Over the last decade, numerous concussion evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), consensus statements, and clinical guidance documents have been published. These documents have typically focused on the diagnosis of concussion and medical management of individuals post concussion, but provide little specific guidance for physical therapy management of concussion and its associated ...
Physical therapy has become an important method of treatment for patients who experience symptoms from concussions. It is necessary for concussion management to utilize a team approach of the physician, physical therapist, athletic trainer, parent (when applicable), and the patient to best manage the recovery of the athlete.
Management of a concussion is mainly by way of physical and cognitive rest. The literature suggests that rest may be beneficial in the immediate symptomatic stages of concussion. However evidence is sparse, particularly in terms of assessing the long-term benefits of rest and how much rest is needed [2] .
The Clinical Practice Guideline was published in the Journal of Orthopedics and Sports Physical Therapy in April 2020; Volume 50 Issue 4. The Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Knowledge Translation Task Force for the concussion/mTBI CPG created these resources to summarize the recommendations for the components of screening and diagnosis ...
functional limitations tha t are associated with concussion, and stress that most patients with concussion recover relatively quickly. • Level of Evidence: B • Patient presentation: Experienced a concussive event. Physical therapists . must educate. patients about self-management of symptoms, the importance of relative rest (rest as needed)
Post-concussion rehabilitation, which starts with patient education and physical rest is a gradual, stepwise return to your normal activities, and proper management should begin as soon as possible following an injury. What you do in the first 30 days is the most critical, so do not risk long-term impairment, seek expert help immediately.
Early intervention with physical therapy is crucial. Ideally, patients who still have headaches, dizziness or neck pain 10 days after the injury should be referred to PT. "The evidence shows that being proactive with physical therapy after a concussion even as early as within two weeks of the injury can be beneficial," Homoky says.
Furthermore, we will discuss the key components of a concussion management program and highlight various brain injury therapy techniques.Additionally, we will share effective concussion recovery exercises and techniques for managing common symptoms. Alongside the benefits of neurological rehabilitation in concussion recovery, we will provide tips for long-term concussion management and ...
Physical Therapy Evaluations and Treatment After Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury ... This clinical practice guideline provides a set of evidence-based recommendations for physical therapist management of a wide variety of patients who have experienced a concussive event. This paper was a joint effort of the Academy of Orthopaedic ...
Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion . Management of Concussion. 1. The treatment of choice is rest for the first 24-48 hours following the concussion, with limitations of both cognitive and physical exertion. After that time, gradual return to activities are encouraged as long as symptoms remain in the mild ranges 2.
Prolonged rest beyond 24-48 hours after a assessment and management of concussion worsens rather than aids recovery. Humans respond well integrating in their social and physical environments, and therefore sustained rest adversely affects the physiology of concussion and can lead to physical deconditioning and reactive depression.
A physical therapist who is experienced in treating people with concussions or post-concussion problems. Some physical therapists have a practice with a neurological or vestibular rehabilitation focus. A physical therapist who is a board-certified clinical specialist or who completed a residency or fellowship in neurologic physical therapy.
One of the big goals of physical therapy for a concussion is to help the patient resume work and all of the tasks that are a part of daily life. This happens in stages. The 10-20-30 rule often applies to patients in concussion therapy. The therapist may recommend 10 minutes of activity followed by 30 minutes of rest.
The ImPACT® (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Testing) concussion evaluation system is a non-invasive, scientifically validated, web-based software test that provides the best available information for managing concussions and preventing long-term damage, benefitting persons of all ages.. Phoenix Physical therapists teamed up with the MAC Alliance (Mid-Atlantic Concussion Alliance) to ...
In 2017, the American Physical Therapy Association wrote about growing research evidence of the benefits of using physical therapy in concussion management (Beyond Rest: Physical Therapists and Concussion Management). However, physical therapists typically focus on treating specific symptoms the patient presents with because they often don’t ...
Physical therapy is unique in that every concussion care treatment plan is created precisely for the patient based on their symptoms, challenges, and recovery goals. Physical therapists understand the importance of brain rest and determine when it is safe to start physical activity—and which interventions are appropriate.
Physical therapy for concussion recovery focuses on restoring normal movement, strength, and coordination. This is essential for a patient’s gradual return to full activity. ... Effective management of brain healing includes appropriately challenging the patient’s cognitive function in conjunction with their physical therapy exercises.
She completed her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Des Moines University in 2014 and her Doctor of Health Science from the University of Indianapolis in 2019. Becky has been actively practicing in the field of physical therapy for 21 years with specialization in concussion management since 2006.
