The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 3.8 million people annually experience concussions during sports or recreational activities here in the United States. The CDC notes that these numbers may be underestimated, as many cases are not reported.

Concussions can affect people of all ages, with falls being the leading cause of adult, non-sports-related concussions, followed by motor vehicle accidents and assaults (blows to the head). When people slip on ice or fall at home, they often hit their head with speed and momentum. Most people try to shake it off, but sometimes symptoms don’t appear until a day or two later.

Symptoms of a concussion can include altered vision, dizziness, headache, poor balance, fatigue, decreased reaction times, light sensitivity, irritability, memory loss and difficulty with focusing on tasks. They can also occur with or without loss of consciousness.

Physical therapists are part of a team of licensed health care providers who can help provide concussion management, including management of symptoms that may continue several weeks to months after sustaining a concussion (post-concussive syndrome).

Josh Koy, physical therapist at Aultman Orrville Hospital, recommends that a detailed clinical assessment should be performed to determine where individuals may have deficits and may need to improve in to recover.

“The assessment will also help rule out other red flag conditions, including TBI, stroke, cervical myelopathy, seizures and other conditions,” he said.

Physical therapy has been shown to help patients recover balance, gaze stability, focus and gait. Depending on symptoms, a concussion can impact a patient’s vestibular system, which includes the inner ear and its connections with the brain.

“Vestibular rehabilitation can be part of concussion management depending on the patient’s symptoms and impairments,” said Nicholas Napolitan, another physical therapist at Aultman Orrville. “Exercises and specialized techniques can be performed to reduce concussion and vestibular symptoms such as dizziness and balance impairment.”

Physical therapists can assist in improving gait and balance, vestibular function and gaze stabilization, as well as increasing joint range of motion in involved areas to improve function and reduce fall risk. The team also provides education to help patients gradually return to their regular activities and prior level of function as part of the recovery program. 

Meanwhile, as a patient’s symptoms continue to improve, their physical therapist will assist in returning to normal daily activities in a safe manner.

October is National Physical Therapy Month. Aultman Orrville Hospital is looking to raise awareness of the role physical therapy can play in a patient’s recovery. This article is the first of a two-part series and looks at the impact of physical therapy in the treatment of non-sports related concussions. A second article will look at the impact physical therapy plays in the treatment of vertigo.