It’s the key to speed up healing.
Starting physical therapy soon after a concussion can lead to better recovery outcomes, according to a recent study. Published in the Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal, the study tracked over 200 adults recovering from mild traumatic brain injuries (concussions) who were between two and 12 weeks post-injury.
The research found that participants who began physical therapy within two months of their injury experienced fewer symptoms, improved balance, and faster reaction times compared to those who delayed therapy. The participants were divided into two groups: 82 individuals started therapy within a week of joining the study, approximately 56 days after their injury, while 121 others began therapy six weeks later, around 99 days post-injury.
Both groups underwent eight therapy sessions over six weeks, focusing on balance, exercises for the cervical spine, and cardiovascular health, with additional at-home exercises. Laurie King, the senior author and a professor of neurology at Oregon Health & Science University, emphasized that there seems to be a critical window for intervention within the first two months after the injury, after which the brain begins to compensate in ways that may hinder recovery.
King also highlighted that around 30% of people experience ongoing symptoms such as dizziness, balance issues, and cognitive difficulties. Timely physical therapy can be crucial for this group, although identifying those who need intervention remains a challenge. The study found that participants who delayed physical therapy tended to rely more on their vision to maintain balance, indicating that their vestibular system—the balance-regulating part of the inner ear—had not fully recovered. Conversely, those who started therapy early showed better recovery of their vestibular balance.
King concluded by noting that some patients may initially feel fine but experience issues when asked to perform balance tests, such as turning their heads while focusing on a fixed point. This challenge often reveals lingering symptoms that may not be immediately apparent.
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