3 steps to take after hitting your head

concussion physical therapy

Did you recently hit your head? Are you now experiencing headaches? If you’re feeling lingering symptoms after hitting your head, you may have sustained a concussion. Concussions can have many causes. They’re especially common among sports players: According to research, as many as 3.8 million concussions occur in the USA per year during competitive sports and recreational activities. The true number is unknown, since as many as 50% of concussions may go unreported. Left untreated, unreported concussions can lead to worsened symptoms and complications. If you think you might have a concussion, seeking treatment can be vital. Learning more about the best steps to take after hitting your head can help you start making progress toward getting the help you need.

What to do after hitting your head: 3 key steps

  • Rest and self-monitor — Avoid physical activity. After hitting your head, it’s essential to rest and let your body recover. Monitor yourself for concussion symptoms. If you experience persistent headaches, nausea and sensitivity to stimuli, you may have sustained a concussion. Other key symptoms include confusion and a foggy memory. These symptoms can appear right away or after some time, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to recover and watch for symptoms.
  • Seek medical attention if needed — Do you think you might be experiencing the symptoms of a concussion? A type of traumatic brain injury, concussions can be serious. In some cases, medical attention is necessary. If you’re losing consciousness or experiencing other severe symptoms, you should seek emergency medical help immediately.
  • Get physical therapy treatment — Whether or not you need intensive medical treatment, physical therapy can help. Physical therapy treatments can be a great way to alleviate your pain and speed up your recovery. In addition to addressing your symptoms, your physical therapist can also educate you on injury prevention techniques. This can help you avoid concussions in the future.

SSOR can help you recover after hitting your head

If you hit your head and think you might have sustained a concussion, SSOR (Specialists in Sports and Orthopedic Rehabilitation) is here to help. Our team is committed to helping each patient achieve their recovery goals.

Call us or request an appointment today to take the next step toward recovery.