Concussions are serious and potentially life-threatening injuries. It is important to know how to recover from one as quickly and safely as possible. In this article, we will discuss 5 different ways that you can recover from a concussion and why it is so important for people who have had a concussion to rest properly before returning to work or school.
How Long Will It Take To Recover From A Concussion?
Most people can expect to recover within a day or two. Recovery times vary based on the severity of the injury. The longer you have symptoms, the more likely it is that they will be permanent and harder to treat with medication or therapy. Symptoms are dependent upon how severe your concussion was, if you were knocked unconscious for any amount of time then this means there has been some damage done that may take weeks or even months to heal depending on its extent. Recovery times generally depend on factors such as these:
- How long was your head injured?
- Did anything happen during treatment (such as surgery)?
- Genetics/age, younger individuals tend to heal faster than older ones who had similar injuries in the past
- Did you take any medication during recovery? If so, how long did it last and what were the side effects like (both short term and long term)?
5 Ways To Recover From A Concussion
A concussion is an injury to the brain that may result in a temporary loss of normal function. Concussions are usually caused by head injuries, but can also be caused by body trauma. Symptoms vary from person to person and range from mild headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. There are many ways you can recover from a concussion, here are the top 5 ways:
1. Recognize and avoid triggers.
Be aware of your surroundings and what you’re doing. Avoid activities that cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or nausea. Listen to your body, if something seems wrong, stop the activity immediately. If possible, always be in a safe area while recovering from a concussion so there is no threat of additional injury should another impact occur during play or sports practice.
2. Get enough sleep.
Concussions can affect the brain’s sleep patterns. People who have suffered a concussion should not try to push themselves and stay up late, but rather take it easy for a few days after their head injury occurred. Rest is important, so try going to bed early and sleeping as much as possible if you know that your body needs rest or more energy than usual. Be sure to stick with your regular schedule once you start feeling better. Take naps when needed. Do something relaxing before bedtime like reading a book, watching TV, or listening to music. Have bedtime rituals that you follow every night like brushing your teeth and taking off makeup before climbing into bed. Having an easy, relaxing routine can help get rid of any stress or so you’re able to sleep soundly at night.
3. Keep yourself hydrated.
One of the most important things you can do after a concussion is stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to help your brain recover from any swelling or damage that occurred during the blow.
4. Increase your protein intake.
Eat foods rich in protein to support your body as it recovers from a concussion. Protein helps build and repair cells, including those that make up the brain. It also makes you feel full longer so you’re less likely to snack on sugary or high carbohydrate snacks which can cause blood sugar levels to spike and drop quickly which causes fatigue and headaches. This is especially true for our kids who take glucose tablets during practice after a bump onto the head. Recommending to eat one of these five proteins often, eggs, meat (chicken, turkey), fish (salmon), nuts or tofu as well as green vegetables such as spinach & broccoli with every meal since they are packed with phytonutrients.
5. Reduce your exposure to bright lights and loud noises.
Loud noises and bright lights can have a significant impact on the brain. Try to avoid watching TV or using your computer in brightly lit rooms. If you must use your phone, try keeping it away from your head by using headphones/earbuds while talking on the phone.
We hope you’ve found these 5 concussion recovery tips helpful. If you’re still struggling with symptoms, let us know and we’ll be happy to help. Call our team of experts today to see how we can get your life back on track as quickly as possible. Remember that it’s important not to take a self-diagnosis lightly.
Are You Looking for Help with Concussion Symptoms?
Pace Physical Therapy in San Jose, California specializes in non-surgical relief and recovery therapies for Sports Injuries. Concussion therapy is a highly useful tool in supporting recovery from traumatic brain injury. During concussion therapy, you can expect to work with a highly experienced San Jose, CA physical therapist who will evaluate the severity of your brain trauma and match you with tricks and strategies that can reduce discomfort, alleviate painful symptoms, and improve brain functionality. Physical therapy programs for concussions often build in vestibular therapy, which helps you orient yourself during periods of lightheadedness or loss of balance. The staff at Pace Physical Therapy strive every day to provide excellent service for all our patients because we understand it can be frustrating not being able to do what you love most due to an injury keeping us off the field or court! Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
