Concussion
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury from a blow or jolt to the head or body. Concussion physical therapy treats the symptoms that linger, such as dizziness, headaches, neck pain and balance trouble, and guides a gradual return to sport, school and work. Our therapists have vestibular and concussion rehabilitation training, and we treat concussions in Chubbuck, Idaho, for patients from Chubbuck and Pocatello.
A concussion is real, even when scans look normal
Falls, car crashes and bike, ski or playground accidents can all cause a concussion. It cannot be seen on an MRI or CT scan, which is why providers look at symptoms and how the brain and body are working. Symptoms may start right away or show up a day or two later.
Concussion should be taken seriously and not treated as a minor bump. With proper care, most people recover, and a smaller group has symptoms that last longer. If someone has symptoms during a game, they should stop playing and be seen by a health care provider right away.
What we treat after a concussion
A concussion looks different in every person. These are the problems physical therapy is best placed to help with.
Dizziness and balance
The inner ear and the brain's balance centers are often hurt. We use vestibular rehabilitation therapy. See vestibular rehabilitation, or vertigo if you also spin when you roll over.
Vision and eye tracking
Blurry vision, trouble following moving objects and gaze instability. We use eye and head exercises to retrain how your eyes and inner ear work together.
Neck pain and headaches
The neck is often hurt in the same impact. Our manual therapy for the neck can ease headaches that come from it. See Headaches & Migraines and Neck Pain. Whiplash and concussion often come together, especially in a crash.
Exercise tolerance
After rest, many people get out of shape and feel worse the moment they try to exercise. We build aerobic exercise at a level below your symptom threshold, and raise it step by step.
Sensitivity to light, noise and busy places
Fog, trouble focusing and being overwhelmed in stores are common. We pace activity and work on the pieces that set them off.
Sleep
Sleeping too little or too much is a symptom. Your therapist can teach sleep habits that help recovery.
When should I start physical therapy?
After a medical evaluation, so a provider has ruled out anything that needs urgent care.
The first days
Rest the brain and body, and limit activities that make symptoms worse. A personalized, closely watched plan sets how much is right, because too much rest can lead to deconditioning.
Within weeks
If dizziness, headaches or neck pain continue, physical therapy can begin. The sooner symptoms are matched to a treatment, the sooner the plan can start.
Months later
Persistent post-concussion symptoms can respond to therapy even long after the injury. It is not too late to ask.
Moderate to severe head injury
Your evaluation with Jared Pugmire, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, Dip Osteopractic, Cert. SMT/DN/VCS
A concussion evaluation checks three things: your nervous system, your muscles and joints (especially the neck), and your balance. We also review what you have been doing since the injury.
Dr. Pugmire has special vestibular and concussion rehabilitation training. The goal is a safe recovery. Optimal does not always mean fast.
Getting back to play, school and work
Return is gradual, and every step must stay comfortable before the next.
Light daily activity
Walks, short tasks and home routines at a level that does not bring on symptoms.
Aerobic exercise
Walking or cycling at a steady, low level, then harder as symptoms allow.
Sport-specific and school or job tasks
Drills that look like your sport, partial school days, or desk work in blocks with breaks.
Full return
Only when you are symptom-free with normal activity and cleared by your provider. Symptoms can temporarily flare as you add more, and we teach you what that means. Other injuries are covered on Sports Injury Rehab.
Go to the ER right away if you have
- A headache that keeps getting worse
- Repeated vomiting
- Confusion or unusual drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Weakness or numbness
- A seizure
Get a medical check first for any head injury. If it came from a crash, auto accident care explains how that coverage works. Idaho allows direct access to physical therapy, so you do not need a referral from a doctor to begin. Some insurance plans, and Medicare typically, may still require one. If you are unsure, call us and we will check your plan.
Concussion questions
What is post-concussion syndrome?
It is the name for concussion symptoms that last longer than expected, such as headaches, dizziness, foggy thinking and trouble with exercise. Physical therapy can address the dizziness, balance, neck and exercise parts.
I feel dizzy after hitting my head. Can therapy help?
Often, yes. Dizziness after a head injury commonly comes from the inner ear or the neck, and both respond to physical therapy.
Can physical therapy help a headache after a concussion?
Often. A headache after concussion can come from the neck, and we treat the neck with manual therapy and exercise as well as the vestibular and eye systems.
What does return to play after concussion involve?
Only after you are free of symptoms with normal daily activity and your health care provider clears you. We guide the steps in between.
How long will concussion recovery take?
It varies. Many people feel better within days or weeks, and some have symptoms for much longer. We re-check your progress often and adjust your plan.
What does physical therapy cost?
We accept most insurance plans and verify your benefits before you arrive. Auto injury liens, Medpay and workers compensation are accepted, and there is a self-pay option. Call the office to confirm your plan.
Concussion treatment in Chubbuck, Idaho
Call or request an appointment at our Chubbuck clinic. We see patients from Chubbuck, Pocatello and the surrounding area.
Concussion rehab here starts with an evaluation, so your plan fits your symptoms.
We see patients at our Chubbuck clinic from Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho.