Concussion physical therapy and concussion management, involves the assessment and treatment of symptoms and functional impairments following a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Physical therapists play a crucial role in helping individuals recover from concussion-related symptoms and regain optimal physical function and quality of life.

Here are some common components of concussion physical therapy:

1. Comprehensive Assessment: Physical therapists conduct a thorough evaluation to assess the individual’s symptoms, functional limitations, and neurological status following a concussion. This may include tests of balance, coordination, vision, vestibular function, cognitive function, and symptom provocation.
2. Symptom Management: Physical therapists provide strategies to manage and alleviate common concussion symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, visual disturbances, and sensitivity to light and sound. This may include education on pacing activities, modifying the environment, and relaxation techniques.
3. Vestibular Rehabilitation: For individuals experiencing vestibular dysfunction or dizziness following a concussion, vestibular rehabilitation exercises are prescribed to improve balance, gaze stability, and vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR) function. These exercises may include gaze stabilization exercises, habituation exercises, and balance training.
4. Ocular Motor Training: Eye movement abnormalities are common after a concussion and can contribute to visual disturbances and difficulty with reading and focusing. Physical therapists prescribe exercises to improve eye tracking, convergence, accommodation, and smooth pursuit movements to enhance visual function and reduce symptoms.
5. Cervical Spine Rehabilitation: Neck pain and cervical spine dysfunction are frequently associated with concussions. Physical therapists incorporate manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercises, and postural re-education to address cervical spine mobility, strength, and alignment, which can help alleviate headache and neck pain.
6. Gradual Return to Activity: Physical therapists guide individuals through a gradual return-to-activity progression based on symptom severity, tolerance, and medical clearance. This may involve a stepwise approach to reintroducing physical activity, exercise, sports participation, work duties, and cognitive tasks while monitoring symptoms and progress.
7. Education and Counseling: Physical therapists provide education and counseling to individuals and their families on concussion management, recovery expectations, symptom management strategies, and strategies for preventing future concussions. This may include guidance on sleep hygiene, nutrition, stress management, and concussion prevention strategies in sports and recreational activities.
8. Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Physical therapists collaborate with other healthcare professionals involved in concussion management, including physicians, athletic trainers, neuropsychologists, and occupational therapists, to provide comprehensive care and optimize outcomes for individuals with concussions.

Concussion physical therapy is typically individualized based on the specific needs, symptoms, and functional impairments of each individual. The duration and intensity of therapy may vary depending on factors such as the severity of the concussion, presence of coexisting injuries or conditions, and response to treatment. The ultimate goal of concussion physical therapy is to promote recovery, optimize physical function, and support the individual’s safe return to daily activities and participation in sports and recreational pursuits.