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The immediate aftermath of a concussion often brings a period of enforced rest, with strict advice to avoid physical and cognitive exertion. For individuals eager to return to their normal lives, a common and pressing question arises: "Can exercise make my concussion worse?" While uncontrolled or premature return to activity can indeed exacerbate symptoms and prolong recovery, modern concussion physiotherapy Edmonton, as practiced at In Step Physiotherapy in Edmonton, champions a graded approach to activity – a carefully managed reintroduction of exercise that is crucial for optimal recovery.
The Misconception vs. The Evidence-Based Approach
Historically, the standard advice for concussion was complete physical and cognitive rest until all symptoms resolved. While initial rest is important, prolonged inactivity has been shown to be counterproductive. It can lead to deconditioning, increased anxiety and depression, and can actually delay recovery by preventing the brain from re-adapting to normal activity levels.
The shift in understanding recognizes that the brain, like any other part of the body, benefits from appropriate stimulation during recovery. The key word here is "appropriate." Unsupervised or excessive exercise too soon can indeed make symptoms worse, leading to increased headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. This is because the concussed brain has a temporarily altered metabolic state and reduced ability to tolerate exertion. Pushing through symptoms can overload this vulnerable system.
The Graded Approach: A Controlled Return to Activity
This is where the graded approach to activity comes in. It's a carefully structured and supervised progression of physical exertion, designed to gently challenge the brain and body without overwhelming them. At In Step Physiotherapy in Edmonton, this approach is central to their concussion management strategy. Their expertise lies in understanding the individual's symptom threshold and guiding them safely through each stage.
The graded approach typically involves:
Initial Rest and Symptom Management: The first phase focuses on relative rest (avoiding activities that worsen symptoms) and managing acute symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Light Aerobic Activity (Sub-Symptom Threshold): Once stable, the individual begins very light aerobic exercise, such as stationary cycling or gentle walking. Crucially, these activities are performed below the symptom exacerbation threshold. This means the individual monitors their symptoms closely and stops or reduces activity if symptoms worsen. The goal is to stimulate the cardiovascular system without overloading the injured brain. This phase helps to improve blood flow to the brain, reduce deconditioning, and normalize sleep patterns.
Progressive Increase in Intensity and Duration: As tolerance improves and symptoms remain stable, the intensity and duration of aerobic exercise are gradually increased.
Introduction of Sport-Specific Drills/Activity: For athletes, this phase involves reintroducing sport-specific movements and drills at low intensity, again while closely monitoring symptoms.
Full Contact/Return to Play: The final stage involves a gradual return to full, unrestricted activity, including contact sports if applicable, only after all symptoms have resolved and the individual has successfully completed all previous stages without recurrence of symptoms.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Concussion Recovery
A specialized physiotherapy clinic like In Step Physiotherapy is invaluable in guiding this graded approach. Their certified concussion therapists possess the expertise to:
In Step Physiotherapy's commitment to "personalized treatment plans," "one-on-one treatment," and "ongoing communication" ensures that individuals with concussions receive the precise guidance needed to navigate the delicate balance of rest and activity. Under their expert care, exercise doesn't make a concussion worse; rather, it becomes a vital tool for recovery, helping patients safely and effectively get back to their lives and activities.
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