Helping coaches, parents, teachers, and patients recognize concussion symptoms is one of the many things we do at OSI Physical Therapy. Defining Concussion: A mild traumatic brain injury that results in a disturbance in brain function. They result in constellation of physical, cognitive, emotional and/or sleep-related symptoms that are variable and may last from several minutes/days/months.
Return to Play (RTP) should only happen after the concussed has been cleared by a health care provider.
No athlete should RTP or activity on the same day of a suspected concussion.
Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapists and Physicians meet the qualification of appropriate health care providers in MN that can evaluate and treat concussions.
RTP programs need to be followed before athlete is cleared.
RTP programs are individualized to each concussion. Each individual responds to concussions differently, therefore RTP and activity vary.
RTP should only be achieved after an athlete is S/S free at rest and during exertion, and after all the testing has been preformed.
Head History
Initial Sideline Assessment
Subjective/Objective Assessment
Vestibular Assessment
Balance Assessment
ImPACT Computer Assessment
S/S may occur right away at the onset of injury, but may also not appear until 1/2 days after. S/S may take 72 hours to peak, so monitoring athletes in the days following suspected concussion is important.
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Balance problems
Dizziness
Fatigue
Trouble falling asleep
Sleeping more/less than usual
Drowsiness
Sensitivity to light/sound
Visual problems (double vision, blurring, lines, spots)
Irritability
Sadness (may result in depression)
Nervousness
Feeling increased in emotions
Numbness/tingling
Feeling slow/groggy/foggy
Difficulty connecting
Difficulty remembering
Loss of consciousness (LOC)
Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
Rest is the best “medicine” for concussions. Physical rest along with Mental health.
Mental Rest:
No Computer
No video games
No reading
No board/card games
No texting
No band/choir practice
School participation can be accommodated
Physical Rest:
No sports
No gym/recess/exercise
No strenuous activity
No physical labor/work
No rides
Avoid hi stimulus environments
No biking/skating/sledding/skiing
No driving
Avoid aspirin/ibuprofen or any anti-inflammatory meds for the first 48 hrs after a concussion. Do not drink alcohol, use tobacco, or any other drugs.
Be aware of S/S associated with head trauma injuries.
You don’t have to be “knocked out” to have a concussion.
No activity until S/S are gone at rest and at “play”.
Better to be safe than sorry when spending time “on the sideline/bench”.
If you’ve head a recent head injury and would like to schedule an appointment with one of our physical therapists feel free to contact us. We’ll get you set up with one of our PT’s that specializes in concussions.
– Alli
FREE PHONE CONSULTATION: (651) 275-4706