Course Description:

Concussion and the management of its impact on athletes, workers and older adults is extensive (see reference list provided and the one below). With estimates of about 2-4 million concussions occurring per year and nearly a quarter of those individuals experiencing prolonged symptoms, concussion evaluation and treatment is very relevant to physical therapists. We have the unique skills as therapists to bridge a gap between musculoskeletal (MSK), vestibular, and cardiovascular rehabilitation to assist in these individuals with chronic symptoms in returning to their sport and life demands. Physical Therapists and Physical Therapists Assistants are in a unique position to prescribe specific exercise in those domains to anyone suffering from the symptoms of a concussion.
This course is uniquely designed to help outpatient orthopedic clinicians feel more comfortable managing patients whose symptoms and impairments blend MSK, neuro and vestibular realms. With the growing literature on the long-term effects of repeated head injuries, it’s important that we aim to restore function for individuals post-concussion as completely and fully as possible. We need clinicians who can confidently manage these patients and we believe this self-paced course with case examples and a review of a classification system for concussion management outlined in the JOSPT clinical practice guidelines will improve patient outcomes and create space for therapy to be at the forefront of how we manage these patients.