Functional Therapy
Expert care for concussion recovery and prevention.
Available at these clinics:
Mississauga
Oakville
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that is caused by a blow to the head or body, or another injury that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull. This movement causes the brain to collide against the inside of the skull and causes swelling of the brain producing the symptoms of a concussion. Research has shown that a traumatic hit to the torso can cause sufficient force via whiplash to cause a concussion.
We offer imPACT Baseline Testing – computer-based neurocognitive testing protocols – and recovery strategies. There’s been a growing emphasis on objective baseline testing protocols that can be used to track an athlete’s recovery and serve as an objective measurement for return-to-play readiness. By measuring an athlete’s “normal” level of functioning, we’re better able to gauge the level of impairment that may exist post-injury by performing comparative testing. Our team of Concussion Athletic Injury Rehab Exercise practitioners will assess your injury and provide you with a management strategy to aid in your recovery.
Recent advancements in concussion management have resulted in the widespread use of computer-based neurocognitive testing protocols, and evidence now shows that concussed athletes demonstrate subtle cognitive deficits that may persist beyond symptom resolution – emphasizing the fact that return to play once “symptom-free” is no longer an accurate measure of readiness. impact Baseline Testing is available at SPORTS THERAPY C.A.i.R.E. Computerized neurocognitive testing is part of all baseline and post-injury assessment protocols. This type of testing provides us with a snapshot of how an athlete’s brain is functioning both pre and post injury by measuring things like reaction time, processing speed, memory, and attention/concentration. These cognitive processes are often affected by concussive injury, therefore testing provides us with important information when managing an athlete’s recovery. Note: computer-based neurocognitive tests designed for concussion assessment (eg. ImPACT) are invaluable tools that provide objective information on various aspects of neurocognitive performance; however these tests are not meant to replace a full neuropsychological assessment that would be provided by a qualified Neuropsychologist. When further comprehensive testing is required, a specialist referral may be indicated.
Concussions can produce a wide array of symptoms, which poses a challenge for coaches, trainers, parents, and health professionals involved in the care of an injured athlete. The time-course for recovery also varies widely from athlete to athlete, making it impossible to employ a “cookie-cutter” approach to concussion rehab and return-to-play protocols. A growing emphasis has been placed on objective baseline testing protocols that can be used to track an athlete’s recovery and serve as an objective measurement for return-to-play readiness. By measuring an athlete’s “normal” level of functioning, we are better able to gauge the level of impairment that may exist post-injury by performing comparative testing.
Our team believes in a multifaceted approach and that no single test should be used in isolation.
We carefully review and document previous concussive episodes and history of concussion-like symptoms to aid in development of individualized post-injury assessment and treatment protocols.
Baseline values can vary widely and in young developing athletes, these measures can change dramatically from year to year. It is important to record baseline values of physical and neurocognitive function before the start of each sports season. Should an athlete sustain a concussion during the season, C.A.i.R.E. practitioners have the ability to compare post-injury testing to baseline values. This allows for a more accurate and objective assessment and provides important information when making return-to-play decisions.
We conduct a thorough post-injury evaluation in order to gain a complete picture of your injury. Describe the mechanism of injury History of signs and symptoms History of previous concussions Current and past medical conditions Previous trauma/injury Medications The physical examination provides us with insight into the severity of your injury, as well as specific impairments that may need to be addressed as part of an ongoing management strategy. This portion of testing may include a combination of the following Computerized neurocognitive testing Balance testing Strength and coordination testing Screening of visual motor skills Vestibular (or equilibrium) testing Gait assessment Neurological cranial nerve screen Orthopedic assessment of secondary injuries (e.g. neck, shoulders) The above testing procedures may not all be completed on the first visit. The assessment method is tailored to the immediate needs of the athlete and each Healthcare Provider uses his/her discretion on a case-by-case basis.
Following a concussion, the “sitting in a dark room” approach is only effective for so long. Concussions, like other sports injuries should be properly managed and rehabilitated. While complete physical and cognitive rest is the mainstay of concussion care, having a health professional guide you through this step-by-step may prove to be invaluable. At SPORTS THERAPY C.A.i.R.E. we understand that each person is affected differently and therefore requires individualized care. Recovering strategies include any combination of the following and are case-dependent
Once symptom free, a graduated process of physical exertion testing is prescribed. Recovery from a concussion should be gradual with specific return-to-play-work-school exertion protocols. Physical exertion testing is important not only for physical re-conditioning, but also to prevent symptom relapse and premature return-to-sport. Our Team of Concussion Athletic injury Rehab Exercise practitioners will guide you through this process.
Once symptom free, it is recommended that each athlete undergo a graduated program of exercise testing. Similar to weight training, athletes recovering from a concussion should not skip to 100% exertion from 0% in a short time frame. Physical exertion testing is important not only for physical re-conditioning, but to guard against symptom relapse and help prevent premature return-to-sport. It is well known that concussive symptoms can be aggravated with exercise and even though you may feel well, running, jumping, or stick handling are things that may cause your symptoms return.
The return-to-play process is gradual. The first stage typically involves light cycling or jogging to elevate your heart rate a moderate amount. If no symptoms are aggravated either during or for 24 hours after this exercise session, you may progress to a more difficult workout routine. Eventually you may advance to on-field or on-ice practice and finally full game play (with proper medical clearance). The whole process could take anywhere from 5 days to 2 weeks depending on your specific situation or the stipulations of your governing sport organization. At any time if your symptoms return, you must return to a lower level exertion (or modified activities) depending on the advice of your health professional.
Emergency evaluation is warranted in situations of deteriorating health status such as Increasing confusion and difficulty recognizing people or places. Worsening headache, nausea, vomiting and excessive drowsiness or lethargy. Upon medical evaluation, we recommend booking an initial assessment with a SHIFT Concussion Certified practitioner. Even if you do not have an imPACT baseline assessment, we will assess your injury and provide you with a management strategy to aid in your recovery. Assessments and subsequent therapy/visits are covered under most extended healthcare benefits (eg. Osteopathy, Athletic Therapy, Physiotherapy).
If you or a loved one has experienced a concussion, our team is here to help. Contact us to learn more about our concussion management services and to schedule an evaluation.
