In the immediate post-injury phase, the only treatment for concussion is rest. A Concussion is essentially an energy deficit inside the brain, complete with imbalances and blood flow abnormalities.

 

Rest has two very important features when it comes to concussions.

• First, it keeps the individual from putting themselves in harm's way, thereby avoiding a devastating second injury, until they have sufficiently recovered.
• Second, rest allows the individual to get a jump-start on their recovery so that any and all energy that is being produced is allocated to attempting to regain the current deficit.

The next stages of rehabilitation from a concussion injury involve a gradual return first to cognitive activity (Learn) and then a gradual increase in physical activity (Play) with each stage separated by a period of at least 24 hours.

 

The individual must have no symptoms at any one of the stages in order to be progressed to the next stage. If symptoms are encountered, this is indication of not being ready for the complexity of the task, and the athlete should drop back to the previous stage for a 24-hour period before attempting the next stage again.

 

We monitor these steps very closely to ensure a safe and effective integration back to normal activities and life!