The understanding of concussions is consistently evolving and improving. With increased media attention on concussions in sports, there's a growing awareness in treatment approaches and recommendations for self-care.
Endeavor Health is a leader in concussion treatment, using the active model of recovery. If you or a family member play high-contact sports and have experienced a concussion, call Endeavor Health at (847) 570-2570 to connect with a doctor today.
Embrace active recovery
A significant shift in concussion management is the move towards an active model of recovery. Research has shown that athletes who engage in activity after an initial rest period (usually 72 hours) are more likely to return to play sooner.
Determining when you are ready to begin active recovery is generally done on a case-by-case basis. Even with mild symptoms, it's beneficial to start with gentle cardiovascular activities like walking or light bike rides.
Recognizing limits
If your symptoms worsen during moderate physical activity, that's an indication to scale back. However, experiencing mild symptoms, such as lightheadedness or a mild headache that resolves quickly, isn't necessarily a bad thing; it can indicate that you are improving. Avoid team and contact sports during recovery, as well as activities with excessive noise or sound.
Concussion protocols
The International Consensus on Sports Concussion provides evidence-based "return to play" guidelines, updated every four years. These guidelines, along with concussion protocols, help sports teams identify injuries, remove players from games and manage symptoms. This regular update process means that the best and safest practices are always being shared, helping everyone, no matter their age, recover clearly and safely.
Common misconceptions
One prevalent myth that has been widely disproven is that "rest is best" immediately following a concussion. Instead, active engagement as soon as you are able, under proper guidance, is now understood to be more beneficial for recovery.
Others believe that you can only have a fixed number of concussions, often expressed as "three strikes and you're out." However, the reality of concussion recovery is far more nuanced. It takes into account various factors, including how close the concussions are to one another. For example, concussions sustained months apart are generally viewed differently by medical professionals than those occurring within a shorter timeframe, as the brain may have had more time to heal.
Prevention and support
Nothing is 100% proven for concussion prevention. The most effective strategies involve practicing good form and playing smart, especially in contact sports where controlling and lessening impacts is crucial. While advances in headgear show promise, it's not yet a complete solution.
Finding the "sweet spot" for increasing physical activity after a concussion can be challenging. Staying in touch with your doctor is key to regulating activity levels and promoting recovery.
Your partner in recovery
Being active is not only acceptable but encouraged in concussion recovery. The key message about concussion recovery is that engaging in physical activity after a period of rest is essential. Even with mild symptoms, it’s been proven to be far more beneficial than prolonged rest.
Endeavor Health offers comprehensive sports neurology treatment and management. We follow the active model of recovery and provide effective treatment for concussions. Get in touch with our neurology healthcare providers for effective treatment and management of concussions. Visit us online or call (847) 570-2570.
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