Concussions are one of the most common brain injuries, with over 1 million reported cases each year in Canada alone. Though once thought to be minor injuries, research now shows that concussions should be taken very seriously to avoid complications and ensure proper healing.
That’s why seeking concussion treatment from a skilled physiotherapist is highly recommended after a head injury. Keep reading to learn all about concussions, their symptoms, and how concussion treatment from a talented Calgary physiotherapist like JoAnne Gratton at NW Chiropractic and Massage can facilitate healing.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head which causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth or twist inside the skull. This can lead to chemical changes in the brain, damaging brain cells and leading to concussion symptoms.
Concussions are known as mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), though this term can be misleading. It’s true concussions are not usually life-threatening, but their effects should not be brushed off as “mild.” A concussion causes real injury to the brain which needs proper treatment and time to heal.
Common Causes of Concussions
Some of the most common causes of concussions include:
- Sports injuries – Getting hit in the head by a ball, colliding with another player, or hitting one’s head on the ground are common ways athletes sustain concussions. Football, hockey, soccer, wrestling, and snowboarding have high rates of concussion.
- Motor vehicle accidents – The sudden jolt of a car crash can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, resulting in concussion.
- Falls – Tripping and hitting one’s head on a hard surface like the pavement or stairs is a frequent cause of concussion.
- Assault/abuse – Blows to the head from an assault or abuse can easily result in concussion.
- Accidents – Freak accidents like walking into a fixed object or getting hit by falling or moving objects can also cause concussion.
As you can see, concussions can happen to anyone at any time! That’s why it’s crucial to know the signs and symptoms in order to seek proper concussion treatment.
Concussion Symptoms
Concussions cause a wide array of symptoms that can emerge right away or take days to appear. Here are some of the most common:
- Headache or “pressure” in head
- Nausea/vomiting
- Dizziness
- Balance problems
- Light/noise sensitivity
- Fatigue
- Haziness/confusion
- Trouble concentrating/remembering
- Irritability
- Sleep disturbances
- Sadness or anxiety
Since symptoms can take time to show up, anyone who sustains a head injury should watch carefully for any of the above signs for at least two weeks after the incident. Seeking prompt medical help for evaluation is always wise after a head injury, even if concussion symptoms aren’t immediately obvious.
Why Proper Concussion Treatment is So Important
Though once downplayed as a “ding” to the head, research now shows concussions must be taken seriously. Without proper treatment and rest, a concussion can result in the following complications:
- Longer concussion recovery time
- Occurrence of second impact syndrome (When an already-concussed brain takes another hit)
- Post-concussive syndrome – Lingering concussion symptoms lasting weeks or months after the injury
- Increased susceptibility to future concussions
- Permanent brain damage
- Mental health issues like depression
- Rarely, death
This is why appropriate concussion treatment from a specialist like a physiotherapist is vital. With the right care, most people fully recover from concussions without complications.
Benefits of Seeing a Physiotherapist for Concussion Treatment
A physiotherapist who specializes in concussion care is one of the top professionals to oversee your recovery. Here’s what concussion treatment from a talented Calgary physiotherapist like JoAnne Gratton can provide:
Thorough initial assessment – A physio will conduct tests to evaluate your concussion symptoms and create a tailored treatment plan.
Gentle exercises – Light, graded exercise can help alleviate concussion symptoms. A physio provides safe exercises patients can handle.
Hands-on therapy – Physios are experts at techniques like massage, acupressure, and manual therapy to treat headache, dizziness, and neck pain.
Vestibular therapy – Therapies that stimulate the vestibular system for balance are often utilized.
Eye-movement therapy – Special eye exercises can help with vision issues, dizziness, and tracking problems post-concussion.
Education – Physios teach patients concussion management techniques and create realistic expectations around recovery timelines.
Guidance on returning to work/school/sports – Your physio will determine when you can safely return to normal activities.
Ongoing monitoring – Since concussion symptoms can wax and wane, regular check-ins ensure any emerging issues are addressed promptly.
By utilizing these therapies and their in-depth concussion knowledge, a talented physio provides the best possible environment for concussion healing. This greatly minimizes the chances of frightening complications and long-term effects.
Who is JoAnne Gratton, SHIFT TWO Concussion Trained Practitioner?
One of Calgary’s top physiotherapists treating concussions is JoAnne Gratton of NW Chiropractic and Massage. JoAnne is a SHIFT TWO certified concussion practitioner, meaning she has advanced education in concussion management and treatments.
SHIFT TWO is a comprehensive program training medical experts to provide evidence-based concussion assessments, treatments, and follow-up care. Physiotherapists must complete course modules covering topics like interpreting diagnostic imaging, documenting cognitive deficits, developing multi-disciplinary treatment plans, and implementing targeted physiotherapy techniques.
With her SHIFT TWO certification, JoAnne Gratton is perfectly equipped to manage even the most complex concussion cases. She takes the time to get to know each patient as an individual and understanding their unique needs to create a customized concussion treatment plan.
JoAnne utilizes techniques like vestibular therapy, hand-eye coordination exercises, manual therapy, and gait retraining tailored to each patient’s specific symptoms and deficits. She is also an expert at safely guiding patients back to work, school, sports, and regular activities once their concussion has sufficiently healed.
Thanks to JoAnne’s thoughtful care and wealth of expertise, patients have the best possible chance for an optimal concussion recovery without lingering effects.
Why Choose NW Chiropractic and Massage for Concussion Treatment?
NW Chiropractic and Massage is a top-rated clinic serving northwest Calgary for over 10 years. In addition to JoAnne Gratton’s exceptional physiotherapy services, the clinic provides:
– Chiropractic care from Dr. Paul Thibert, who focuses on gently restoring proper spinal and nervous system function. This helps address issues like headaches, neck pain, and dizziness often accompanying concussions.
– Registered massage therapy to relieve muscle tension, spasm, and pain via techniques like trigger point release, myofascial release, and joint mobilizations. This facilitates healing of whiplash and headache symptoms.
– Shockwave therapy using compressed air pulses to speed recovery of bruises and wounds.
– Graston technique to break down internal scar tissue interfering with normal joint mobility.
By offering this diverse array of treatments under one roof, NW Chiropractic and Massage provides complete concussion rehabilitation for optimal recovery.
The clinic also stands out for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and great customer service. The dedicated staff focuses on patient education and fully explaining all recommended treatments so patients can make informed choices. They also make scheduling easy and work promptly to get each patient in for an initial assessment.
Overall, NW Chiropractic and Massage offers a refreshingly holistic approach to concussion treatment. They see the big picture and treat more than just isolated symptoms. This facilitates true healing and improved function when dealing with such a complex injury.
Ready to Start Your Concussion Recovery?
If you or a loved one has suffered a concussion in the Calgary area, we strongly advise scheduling an initial evaluation with JoAnne Gratton at NW Chiropractic and Massage. By seeking concussion treatment from a specialist physiotherapist, patients see the fastest recovery and lowest risk of complications.
To book your concussion assessment at NW Chiropractic and Massage’s northwest Calgary office, give them a call today at (403) 282-4004. You can also book online at https://nwcalgarychiro.ca/
Make an appointment to get on the road to healing from your concussion. Contact NW Chiropractic and Massage Today!
