Mild concussion treatment can help the 85% of individuals who will recover within 3 months. Our Toronto mild concussion treatment programs will speed recovery, lessen the chances of you developing Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) and make you as comfortable as possible while you recover. This kind of therapy takes knowledge, training and experience, all of which Paul provides. The components of our Toronto mild concussion treatment programs include:
Education
Education is a key component of mild concussion treatment. Paul will teach you:
- What are the current best practices.
- About your sleep’s special role in recovery and how to improve your disturbed sleep.
- When and how to come out of the “rest stage” of a concussion.
- How to pace and plan to avoid bringing on symptoms, or worsening symptoms you already have.
- A special meditation technique that will help to quieten and enhance your brain’s recovery.
Neck Therapy
Concussions can happen either directly from a blow to the head or indirectly from a strong force to the body. Often the neck and sometimes the upper back are injured too. In these cases, some of the symptoms such as headaches and dizziness maybe coming from the neck alone or in combination with brain injury. Looking for and treating neck dysfunction early on is an important part of all concussion treatments. Paul’s neck therapy program involves:
- Manual therapy to restore your neck’s range of motion and reduce pain.
- Special exercises to regain your neck’s strength, stability and proprioception.
Dizziness & Balance Treatments
Dizziness, nausea and imbalance are common problems that need to be properly addressed in mild concussion treatment. Dizziness & nausea are caused by a mismatch between what your different senses are telling your brain. Balance training gently encourages your brain to self-correct any mismatches.
Desensitization & Other Therapies
Another common early issue in mild concussion treatment in Toronto is light and/or sound sensitivity. This is because the concussed brain has great difficulty screening out overstimulation. Usually this sensitivity will lessen as you improve. In the meantime, it can be very unpleasant. Paul uses a number of desensitization and other therapies to help you better cope with this difficult period.
Symptom Relief
If needed, your doctor will have medications that can help with other symptoms (e.g. headaches). However, there are natural approaches in mild concussion treatment that can provide relief without many of the side effects of medication. One such approach used by Paul is Anatomical Acupuncture. This is a western form of acupuncture that can temporarily relieve pain, muscle ache and nausea, and improve sleep.
How and when to come out of rest
Following the Sports Concussion Conference held in Berlin 2016, it is now recommended that you do not lie in a dark room (i.e. “Total Rest”) for more than a couple of days. After this initial period, you should gradually and gently become more active. About 3-4 weeks after the concussion, it is recommended that you start some cardio and strength training. Paul will carry out specially designed concussion cardio testing to determine what level of cardio exercise is best for you. He will also advise you on what forms of cardio and strength training are best, and how fast to progress them. For more information about this aspect of treatment please click Post-concussion Syndrome treatment, Toronto
Returning to Work, School and Play
Getting back to regular activities is important to everyone. However, to avoid relapsing, a graduated return to work, school and play is very important. Paul has extensive experience on how best to do this.
