Sports concussions are brain injuries that occur when you have a severe impact on or near your head, making your brain move or “shake” rapidly within its skull. Such injuries may damage your brain cells and alter your brain's normal functioning. People in contact sports like soccer, football, basketball, hockey, and rugby are at the highest risk of sports concussions. However, you can also sustain such injuries in other sports or activities.
Prevention Tips for Sports Concussions
Since sports injuries like sports concussions can have profound effects on the health and wellness of athletes, it’s important to know how to prevent them and seek the appropriate treatment when they arise.
We recommend that you always wear the appropriate protective sports equipment, depending on what sport you are playing. Ensure your helmet fits correctly, is in good condition, is age-appropriate, and is approved for use. Although helmets can lessen the risk of skull fractures and life-threatening brain injuries, they can't prevent concussions entirely.
Learn and practice your sport's proper techniques. These may include learning to head the ball properly in soccer, fall safely in skating, or tackle properly in football.
Stick to your sport's rules and regulations. Respect your opponents' officials. Avoid unnecessary checks, hits, or tackles that may cause head trauma.
Identify a concussion's signs and symptoms. Stop playing instantly and report it to a medical staff, coach, or trainer when you suspect you or another person has sustained a concussion.
Avoid ignoring this since it can deteriorate your condition and lengthen your recovery time.
Seek medical attention promptly. A qualified doctor can diagnose a concussion and administer proper care. They might suggest several tests, such as an imaging scan, neurological exam, or physical exam, to evaluate your injury's severity and eliminate any issues.
Follow the return-to-play instructions recommended by your doctor. Avoid resuming any mental or physical activities until your doctor clears you. Returning to play hurriedly can expose you to another concussion or severe brain damage. Follow a step-by-step and supervised procedure that enables you to return to your activities safely and effectively.
How Physical Therapy Can Help with Sports Concussions
Concussions are a difficult injury to heal from, so making sure you follow these guidelines may help you prevent this as well as other sports related injuries. However if an injury on the field or on the court happens, take time to see your medical doctor for an evaluation. If they feel physical therapy is right for you, give us a call and schedule physical therapy care with BC + PT! Our skilled physical therapists are specialists when it comes to injuries and long term conditions. If you are suffering from a sports injury or automobile accident, consider seeing a physical therapist for a thorough evaluation and treatment plan. Give us a call or fill out one of our contact forms today!