Concussion

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury from a blow or jolt to the head or body. Physical therapy treats the lasting symptoms, such as dizziness, balance problems, neck pain, headaches and feeling worse with exercise, and guides a step-by-step return to sport, school and work. PAR Physical Therapy treats concussion symptoms in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.

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What therapy treats after a concussion

Dizziness and balance

Dizzy after hitting my head is one of the most common complaints. Vestibular care retrains the balance system.

Gaze stabilization exercises
Balance and visual-motor training
See vestibular rehab

Neck pain and headaches

The neck is often hurt in the same impact. A headache after concussion may come from the neck. See Neck Pain and Headaches & Migraines.

Neck manual therapy
Posture and movement training

Exercise tolerance and vision

Many people feel worse with exertion or when their eyes track a busy scene.

Gentle aerobic exercise below the symptom threshold
Vision and eye tracking work

When to start physical therapy

Concussion physical therapy starts after a medical evaluation has ruled out anything serious. Concussion rehab then moves in steps, and concussion treatment looks different for each person. Many people begin gentle activity within days, with a doctor's okay, rather than resting in a dark room for weeks. If symptoms last beyond a few weeks, post-concussion syndrome is the term for symptoms that persist, and therapy is useful. Whiplash and concussion often happen together, especially in a crash. See car accident care.

Returning to play, school and work step by step

Return to play after concussion is a staged process, not a date on a calendar.

Symptom-limited rest and walking
Light activity that does not make symptoms worse.
Gentle aerobic work
Exercise kept below the point where symptoms flare, then raised slowly.
Sport and work specific movement
Drills that match the demands of your sport, school day or job.
Full return
Clearance comes from your doctor. Our work gives them the information to decide. For sport in general, see Sports Injury Rehab.

Symptoms that will not go away

If dizziness, headaches or fogginess linger, a physical therapist can test your eyes, neck and balance to see which pieces still need work. If your dizziness is spinning only in certain positions, see Vertigo / BPPV.

Go to the ER if you have

A headache that keeps getting worse
Repeated vomiting
Confusion
Slurred speech
Weakness
A seizure
Unusual drowsiness

Do not wait for an appointment with these symptoms.

Related care

Concussion care in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet

Call either clinic. Call either clinic or request an appointment. Same-day appointments are possible, and we accept most insurance plans.

We see patients in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.