Physical Therapy for Concussion: Exercises and Treatment

If you’ve ever bumped your head harder than expected, you might have wondered about concussions. Well, concussions are more than just a headache - they are in fact a mild traumatic brain injury that can throw your life off balance.

Fortunately, physical therapy for concussion can help you ease symptoms like dizziness, neck pain, and fatigue. With that said, physical therapy for treating concussions isn’t about pushing through the pain. Instead, it is about guiding your body and brain back to normal.

In today’s article, we will take a look at how physical therapy can help if you suffer from a concussion, explain how the process works, and do some exercises that you can try yourself just to feel like yourself again.

What Is a Concussion?

First of all, let’s explain what is a concussion, just because many people get it wrong. A concussion happens when your brain gets jostled inside your skull, which is usually from a blow to the head or a sudden jolt (like a fall, car accident, or a sports hit). With that said minor bumps to the head don’t mean that you suffer from a concussion.

This isn’t a structural injury that you can see or scan, but a functional one, which means that your brain’s normal processes get disrupted. The impact that causes your brain to hit the sides of your skull hard creates a temporary glitch in your brain’s writing.

This rapid movement causes chemical changes and sometimes stretches or can even damage brain cells, which leads to symptoms that can linger if not addressed the right way.

Anyone can get a concussion, whether it is kids tumping off bikes, football athletes tackled on the field, or adults in a car accident. Although most people recover fully, it is not something that you can brush off.

On top of that, staying inactive for too long can slow down the healing process, which is why physical therapy for a concussion is one of the best post-injury treatments.

Symptoms of a Concussion

It is really important to pay attention to symptoms, especially after a bump to the head. These are tricky because they don’t show up right away.

So, what to look for? Well, physically, you might deal with headaches that don’t go away, dizziness, nausea, or sensitivity to light and noise. You’ll notice that the world around you suddenly feels too loud and bright.

Additionally, you might experience balance issues making you feel wobbly, and fatigue might hit hard, making you feel exhausted and without an ounce of energy.

Then there’s the mental side, where you can experience trouble concentrating, foggy thinking, or even memory slips (like forgetting where you parked your car). Some people also report experiencing emotional symptoms like feeling irritable, anxious, or just off.

Some people also report vision problems (blurry sight or difficulty tracking objects), while others get neck pain from the whiplash effect of the injury, where physical therapy for whiplash can also help.

You might also experience disrupted sleeping patterns, with insomnia or excessive sleepiness.

So, as you can see, the symptoms vary widely. For most people, the symptoms fade within a week or two, but if they stick around longer, this could signal post-concussion syndrome.

This is when physical therapy for concussion comes in handy and becomes a key to getting back on track.

How Physical Therapy Helps in Concussion Recovery

Although physical therapy might not be the first thing you think of for a brain injury, you’ll be surprised how it can help you with the recovery phase. But when we talk about physical therapy for concussion, we don’t mean lifting weights or running on tracks. Instead, these physical therapy sessions are tailored to retrain your brain and body and make them sync again.

After a concussion, your brain’s systems like balance, vision, and even blood flow can get disrupted and out of sync. A professional physical therapist assesses where you are struggling (symptoms may vary from person to person) and builds a plan to target those areas.

One of the main benefits of physical therapy is boosting cerebral blood flow through gentle exercise. This means that you’ll get more oxygen to your brain, which eventually speeds up healing without you feeling overwhelmed.

Additionally, therapists can also target specific issues, like retraining your eyes to track smoothly or easing vestibular problems that make you feel off-balance.

It is also important to mention that most people who suffer from a concussion also report neck injuries, and physical therapy can help you reduce the pain and tension.

But, this is a long-term process, and you cannot expect a quick fix. Studies have shown that physical therapy can cut recovery time and prevent lingering symptoms, which means that you’ll be able to get back to normal in less time.

Physical Therapy Techniques for Concussion Treatment

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach here. Each physical therapy treatment for concussion is tailored to the individual based on their symptoms. That’s why physical therapists use a mix of techniques to get you back to normal.

One of the most common approaches is vestibular therapy, which helps with dizziness and balance. Additionally, your physical therapist might give you exercises that involve head movements or standing on uneven surfaces just to retrain your inner ear and brain connection.

If your vision is blurry, there is something called ocular motor therapy, which involves tracking a pen with your eyes or focusing on near and far objects to steady your gaze.

Then we also have manual therapy, which is very effective if the patient suffers from neck pain or stiffness from the injury.

This involves gentle massages and joint mobilization, which can loosen tight muscles and improve mobility. Some physical therapists can also suggest aerobic exercises like walking on a treadmill, which can improve blood and oxygen circulation in your brain without triggering symptoms.

If you suffer from lingering headaches, your therapists might also use stretches or strengthening exercises that target the upper back and neck. They also introduce some relaxation techniques like deep breathing just to calm your nervous system.

Every physical therapy plan is custom, and it is based on your symptoms and progress. But the goal in all of them is to ease discomfort, rebuild coordination, and get you feeling back normal again.

Concussion Recovery Exercises

Trying some exercises at home can support your concussion recovery, but always check with a therapist first—pushing too hard can backfire. Here are the most common physical therapy exercises for concussion:

1. Cardio Warm-Up: Start with light aerobic activity, like a 15-minute walk or pedaling on a stationary bike. Keep it easy—your heart rate shouldn’t climb too high. This boosts blood flow to your brain, aiding healing. Stop if dizziness kicks in.

2. Eye Tracking: Hold a pencil at arm’s length, focus on the tip, and slowly bring it toward your nose until it doubles. Pause, then move it back out. Repeat 10 times, three sets daily. This helps with vision issues like convergence.

3. Balance Practice: Stand with feet together, arms out, and hold for 30 seconds. Too easy? Try it with eyes closed or on one leg. It rebuilds your vestibular system, reducing wobbles.

4. Neck Stretches: Gently tilt your head side to side, holding each stretch for 20 seconds. Then tuck your chin to stretch the back of your neck. Do three rounds. This eases tension from whiplash.

5. Brock String Exercise: Tie a string with colored beads to a doorknob, hold the other end to your nose, and focus on each bead in turn. Shift your gaze smoothly between them for a minute. It’s great for eye coordination.

   
   

Start slow—once or twice a day—and increase as you feel better. If symptoms flare up, dial it back. Consistency matters more than intensity here; these small steps can make a big difference over time.

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How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Concussion?

Just as the symptoms, recovery time also varies from patient to patient. For most, symptoms clear up in 7 to 10 days with rest and minimal activity. Kids and teens might take longer, up to a month since their brains are still developing. Adults usually bounce back faster, but there are several factors like past concussions, injury severity, or even age that can stretch the treatment process.

If you suffer from concussion symptoms for over a month, you might be dealing with post-concussion syndrome, which can take weeks or months to recover from. Of course, physical therapy for post concussion syndrome can speed things up, especially if you start early (within two weeks).

However, it is important to mention that everyone is different, and sometimes pushing too hard can delay the healing process. The key is in the balance. You have to rest, find professional help that can make a custom program for you, and listen to your body.

Tips for Managing Post-Concussion Symptoms at Home

Dealing with concussion symptoms at home can feel overwhelming, but a few simple strategies can help. First, pace yourself—alternate activity with rest to avoid overdoing it. If screens trigger headaches, limit phone or TV time and dim the brightness. For light or noise sensitivity, sunglasses and a quiet space can be a lifesaver.

Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals—your brain needs fuel to heal. Gentle walks or stretching can keep you moving without pushing too far; just stop if symptoms spike. Sleep’s huge—aim for a consistent schedule, and if noise keeps you up, try earplugs. For mental fog, break tasks into small chunks and jot down reminders.

Deep breathing—four seconds in, six out—can calm dizziness or anxiety. If neck pain is an issue, a warm compress might ease it. Don’t go it alone, though—tell family or friends how you’re feeling so they can support you.

When to See a Physical Therapist for Concussion Recovery

Wondering when to call a physical therapist? If your concussion symptoms—like headaches, dizziness, or balance trouble—stick around the past 10 days, it’s time. Early intervention, ideally within two weeks, can shorten recovery and prevent post-concussion syndrome.

Don’t wait if you’re struggling with daily tasks, like walking or focusing, or if neck pain’s creeping in.

See one sooner if symptoms worsen—think vomiting, severe confusion, or vision changes—or if rest alone isn’t cutting it.

A therapist is especially helpful if you’ve had concussions before, as repeat injuries up the risk of complications. Look for someone trained in concussion care, like a vestibular or orthopedic specialist.

Your doctor can refer you, or in some states, you can go straight to PT. Either way, don’t tough it out—help’s there when you need it.

Final Thoughts

Head injuries can knock you off your feet, but physical therapy for concussion offers a steady path back. It’s not about rushing—just smart, gentle steps to retrain your brain and body.

Physical therapy can tackle the root issues of your symptoms and help you back to a full recovery.

As we mentioned before, recovery is different for everyone, but with the right exercises and care, you can feel like you again.

Don’t ignore lingering symptoms; a therapist can make all the difference. So, take it slow, listen to your body, and lean on the pros—your brain deserves the best shot at healing. Find the best physical therapists in Michigan here at Miracle Rehab Clinic.