High school athletes who have been concussed are three times more likely to suffer another concussion in the same sports season. Why? Athletes are not
taking the appropriate amount of time to recover fully following a concussion. According to a study of high school athletes performed by the CDC, 69%
of the athletes looked at reported playing with concussion symptoms, while 40% of them stated that their coach was not even aware of their concussion
symptoms. The mentality of “no pain, no gain” should not apply to head injuries, as this could lead to permanent changes to the brain.

A physical therapist trained in concussion and vestibular rehabilitation can work with your athlete, physician, coaches and trainer as part of a coordinated
healthcare team to ensure that the athlete is fully ready to return to their sport. They will help to identify and treat many of the common symptoms
following a concussion, including: blurred vision, headaches, dizziness, decreased balance and neck pain. Once your concussion symptoms have resolved,
the physical therapist will then be able to progress you through a return to play program, which is a guided, supervised step-by-step progression of
activity to get you back to your sport.

The techniques used by a physical therapist for concussion rehabilitation are not only effective on athletes, but for any individual who has sustained
a concussion. Physical therapy becomes a valid treatment option when concussion symptoms persist for more than 10-14 days.

If you feel that you would benefit from working with our concussion specialist, please contact us today at 815.893.9075