Concussions — also known as mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI)—are a form of neurological injury that causes a temporary disturbance in normal brain function. While they’re often associated with sports, concussions can also result from falls, motor vehicle accidents, or any incident involving a blow to the head or sudden acceleration-deceleration of the body.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Concussion:
Symptoms can appear immediately or hours after the injury and may include:
Headache
Dizziness or balance issues
Fatigue or drowsiness
Difficulty concentrating
Memory disturbances or amnesia
Slurred or incoherent speech
Physical incoordination
While many people recover from a concussion within 2–4 weeks, around 35% experience persistent symptoms. This condition is known as Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) and can significantly affect daily activities, work, and quality of life if left unaddressed.
What Happens in the Brain During a Concussion?
A concussion triggers a complex neurometabolic cascade in the brain. After the initial trauma, the brain experiences:
Inflammation
Altered blood flow
Changes in neurotransmitter release
Energy (glucose) crisis due to disrupted cellular metabolism
These changes can impair both physical and cognitive function, leading to the symptoms listed above. Repeated concussions or poorly managed recovery may contribute to long-term neurological complications.
The Role of Osteopathy in Concussion Recovery:
Osteopathy focuses on the relationship between the body’s structure and its function, using a holistic and hands-on approach to support healing. In concussion care, osteopaths aim to:
Support the body's inflammatory response to reduce lingering post-injury effects
Restore balance to the musculoskeletal and craniosacral systems impacted by the trauma
Improve circulation and lymphatic flow to aid recovery
Support the nervous system, especially when symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or headaches persist
By promoting homeostasis (the body's natural state of health) and optimizing function through gentle manual therapy and movement-based rehabilitation, osteopathic care can become a key part of your recovery strategy.
Several studies support the use of Osteopathy Manipulative Therapy (OMT) in concussion recovery. A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association (JAOA) found that OMT helped alleviate symptoms in patients suffering from post-concussion syndrome (PCS). The study revealed that patients who received OMT showed improved neck mobility, reduced headache frequency, and overall better symptom management compared to those who did not receive osteopathic care.
What to Expect from a Concussion Consultation with Our Osteopaths:
Our osteopaths are trained to assess and manage concussion symptoms safely and thoroughly. Your initial consultation will include:
Detailed medical history
Full neurological assessment, including:
Cranial nerve examination
Glasgow Coma Scale screening
Vestibular and balance testing
Cognitive function assessment
Autonomic function review
Musculoskeletal assessment of the head, neck, and spine
Gait and posture evaluation
Tailored treatment and management plan, which may include:
Manual therapy (where appropriate) to improve neck and cranial nerve function, and to reduce headaches, dizziness, and neck and shoulder discomfort
Breathing and relaxation techniques to help improve autonomic nervous system function and reduce sympathetic tone
Why Early Assessment Matters
Every concussion is unique. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to get a professional assessment. Whether you’re newly injured or have been struggling for weeks or months, osteopathic care may offer relief and help guide your recovery journey.
If you or someone you know is dealing with the effects of a concussion, our osteopaths can help. Book a consultation today to begin your recovery with a team that understands the brain-body connection.