Most concussions improve favorably within 2 to 4 weeks. Here are a few tips to help put the odds on your side so you can return to your normal life as quickly as possible!

 

Five tips to optimize recovery after a concussion

1 – Remove yourself from play

For athletes, it is important to recognize a concussion and immediately leave the game. After a fall, feeling dazed or dizzy, or seeing flashes of light are symptoms of a concussion—even if the discomfort does not persist.

Often, due to adrenaline and the desire to keep playing, symptoms may temporarily fade only to return strongly in the following hours or even days (up to 48 hours). An athlete who does not report symptoms right away and continues playing is 2.2 times more likely to experience a longer recovery time (Breton et al., 2016).

Key takeaway: When in doubt, sit it out. It’s always better to miss one game than the rest of the season.

 

2 – Rest

The initial phase following a concussion involves a 48-hour rest period. This means complete rest—both physical (no sports) and cognitive (no school).

Watching television, reading, using your phone, doing housework, playing video games, going shopping, going to the cinema, or attending school are not restful activities for the brain.

However, sleeping, meditating, listening to an audiobook, taking a short walk in the yard, or relaxing in a bath are allowed.

Key takeaway: Take it easy! This is the perfect time to catch up on sleep you may have missed over the past few years.

 

3 – Gradual return to activities

Once the initial rest period is completed, it is recommended to gradually resume physical and cognitive activities, ensuring you remain below the threshold where symptoms appear.

It is not recommended to remain in complete rest for too long. A study published in Pediatrics (2015) compared 5 days of complete rest versus 2 days of rest followed by gradual activity. The group with 5 days of rest reported more daily symptoms than the group that resumed activities gradually after 2 days.

At Axone Clinic, a therapist can guide you through the gradual return to your activities. Properly planning your days is essential to avoid triggering symptoms.

Key takeaway: Submaximal activity that stays below the symptom threshold is safe and supports recovery.

 

4 – Managing anxiety

Anxiety is common after a concussion and tends to be worse for individuals who are already prone to anxiety. Because of the wide range of symptoms, experiencing a concussion can be very stressful. Patients often feel lost or as if they are in a fog.

Anxiety can increase the severity of symptoms, trigger new symptoms, and interfere with rest. It is also common to experience rumination and sleep disturbances.

Since sleep is crucial for recovery, it is important to manage anxiety early. Breathing exercises and meditation techniques can be helpful.

Key takeaway: Breathe and stay calm.

 

5 – Clinical rehabilitation

A therapist at Axone Clinic can guide you through the different stages of recovery. Following an evaluation, a personalized treatment plan is created. This plan may include specific rest strategies, modifications at home, work, or school, and specialized rehabilitation techniques such as vision therapy, manual therapy, cognitive therapy, and more.

Key takeaway: Follow the plan.

For more information or to schedule an appointment at Axone Clinic, visit:

www.cliniqueaxone.ca