Physical therapy is a primary treatment option for concussion injuries, both immediately after the injury and after a significant amount of time has passed, if the patient is still experiencing ongoing symptoms from the concussion.
While most concussion symptoms heal within 10 days for adults and a few weeks for children, sometimes the symptoms can be ongoing. These longer lasting symptoms can include:
- Vision impairment and difficulty focusing or following objects.
- Balance and coordination issues.
- Chronic headaches.
- Neck and shoulder pain.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you can seek physical therapy for treatment. Ideally, you should schedule a physical therapy appointment as soon as you are diagnosed with a concussion, but physical therapy will still be effective at treating the ongoing symptoms of a concussion even weeks or months after the injury. It can also help reduce how long you’re being affected by ongoing concussion symptoms.
What types of physical therapy treatments are used for concussion rehabilitation?
Physical therapy for concussion treatment is made up of many different techniques, though your physical therapist will create a plan that is tailored to your specific needs. For most patients, a series of the following physical therapy treatments will be used to help relieve your ongoing concussion symptoms:
- Trigger point therapy — Trigger point therapy is used to release chronic tension in the muscles, which can be helpful for symptoms in the neck and shoulders related to a concussion. By applying manual pressure to certain “trigger points” in the body, a physical therapist can help mobilize the tissue in the muscles and release tension.
- Graston Technique® — This form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization is great for concussion treatment because it helps relieve soft tissue injuries, e.g., those brought on by whiplash. This helps to reduce inflammation and increase mobility in the muscles.
- Vestibular rehab — Vestibular rehabilitation focuses on regaining balance and coordination after an injury. Serious concussions can require physical therapy to improve daily activities, such as walking, standing, etc.
If you have suffered a concussion and are still dealing with residual symptoms, contact our team today at Panther Physical Therapy. Physical therapy is a common treatment for concussion injuries. You can schedule a free screening with our team to determine if this is the right treatment option for you. Contact us today.