Does physical therapy help with concussions?

Introduction

Concussions, particularly those related to sports, are a common injury among adolescents and young adults. The management of concussion symptoms often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including physical therapy (PT). This synthesis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of physical therapy in treating concussions based on recent research findings.

Key Insights

Multimodal Physical Therapy Approaches:
- Multimodal, impairment-based PT, which includes vestibular/oculomotor and cervical rehabilitation combined with sub-symptom threshold exercise, is safe and associated with significant reductions in post-concussion symptoms .
- These approaches have shown improvements in balance, symptom scores, and exercise tolerance .
Early Intervention:
- Early initiation of PT (within 10 days post-concussion) is feasible, safe, and may lead to quicker symptomatic recovery and earlier medical clearance for return-to-play .
- Early PT intervention does not significantly differ in outcomes compared to later interventions but is considered safe and tolerable.
Effectiveness of Specific Interventions:
- Aerobic exercise and multimodal PT interventions are effective in reducing post-concussion symptoms and facilitating quicker recovery compared to traditional rest .
- Sub-symptom aerobic training and cervical spine manual therapy have shown significant decreases in physical symptoms in young adults.
Role of Physical Therapists:
- Physical therapists play a crucial role in managing post-concussion symptoms through targeted interventions such as vestibular rehabilitation, cervicogenic rehabilitation, exertional training, and patient education .
- PT is increasingly recognized as a key component in the multidisciplinary management of concussions, addressing symptoms like headache, dizziness, neck pain, and balance dysfunction.

Conclusion

Physical therapy, particularly when initiated early and using a multimodal approach, is effective in reducing post-concussion symptoms and facilitating quicker recovery. Aerobic exercise and specific manual therapies are beneficial, and physical therapists are essential in the multidisciplinary management of concussions. These findings support the integration of PT into concussion management protocols to optimize patient outcomes.

Does physical therapy help with concussions?

Summary

Consensus Meter

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Multimodal impairment-based physical therapy for the treatment of patients with post-concussion syndrome: A retrospective analysis on safety and feasibility.

Multimodal impairment-based physical therapy is safe and associated with diminishing post-concussion syndrome symptoms, establishing feasibility for future clinical trials.

Feasibility of early physical therapy for dizziness after a sports‐related concussion: A randomized clinical trial

Early physical therapy for dizziness after a sports-related concussion is feasible and safe, potentially reducing time to medical clearance and symptomatic recovery.

POST-CONCUSSION PHYSICAL THERAPY REFERALS

Post-concussive physical therapy is beneficial for patients aged 8-18, with a median recovery time of 48 days and a majority being female and white.

Physical Therapy Evaluation and Treatment After Concussion/Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

This CPG provides evidence-based recommendations for physical therapists to effectively manage patients with concussions and their associated impairments.

The Effectiveness of Physical Therapy Interventions for Athletes Post-Concussion: A Systematic Review

Physical therapy interventions, such as aerobic exercise and multimodal approaches, are beneficial in reducing post-concussion symptoms and allowing for quicker recovery and return to sport in adolescents and young adults.

An Exploration of the Impact of Initial Timing of Physical Therapy on Safety and Outcomes After Concussion in Adolescents

Early initiation of physical therapy may be safe and tolerable for adolescents with concussions.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Concussion Rehabilitation.

Physical therapy plays a key role in concussion rehabilitation, addressing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, neck pain, and balance dysfunction through a multimodal approach.

Addition of Occupational Therapy to an Interdisciplinary Concussion Clinic Improves Identification of Functional Impairments

Occupational therapy practitioners on an interdisciplinary concussion clinic improve the identification of functional impairments in performance patterns and skills, optimizing patient care.

Sport-Related Concussion and Occupational Therapy: Expanding the Scope of Practice

Occupational therapy can play a crucial role in rehabilitating athletes following sport-related concussions, enhancing their daily performance and promoting safe return to meaningful occupations.

Effectiveness of non-pharmacological therapy on physical symptoms in patients with persistent concussion symptoms: A Systematic Review.

Rehabilitation therapies, such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and neurofeedback, can improve persistent physical concussion symptoms, but more rigorous trials are needed for confirmation.

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