Concussion Rates Across Sports
Approximately 3.8 million sport-related concussions occur every year in the United States. The CDC estimated that 5-10% of athletes will get a concussion in any given sports season. The majority of these concussions tend to take place during competition rather than practice. The risk of concussion tends to vary between genders and depends on the sport being played.
Concussions are caused by TBI’s (traumatic brain injuries), which occur when the brain is jostled inside the skull, causing trauma to the brain. Based on the definition it is unsurprising that there is a much higher risk of injury in contact sports than in non-contact sports. In fact, contact sports such as football, basketball, and soccer account for 45% of all emergency department visits for sports-related concussions among children 17 and under. According to a recent update from the CDC, the top 10 sports with the highest youth rates of concussion are:
Headache Quiz: What Kind Of Headache Do You Have, And What Can You Do About It?
When it comes to headaches, not all are the same. While they all cause disruption to daily activities and it can be agreed upon that they’re certainly uncomfortable, to find out which type of headache you’re experiencing, and what options you have, take the quiz below:
What does Physical Therapy after a Head Injury Look Like?
I can’t begin to describe how often I get the question, “What can you do for the brain after a concussion in physical therapy?” And my response 100% of the time is, “We evaluate and find the root cause of any of your symptoms.”
Management of Concussion in Sports
It is estimated that as many as 3,900,000 sports and activities-related concussions occur annually in the U.S. A concussion can occur from either a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth, either from a fall, a collision of players, or impact from the ground or other obstacles. Collision sports are at the highest risk for concussions, but any athletic activity remains a risk.
Common Football Injuries
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes – football is a rigorous sport and can be the source of various injuries. Some injuries are more common, and some are less common. Some injuries heal quickly with rehabilitation, whereas others heal slowly and may require surgery. Let’s look at some of the more common injuries in football.
The Importance of Baseline Testing for Concussion Management
Concussions continue to be an aspect of athletics that players, parents and coaches need to address properly. One step that can be taken prior to the season that may assist with management of a concussion is having an athlete undergo baseline testing.
Layers of a Concussion: Symptoms & Treatment
It is common for some things to be overwhelming and confusing after a concussion. Like any recovery, concussion rehabilitation is not linear, but full of peaks and valleys.
Throughout rehabilitation for a concussion, patients may experience new symptoms after a more prominent symptom has resolved. Some people might even have a hard time relating symptoms directly to their concussion. Fortunately, physical therapists trained in concussion management are able to recognize these signs and symptoms and guiding patients through rehab.
Cervicogenic Headaches: It’s Not All in Your Head.
There are many different types of headaches. In fact, the International Classification of Headaches has more than 180 pages! However, there is one type of headache that affects more than just your head and can be helped by a physical therapist: cervicogenic headaches.
