CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT

"It's better to miss one game, than the whole season"

"It's better to miss one game, than the whole season"

At Total Physio we can carry out a thorough concussion assessment and provide structured guidance on return to play steps for concussion injuries. This will include:

  • Subjective assessment, finding out about the mechanism of injury and symptoms

  • Physical assessment that will test: balance and coordination, reaction times, cardiovascular systems (both aerobically and anaerobically)

  • Planning a day-by-day gradual return to sport

STEPS FOR RETURN TO PLAY

If at any stage you have an increase in, or develop further symptoms of, concussion, you must drop back to the previous asymptomatic level and try to progress after a 24-hour period of rest. If you fail to progress, or need to regress again, you will need to be referred to a specialist or multi-disciplinary clinic.

  1. No activity for 24-48 hours (approx. 2 days) - Physical & cognitive rest

  2. Light activity for at least 1 day

    a. This could be walking, swimming or cycling

    b. Keep your HR below 70% of your max HR (max HR = 220 minus your age)

  3. Sports-specific exercises, e.g., running drills

  4. Non-contact training drills

    a. Progress to more complex training drills, e.g., Passing

    b. Can also recommence resistance training in the gym

  5. Following written medical clearance - can participate in normal training activities (full contact)

  6. Return to play as normal - no earlier than 7 days post-concussion

WHAT IS CONCUSSION?

A concussion is a traumatic injury to the head that affects brain function, normally caused by a blow to the head. A concussion can also be caused by intense shaking of the head & upper body. Some concussions may result in a loss of consciousness.

SYMPTOMS OF CONCUSSION

  • Any loss of consciousness

  • Clutching head

  • Balance problems

  • Drowsiness; feeling “in a fog”

  • Heightened emotions

  • Irritability

  • Sadness

  • Fatigue or low energy

  • Nervousness or anxiety

  • Feeling "not right"

  • Difficulty remembering and/or amnesia

  • Headache

  • Dizziness

  • Feeling slowed down

  • "Pressure in head"

  • Blurred vision

  • Sensitivity to light and/or noise

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Neck pain

IMPORTANT POINTS

  • Players will often feel tired & may experience difficulty performing day- to-day tasks that require concentration. You may also experience low mood, with feelings of anxiety and/or depression, and irritability towards others.

  • Alcohol should be avoided.

  • Minimise exposure to electronic devices (e.g. TV)

  • Avoid napping during the day

  • Stay hydrated & eat nutritious meals

  • Players should not be put under pressure until full recovery from concussion is achieved.