Concussions are serious injuries. If you have one, there is always the chance of another concussion while recovering. To make matters worse, if you start exercising too soon after a concussion, it can cause more damage. In this article, we will discuss if you can do exercise with a concussion and when it is safe to return to physical activities.
Exercising With A Concussion
Exercising with a concussion is difficult because it can be painful and makes the symptoms worse. Concussions often cause headaches, nausea, mood swings, trouble sleeping, fatigue, and irritability to name just a few of the side effects that may limit an individual’s ability to exercise effectively after suffering from one. It is important for individuals with concussions who are interested in exercising or engaging in physical activity to consult their doctor before starting any new program. If they feel up to working out then they should slowly ease into it by doing low-impact activities like walking on flat ground or swimming laps at first. They might also want to wait until most if not all of their symptoms have subsided so they risk hurting themselves while trying to exercise if their symptoms are still present. Individuals who suspect that they might have a concussion should always err on the side of caution and consult with either an emergency room physician or their primary care doctor before starting any new workout routine. Below are frequently asked questions about exercising with a concussion:
Is There Any Advantage To Exercising With A Concussion?
Most people have a deep-seated fear of being sedentary. They think that if they don’t exercise then their health will deteriorate and the pounds will begin to pile on. While it is true that physical activity can help prevent obesity, strenuous exercise should be avoided after someone has been diagnosed with a concussion as this could increase the risk of further injury or even death from an impact to the head during sports or other activities. However, there are some advantages to exercising while recovering from a mild brain injury such as avoiding stress build-up by doing something constructive for your body instead of just laying down in bed all day long feeling sorry for yourself because you cannot perform certain tasks at work due to your current condition. If you do not have a history of cardiovascular disease, having a mild brain injury may be beneficial to your heart as it will prevent you from running yourself into the ground and getting overworked during this time.
When Should Someone Begin Exercising With A Concussion?
This is a big question, and the answer to it depends on what type of concussion someone has. Generally speaking, you should wait until your doctor says that you can exercise with a concussion. It’s important not to ignore this advice because if you do so, then there may be negative consequences for doing so such as further injury or brain damage. In some cases, physical activity will exacerbate concussions symptoms even when they have been resolved by full recovery from the initial trauma. These are just two examples of why taking time off from exercising while healing is often best for many people who suffer from head injuries of any kind.
What Kind Of Exercises Are Safe For People With Concussions?
Once cleared by a doctor and physical therapist, gentle cardiovascular activities such as walking or low-impact aerobics may be good choices for those with concussions because they don’t require much coordination. In contrast, high-intensity cardio workouts which involve complex movements that might cause bumping into other people should not be done until at least six months after your head injury has healed. Strength training can also benefit people recovering from a concussion but only if their symptoms allow them to handle weights safely without aggravating muscle spasms or pain in the neck area where many concussions occur. Later on, post-concussion exercises can be geared to improve your core stability and balance while working on gradually increasing the intensity of activities.
It is best to consult your doctor before you make any decisions about exercise with a concussion. There are many benefits of exercising while recovering from a concussion, such as reducing post-concussion symptoms and increasing cardiovascular health. However, it’s important not to push yourself too hard or do anything that increases the risk for another injury. Exercise should be light and slow when you first start, gradually progressing into something more intense like running once your recovery process has progressed enough that it would no longer pose an increased risk for worsening symptoms. If this sounds daunting and confusing we’re here to help. Call us today and our team will take care of all the details so nothing gets missed in your plan.
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!
