Comprehensive Concussion Treatment in Sydney: Unraveling the Complexities of Concussion Recovery
At Brain Hub, as a prominent provider of concussion treatment in Sydney, we see patients grappling with the after-effects of concussion injuries almost daily. This post seeks to address the unique challenges individuals face during their concussion recovery, highlighting the importance of comprehensive assessments and the benefits of a tailored treatment for concussion.
Navigating the Challenges of Concussion Recovery
- Global Body Impact
- Contrary to popular belief, concussions extend beyond localized head injuries. They significantly impact numerous body systems, including visual and balance systems, the digestive system, immune system, and endocrine system.
- Disrupted Autonomic Nervous System
- As inflammatory injuries, concussions impair the body’s ability to regulate fight-or-flight responses, leading to healing difficulties, energy management issues, among others. Without thorough rehabilitation of the autonomic nervous system, the effects of a concussion persist long after the initial injury.
- Invisible Injury Struggles:
- Since concussion symptoms are often not externally visible, patients often experience lack of understanding from their social circles and even healthcare professionals. Without the guidance of a practitioner experienced in the subtleties of concussion rehabilitation, recovery can be tough.
The Crucial Role of Comprehensive Assessment in Concussion Recovery
To conquer these hurdles and achieve optimal recovery, prioritizing comprehensive assessments and targeted concussion treatment plans is essential. Physiotherapists and chiropractors specializing in concussion recovery can develop personalized treatment plans. By addressing individual disruptions in systems such as the eyes, inner ear, neck, and autonomic nervous system, we can guide patients in Sydney through their concussion recovery journey more effectively.
Autonomic Nervous System and Concussion Recovery
Understanding the impact of concussions on the autonomic nervous system is crucial for effective concussion recovery. By recognising the disruptions and implementing targeted treatment approaches, individuals can regain balance, reduce symptoms, and return to their daily activities with improved well-being. Seeking further testing and working closely with specialised practitioners can make a significant difference in the recovery journey. This can be better understood with the help of the following key points:
- Autonomic Nervous System and Concussion
- The autonomic nervous system controls vital functions beyond our conscious control, including the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches. The sympathetic part governs the “fight-or-flight” response, preparing us for action in potentially dangerous situations. The parasympathetic part allows us to rest and heal. A concussion disrupts this system severely, and most patients experience that part of the body’s inflammatory response to be even more difficult to deal with than the initial head trauma or shock associated with the injury.
- Post-Concussion Disruption
- As long as the autonomic nervous system remains disrupted, the body will not mobilise the energy needed for important tasks, leading to feelings of fatigue, sluggishness and lack of motivation. On the flipside, it also prevents the deep relaxation state required for effective recovery, nourishing sleep, and our sense of safety as well as wellbeing.
- Importance of Further Testing
- To assess the autonomic nervous system’s response post-concussion, additional testing beyond an initial evaluation is critical. Only with a specific diagnosis can an appropriate and specific treatment and recovery plan be designed for each individual patient.
Implementing a Targeted Approach to Concussion Treatment
The complex nature of concussions requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach to treatment. By acknowledging the challenges faced by GPs and dentists for example in addressing the multifaceted aspects of concussion within limited timeframes, we can recognise the value of involving physiotherapists and chiropractors. By addressing all these individual components thoroughly, we can optimise recovery and help patients regain their quality of life.
- Multifaceted Nature of Concussion
- Concussions affect multiple systems beyond the head, including the oculomotor and vestibular, and also the cervical spine. A comprehensive treatment approach should consider the interplay between these systems to address the broader impact of the injury.
- Challenges for General Practitioners (GPs) and Dentists
- Due to time constraints, GPs and dentists may find it difficult to fully address all the aspects of concussion in a single visit. Follow-ups generally are also only quarterly or bi-annually, and a successful recovery correlates with frequent visits as early as possible after the initial injury.
- Collaborative Approach
- Physiotherapists and chiropractors can play a crucial role in concussion treatment by providing extended sessions to analyse and integrate the different components of the injury. By combining expertise in the ocular motor, inner ear, balance, and nervous system, these practitioners can create targeted treatment plans tailored to the individual’s needs.
- Exercising After Concussion: An Integral Part of Recovery
- By carefully stimulating the nervous system in an environment that replicates the demands of the individual’s daily activities, we can effectively assist in the patient’s recovery process. This process, however, should be executed under the guidance of a concussion specialist to prevent further complications.
- Stimulating the Nervous System
- A key aspect of concussion treatment involves stimulating the nervous system in an environment that replicates the demands of daily activities relevant for the individual.
Next Steps
The intricate nature of concussions mandates a comprehensive, patient-centred approach for optimal recovery.
At Brain Hub, we strive to provide effective concussion treatment in Sydney, tailoring our approach to each individual’s unique recovery needs. Contact the clinic on 1300 770 197, or click here to pick a time for your initial appointment:
DR JESSICA POVALL
Doctor of Physiotherapy
DPT, BSc (Hons), PGCertPhty
