have emotional and psychological effects; physical therapy can offer support in these areas too. Your physical therapist can provide you with resources and strategies to cope with challenges of your recovery, for example:
- Anxiety.
- Stress.
- Frustration.
Concussions are serious and shouldn’t be ignored. Even a mild concussion can have short-term effects. Repeated concussions, especially if they’re not properly managed, can increase your risk of long-term problems with memory, learning and mood. Physical therapy can help football players stay safe and enjoy the sport they love.
REPAIR SI can help you overcome a concussion from football to get you back on the field
At REPAIR SI, we understand the importance of getting back to the game you love, especially after a concussion. Our team of experienced physical therapists is dedicated to helping football players recover safely and efficiently. We use a wide range of physical therapy techniques to help address the specific challenges you face after a concussion. Our goal is not just to alleviate your symptoms but to also optimize your balance, coordination and cognitive function to help ensure a strong and successful return to the field.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.