January 20, 2025 by Steve Kerschke, PT
Concussions, a common form of mild traumatic brain injury, often result from falls, sports, or car accidents. Despite being considered “mild,” they can cause lasting cognitive, physical, and emotional issues, such as headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and mood swings, which may persist for weeks or months.
Online therapy is an effective tool for managing concussion symptoms and supporting recovery. With tailored programs, patients can address physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges from home, easing the return to normal life.
While COVID-19 boosted online therapy’s acceptance, its popularity now stems from flexibility, accessibility, and convenience. Virtual sessions allow healthcare providers to deliver training within patients’ actual environments, making therapy more adaptable and practical for daily life. This approach benefits not only those with mobility or transportation challenges but also anyone seeking a convenient, personalized approach to rehabilitation.
Some of the services a concussion patient may receive from online therapy are listed below:
Our guide to online therapy for concussion patients will show you some of the best resources to help you during your recovery. Some patients may not always have friends or family to assist in their recovery. While you are recovering from a concussion, online therapy can assist you in finding resources in your area.
Online therapy offers concussion patients convenient access to care, including specialized services like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. These services can be tailored to address specific post-concussion symptoms and help patients regain independence.
One of the most common challenges following a concussion is cognitive impairment. Many patients have trouble concentrating, memory problems, and slower processing speeds. Cognitive rehabilitation therapy, which is often provided by speech therapists, helps address these issues by retraining the brain to improve focus, memory, and problem-solving abilities.
At Kintinu Telerehab, our speech therapists work closely with concussion patients to create individualized programs that address specific cognitive difficulties. Whether it’s improving attention span, enhancing memory recall, or developing strategies for organizing tasks, cognitive rehabilitation therapy can help patients return to work or school with greater confidence.
Dizziness and balance issues are common symptoms after a concussion, especially if the vestibular system (which controls balance) has been affected. Physical therapy, specifically vestibular rehabilitation, is essential for patients struggling with these symptoms. This often involves specific head, neck, and eye exercises designed to recalibrate the vestibular system, allowing patients to perform daily activities without fear of falling or getting dizzy.
Headaches are one of the most prevalent post-concussion symptoms. These can range from mild discomfort to debilitating migraines, and they can be triggered by both physical exertion and cognitive activity. Online therapy can help patients develop strategies to manage headaches, whether through relaxation techniques, posture correction, or gentle physical activity.
Physical therapists can guide patients through exercises that alleviate tension in the neck and shoulders, which are often contributors to post-concussion headaches. Additionally, speech therapists may work with patients on managing screen time and other cognitive tasks that could be triggering headaches.
A concussion can have a significant impact on mental health. Patients often feel frustrated, anxious, or depressed due to their symptoms, which can lead to social isolation. The emotional toll of a concussion can sometimes be just as challenging as the physical symptoms.
Online therapy can provide much-needed emotional support. Our therapists offer counseling to help patients manage the psychological effects of concussions, such as irritability, mood swings, and anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be especially useful in helping patients reshape negative thoughts about their recovery and develop coping strategies for dealing with stress and uncertainty.
Many concussion patients struggle with sleep disturbances, including insomnia or frequent waking. Poor sleep can exacerbate other symptoms, such as cognitive impairment, fatigue, and irritability. Sleep therapy can help patients develop healthier sleep patterns and reduce nighttime disruptions.
Concussions often affect the visual system, leading to issues such as blurred vision, light sensitivity, or difficulty reading. Vision therapy can help retrain the eyes and brain to work together more effectively. This can be particularly helpful for patients who need to return to work or school but are struggling with computer use and reading.
Recovering from a concussion can be a complex and frustrating process, but online therapy offers personalized support that can make a world of difference. Whether you’re dealing with cognitive impairments, dizziness, headaches, or emotional difficulties, a combination of speech, physical, and occupational therapies can help you regain control and get back to living your life.
At Kintinu Telerehab, we provide a comprehensive online therapy program tailored to concussion patients, addressing every aspect of recovery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you on your path to recovery.
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