Concussions are a hot topic in the sports world right now. Many athletes are speaking out about their experiences with concussions and the long road to recovery. While there is still much to learn about concussions, one clear thing is that sports doctors can play a huge role in concussion recovery. In this article, we will discuss 5 ways sports doctors help concussion recovery.
A sports doctor is a physician who specializes in the care and treatment of athletes. They are experts in diagnosing and managing concussions and other sports-related injuries. Sports doctors have the necessary experience and knowledge to help you recover from a concussion as quickly as possible. Here are five ways a sports doctor can help with your concussion recovery:
One of the most important things a sports doctor can do is educate you about your concussion. They will explain what a concussion is, how it is diagnosed, and what the symptoms are. This information can help you better understand your injury and take the necessary steps to recover. Sports doctors will also educate you about post-concussion syndrome (PCS) and its symptoms. PCS is a condition that can occur after a concussion has healed. Symptoms of PCS include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, and memory problems. Sports doctors can help you manage these symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you are experiencing any PCS symptoms after recovering from your concussion, be sure to tell your sports doctor.
Depending on your situation, a sports doctor may refer you to another specialist who can help with your concussion recovery. For example, if you are having trouble concentrating or remembering things after recovering from a concussion, the doctor might recommend that you see a neuropsychologist for evaluation and treatment. A neuropsychologist is an expert in brain function and behavior who can help people cope with cognitive problems caused by concussions and other brain injuries. If the sports doctor suspects there is something more serious going on than just PCS symptoms, they may refer you to another specialist such as a neurologist or psychiatrist for further diagnosis and treatment options.
If you are experiencing headaches, nausea, or dizziness after recovering from a concussion, the sports doctor may prescribe medications to help relieve these symptoms. Medications can also help with other PCS symptoms such as fatigue and irritability. It is important to take all of the prescribed medications as directed by your sports doctor. Do not stop taking any medication without first talking to your doctor. Some common medications used for concussion recovery include acetaminophen for pain relief and fever control, ibuprofen for pain relief, anti-nausea medications, and antidepressants to help with mood changes. If you are experiencing any side effects from the medications, be sure to let your sports doctor know right away so they can adjust your dosage or prescribe a different medication.
Rest is an important part of concussion recovery. A sports doctor will likely recommend that you take a break from your usual activities until your concussion symptoms have resolved. This may include taking time off from work, school, or your normal routine. You may also need to limit physical activity for some time. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions about how much rest you need to ensure a full recovery. Rehabilitation is another key component of concussion recovery. Sports doctors often prescribe specific exercises and therapies to help patients regain their strength and coordination after a concussion. These exercises and therapies can be done at home or in a clinic setting, depending on the severity of your injury. It is important to complete all of the prescribed exercises and therapies for a full recovery.
A sports doctor will evaluate your concussion symptoms to determine if you are ready to return to normal activities. This may include doing a physical examination, asking questions about how you have been feeling recently, and checking for any new or worsening symptoms of PCS. They may also order additional tests such as blood work or brain imaging studies depending on the severity of your injury and what they suspect is causing it. A sports doctor can help provide reassurance that all is well with you after recovering from a concussion, but if there are still concerns then further evaluation by another specialist might be needed. It is important not to rush back into activity too soon because this could cause another injury which would delay your recovery even longer than it needs to be.
If you’re looking for concussion help, sports doctors can provide a variety of services to get you back on your feet. From educating you about your injury to prescribing necessary medications and recommending rest and rehabilitation, our team is here to support you through every step of your concussion recovery. Call us today.
Dr. Chen sees patients at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Center for Sports Medicine in Walnut Creek, California. He is a board-certified Pediatrician and Sports Medicine Doctor that specializes in the non-operative medical treatment of a wide variety of various musculoskeletal conditions, including back injuries. Dr. Chen graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine and went on to complete Pediatric residency training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey (Rutgers), then went on to fellowship training in Sports Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, one of the perennially top-ranked children’s hospitals in the nation. There he provided sideline coverage for NCAA Division I athletics at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University (OH). Since graduating, Dr. Chen has continued his love of sports coverage by volunteering for the San Francisco Marathon, the San Francisco Giant Race, and as the team physician for Northgate High School in Walnut Creek. Being a part of The Center for Sports Medicine allows Dr. Chen quick access to a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, physiatrists, and physical therapists to return you to your highest functional level quickly and safely. Click here to contact us for your next appointment!
925-934-3536
stephen.chen@eastbaysportsdoc.com