Virtual Physical Therapy can Help with Concussion Rehab

If you believe you’re suffering from symptoms after a concussion, it’s best to seek treatment as soon as possible. While symptoms can improve on their own, there’s also the possibility that if you wait longer than three months, symptoms you’re experiencing will be unlikely to improve.

Active physical therapy rehabilitation of concussions is one kind of therapy that can assist with post-concussion symptoms. A virtual physical therapy routine will likely be one part of a multi-faceted recovery program. The kind of rehab you seek will be dependent on the symptoms you’re suffering from. The best PTs will utilize a number of treatments to help you not only manage, but recover from your concussion. 

Signs and symptoms of a concussion

People experience a number of different symptoms related to a concussion, and they can affect your physical, emotional, and mental health. Some concussion symptoms occur immediately, while others show up months or even years later. That’s why it’s critical to seek treatment sooner rather than later. Some immediate and short term symptoms can include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Difficulty with balance and coordination
• Nausea/vomiting
• Fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping
• Increased sleepiness
• Double or blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Slurred speech
• Glassy-eyed stare
• Seizures

You may experience difficulty with short-term or long-term memory, a general fogginess to thoughts and cognition, mood swings, irritability, and restlessness.

Long-term symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Low blood pressure
• Muscle weakness
• Chronic headaches or dizziness
• Muscle spasticity
• Early dementia/chronic traumatic encephalopathy (brain disorder)

Long and short-term symptoms are serious and can drastically affect a person’s overall health and wellbeing. Thankfully, physical therapists can help.

How virtual physical therapists help with concussion rehab

Physical therapists can evaluate and treat symptoms related to concussions, even virtually! But every concussion is different, so a PT will want to test your cardiovascular, neurological, and orthopedic systems to best design a program to help you recover. 

Such programs might include:

Rest and recovery

An educated physical therapist will help you understand why you should limit types of activity after a concussion. Sports, recreational activities, digital screen time, and even work may need to be a second priority due to your concussion. 

Restore strength and endurance

After a period of rest and recovery, your body will likely lose some strength and flexibility. A virtual physical therapist will help you restore your strength, endurance, and flexibility through a series of exercises that won’t interfere with your concussion rehabilitation. 

Stopping dizziness and improving balance

If you experience dizziness or other vestibular issues after your concussion, a physical therapist trained in vestibular PT may be able to help. A qualified vestibular PT will apply special treatments and exercises to help you prevent dizziness and regain normal balance.

Reducing headaches

Headaches are a common symptom of concussions but can be effectively treated via virtual PT. Your treatment may include eye exercises, stretches, or advice from your assigned therapist to visit an in-person clinic for massage therapy or electrical stimulation.

Returning to pre-concussion activity 

As your treatment and progress begin to ease your concussion symptoms, your virtual physical therapist will help you steer back into your pre-concussion life. However, your PT will be concerned with overloading your brain and nervous system, as an overload of the brain tissue can make concussion symptoms return. They’ll continue to monitor your progress to help ensure such an overload does not happen and your brain continues to heal properly. 

Contact an Agile Virtual PT physical therapist today for concussion rehabilitation

If you’d like to start concussion treatment, contact one of our virtual physical therapists. Our team has concussion specialists across the nation who are ready to work with you.

Contact us today to start your road to recovery!