A concussion is classified as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by either a direct blow or indirect force transmitted to the head. While concussions are commonly associated with sports like football, soccer, or hockey, anyone of any age can get a concussion from a number of causes.
There is no single cure for a concussion; however, an osteopathic manual therapist can help you manage your symptoms and restore your functions. Whether your injury was recent or you’re dealing with chronic symptoms from a previous concussion, the practitioners at Jenna Howe & Associates Osteopathy and Concussion Recovery in Victoria BC, and Burnaby, BC are trained to help you with your recovery.
Call us today to book your first appointment!
Symptoms of a Concussion
Concussion symptoms can vary wildly depending on which part of the brain is affected. Here are some of the most common:
- Headaches
- Confusion, trouble concentrating, or memory loss
- Balance problems, including dizziness and vertigo
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurry vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Light and noise sensitivity
- Fatigue
- Sleep disruptions or other changes in your sleep patterns
- Mood changes such as depression or anxiety
Although recovery is different for everyone, concussion symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks. Post-concussion rehabilitation can help facilitate this process.
Four Common Causes of a Concussion
Whiplash Injuries
- During whiplash, the head is rapidly jerked forward and backward, which can cause the brain to come in contact with the skull–leading to a concussion. A whiplash injury usually results from a vehicle accident but can also occur from sports accidents and falls.
Head-to-Head Collision
- Athletes participating in contact sports like football or hockey are the most susceptible to a head-on collision. If the hit is significant enough, the direct force from one player’s head to another can cause a concussion. While protective gear is essential in sports, a helmet cannot always prevent a concussion.
Falls
- Concussions can result from any kind of fall that involves a powerful hit to the head. Examples include a gymnast falling from mid-air or a construction worker falling off a ladder.
Vehicle Accidents
- Whiplash injuries aren’t the only way you can develop a concussion after a vehicle accident. They can occur from hitting your head on a car window, the steering wheel in front of you, or even protective airbags.
How Osteopathic Manual Therapy Treats Concussions
Osteopathic manual therapy can effectively reduce concussion symptoms, helping you restore your function and return to normal activities. Some techniques that we use in treatment include:
Physical and Cognitive Rest
- Rest is essential in the first 24-48 hours after a concussion. Avoid physical exertion, but you should also avoid activities that require focus and concentration–you don’t want to risk cognitive strain. We also recommend that you stay away from activities that involve a screen, such as texting or watching TV.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment
- Osteopathic manipulation (OMT) is a non-invasive, hands-on treatment that gently restores order to the cranial unit. By reviving the flow of cerebral fluid, alleviating stress and tension in the neurological system, and enhancing autonomic function, OMT can help reduce symptoms.
Light Exercise
- While rest is necessary in the immediate aftermath of a concussion, light aerobic exercise (such as walking on a treadmill) is an important part of recovery once you’ve passed the first few days. Our osteopathic therapist will suggest appropriate exercises and monitor you while performing them to ensure you don’t strain yourself.
Therapeutic Exercise
- As you improve, we might incorporate targeted exercises to help manage your specific symptoms. For example, we can help you restore balance and stability or address any lingering neck pain.
Find Relief at Jenna Howe & Associates Osteopathy and Concussion Recovery Today
Our team of osteopathic manual therapists has extensive experience helping people rehabilitate from various causes of a concussion. If you’re struggling with post-concussion symptoms, schedule an appointment with us today to get started on a personalized care plan.
