Concussion Care

CONCUSSION CARE & REHAB

concussion care

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is defined as a traumatically induced transient disturbance of brain function that involves a complex pathophysiological process. Typically, concussions occur during a bump, blow or hit to the head that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. At Rehab 2 Perform, concussion care and sports rehab involve a comprehensive approach to assessing and treating head injuries, focusing on rest, gradual return to physical activity, cognitive rehabilitation, and specialized therapies to promote recovery and prevent long-term complications.

Rehab 2 Perform concussion care physical therapist doing concussion test with woman
Concussion guide

For Parents, Coaches, and Athletic Directors - A Guide to Safely Return Athletes to Play post Concussion.

When Should I See a Medical Professional?

Anybody that experiences any type of a hit to the head should consult with a sports medicine physician to be appropriately evaluated.

80-90% of concussions resolve spontaneously, with most older adolescents and adults returning to pre-injury levels of clinical function within 2 weeks; however, sometimes younger athletes can take up to 4 weeks for recovery.

Sometimes, post-concussive symptoms can be complicated or prolonged and do not resolve spontaneously within these time frames - in these cases, seeing additional medical providers for collaborative care is likely necessary.

What Can a Physical Therapist Do to Help?

Seek Physical Therapy if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms post-concussion:

  • Impaired balance/gait

  • Neck pain

  • Difficulty focusing

  • Dizziness

  • Headaches

  • Exercise intolerance

PTs are specially trained to address these symptoms, and help progress an athlete back to sport using a graded exposure rehab model

Return to Sport

Return to sport progressions are an important part of the rehab process in post-concussive syndrome. Before an athlete returns to sport, concussion-related signs and symptoms should be resolved.

Continuing to play immediately following concussion increases risk for increased symptoms and prolonged recovery and places the athlete at risk for Second Impact Syndrome.

Rehab 2 Perform concussion care physical therapist doing concussion rehab

Return To Sport Stages Established
by the CISG

(Concussion in Sports Group)

Stage 1

(24-48 hours post-injury)

Symptom-limited activity → this stage typically includes initiating vestibular rehab and reintroducing normal daily activities with minimal symptom exacerbation

Stage 2

(If asymptomatic for 24 hours after Stage 1)

Light aerobic exercise → this includes light walking, stationary biking or other controlled activities that increase heart rate such as bodyweight exercise

Stage 3

(if asymptomatic for 24 hours after Stage 2)

Sport-specific exercise → this includes running, skating or other sport-specific aerobic exercise avoiding head impact; more intense bodyweight exercise

Stage 4

(if asymptomatic for 24 hours after Stage 3)

Non-contact training drills → sport-specific, non-contact training drills that involve increased coordination and thinking, in addition to progressive introduction of resistance training and plyometric/circuit training

Stage 5

(if asymptomatic for 24 hours after Stage 4)

Full-contact practice → assessment of psychological readiness and exit testing; return to normal training activities

Stage 6

(if asymptomatic during stage 5)

Return to Sport → full return to sport as long as athlete remains asymptomatic

State of Maryland Remove & Return to Play Guidelines

Any student-athlete suspected of sustaining a concussion shall immediately be removed from practice or play

Each school shall use the graduated return to play protocols instituted in the Policies and Programs on Concussions for Public Schools and Youth Sport Programs.

The student-athlete may not return to play until the student receives written clearance after receiving an appropriate medical assessment by one of the following:

A licensed physician trained in the evaluation and management of concussions;

A licensed physician’s assistant trained in the evaluation and management of concussions in collaboration with the physician assistant’s supervising physician or alternate supervising physician within the scope of the physician assistant’s Delegation Agreement approved by the Board of Physicians;

A licensed nurse practitioner trained in the evaluation and management of concussions;

A licensed psychologist with training in neuropsychology and in the evaluation and management of concussions; or

A licensed athletic trainer trained in the evaluation and management of concussions, in collaboration with the athletic trainer’s supervising physician or alternate supervising physician and within the scope of the Evaluation and Treatment protocol approved by the Board of Physicians.

To assist student-athletes, parents, and school personnel, to manage concussion events, each local school system shall provide to all involved persons:

Written notification of possible head injury;

Medical clearance forms for gradual return to sports participation following concussion; and

Graduated return to play protocols

Other Resources

Area Partners and Contacts

Research & Studies

Sleep Tips with a Concussion

Low Key Activities for a Concussion