Return to Play after a Concussion

Okay, so we have managed the concussion and we are to the point where the athlete has been cleared to participate- but we don't jump in head first - we now follow a progressive return to play. This is for the safety of the athlete, trust us! Remember, as I keep saying, what was done 10 or 20 years ago is very different now.

Why? Because research has told us that activity can bring symtoms back in the case of a concussion and return to full participating with underlying concussion symtoms can result in Second Impact Syndrome which if you go back to our definitions blog- you know that Second Impact Syndrome occurs when an athlete sustains a head injury before the concussion is healed. This does not have to be a major blow, it could be a minor contact to the body that causes the brain to hit the skull and can cause Second Impact Syndrome. This is very serious therefore it is key to return to play safely.

Generally each step of the progressive return to play is approximately 24 hours. This includes the activity and adequate time to rest and recover prior to the next step. Communication as to whether the athlete is feeling any symptoms and the administrator watches for any signs of a concussion is important. It is also important that the evaluator watch the athletes ability to perform. If at any time the athlete becomes symptomatic during a test, they must drop back to the last step that was asymptomatic. Each step becomes progressively more difficult, the last couple being sport specific, the last being full exertional testing. Cardio vascular exercise, strength training, balance, dynamic movement, plyometrics, sport specific skills can and will often be incorporated at the appropriate time during the progressive return to play protocol. This is a process that is done by myself as the athletic trainer- not a Coach or administrator- to ensure that it is done properly and safely and a proper evaluation is completed.

Please remember- no concussions are alike. Each one is unique to the individual and all cases are handled on a case by case basis.