10 Jun Can I Workout With A Concussion?
In this blog post we answer the question: can I workout with a concussion?
Let’s start with what a concussion is. A concussion is a functional injury in which enough force is transmitted to the head to produce a shearing within the layers of the brain.
Over recent years, the prevalence of this injury seems to be more often diagnosed, likely due to the education on the importance of recognizing these injuries and protocols in place within sports. With this surge, also comes about a difference in the overall management. Historically, it was commonly prescribed to be in a completely dark room, avoid any sort of mental strain and do no physical activity whatsoever.
It is important to note that relative rest is important in the initial stages. This means to generally take it easy, avoiding things that may aggravate your symptoms. Note this does not mean doing completely nothing and being an absolute couch potato, it means your symptoms should not spike with things you are doing.
This begs the common question, when can you return to physical activity after sustaining a concussion?
To be clear, this will all be based on a case by case basis, though research has shown that light cardiovascular activity can be beneficial to the recovery. In a study “Physical activity following a sport-related concussion in adolescents: a systematic review”, it was found from 22 papers that once you identified a physiological based symptom threshold, a sub-symptomatic active rehabilitation/exercise rehabilitation program has been shown to reduce symptoms and improve recovery times. This basically means, determine at what point a patient may get symptomatic with exercise, then have them do a cardiovascular workout slightly below that.
At MYo Lab, this strategy is used utilizing a Buffalo Treadmill Test. Once red flags have been cleared from a concussion, this test is later performed to determine the exact threshold when a patient may get symptomatic, in which a rehab program can be developed from. These exercise programs initially need to be in a controlled environment where no secondary impact could occur, these could include the treadmill, stationary bikes, etc. With the current evidence, implementing this kind of program will both reduce symptoms and improve recovery times,
Book an assessment with one of our Complete Concussion Management providers at MYo Lab if you are looking to get your baseline measurements, get tested for a concussion, and manage your concussion symptoms!
We are always accepting new members who are ready to commit to their health and wellness journey. If you are ready to experience the MYo difference, book now so one of our team members can welcome you to the MYo Lab community!