Butterfly Paediatric Therapy is now recognized by Complete Concussion Management Inc. (CCMI) and joins a network of clinics around the world offering evidence-based concussion care. The CCMI network of recognized clinics provide standardized, evidence-based concussion care to those impacted by, or at risk for concussion. Through collaboration between trained healthcare practitioners, educated coaches and trainers, and informed parents and athletes, we educate and empower all those involved in sport to recognize concussions, and take the necessary steps to help an athlete safely return to sport.
Involved in Sport? Learn Your Role in Concussion Care
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a brain injury caused by acceleration or deceleration of the brain within the skull following a significant impact to the head or elsewhere on the body. The impact causes a biochemical imbalance within the brain cells, resulting in decreased blood flow and temporary energy deficits within the brain. Symptoms may include loss of consciousness, headache, pressure in the head, neck pain, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, or balance problems, among others.
Concussion Signs and Symptoms
You can’t “see” a concussion. The signs and symptoms of a concussion can show up right after an injury or it may take several days. If your child is demonstrating signs and symptoms of a concussion keep your child out of play and school and seek medical attention from a health care provider who is experienced in concussion management
- Headaches or “pressure” in the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Balance problems, clumsiness
- Dizziness
- Double, spotty or blurry vision
- Bothered by light or noise
- Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, groggy, appears dazed or confused, low energy
- Difficulty paying attention, forgetful
- Changes in behaviour and personality
- Memory problems
- Confusion, slow to respond to questions
- Loss of consciousness
- “Feeling off”
Every child’s recovery process is unique. Although the duration of concussion symptoms is variable, resolution of these symptoms typically follow a sequential course. A concussion can last anywhere from days, weeks, months or even longer. Most children with a concussion get better, but it is important to give your child’s brain time to heal.
Physiotherapy Assessment for concussion at Butterfly
Following a suspected concussion, a child should be immediately removed from play, assessed and treated by a health care professional experienced in evaluating for concussion. Concussion assessment involves taking a detailed history and performing a clinical assessment. Depending on your child’s symptoms your Physiotherapist will complete a standardized assessment that will be used as a baseline to determine when it is safe to return to school and activity. Your child’s comprehensive physiotherapy assessment includes evaluating clinical symptoms, physical signs, cognitive impairment, neurobehavioral features as well as sleep disturbance.
Physiotherapy Treatment for concussion at Butterfly
Our Physiotherapists will provide your child with an individualized treatment plan to best match their needs based on the assessment. Education for both short term management as well as a plan for return to school and sport is an integral and continuous part of concussion management.
Direct treatment also includes:
- Manual therapy and soft tissue release techniques for the neck and spine
- Stretching and strengthening program
- Cardiovascular and endurance training
- Visual coordination exercises
- Balance and postural retraining
- Vestibular rehabilitation
Want a baseline assessment before a concussion occurs? No problem!
We offer multimodal baseline testing at Butterfly, which is a series of physical and cognitive tests that provide a pre-injury overview of healthy brain function. These tests offer an objective benchmark on which to compare should a patient sustain a concussion. As concussion symptoms often disappear days to weeks before the brain has recovered, having valuable baseline information may help practitioners to make safer return to play decisions.
Why Butterfly?
Concussions can be scary! Not only are parents worried about their child, there are also pressing issues of whether and when to return to school, sport, screen time, and what to tell the coach. Therapists at Butterfly trained in concussion management can help alleviate your fears. Our Butterfly Paediatric Therapist will incorporate your child’s interests and activities into therapy to make therapy FUN!
***Remember: It’s better to miss one game than the whole season!***
To book an assessment or for more information on Concussions please email info@butterflytherapy.com or call us at 905-206-0300.