Why Concussions Affect More Than Just Your Head

A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that temporarily affects how the brain works. Even though concussions are often described as “mild,” their symptoms can significantly impact daily life if not properly addressed.

Concussions commonly occur after a hit to the head, but they can also happen when the head and upper body are forcefully shaken. This sudden movement causes the brain to shift inside the skull, disrupting normal brain function.

Common Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion

Physical symptoms may include:

Headache or pressure in the head
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness or feeling off-balance
Sensitivity to light or noise
Blurred or double vision
Ringing in the ears
Fatigue or low energy

Cognitive and emotional symptoms may include:

Trouble focusing or thinking clearly
Memory difficulties
Feeling confused or slowed down
Mood changes such as irritability, anxiety, or sadness
A general feeling of being “foggy” or not quite right

Sleep-related changes may include:

Sleeping more than usual
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Feeling unusually drowsy

What Causes a Concussion?

Concussions can occur in many everyday situations, including:

Falls, especially in young children and older adults
Sports injuries, particularly contact sports or activities without proper safety equipment
Vehicle-related accidents, such as car, motorcycle, or bicycle crashes
Direct blows, including being struck by an object
Repeated head injuries, where a prior concussion increases the risk of another

How Physical Therapy Supports Concussion Recovery

Physical therapy is an important part of concussion rehabilitation, especially when symptoms persist beyond the initial rest period.

A physical therapist can help by:

Treating neck and upper back pain that often accompanies concussions
Improving balance and coordination through targeted exercises
Reducing dizziness and motion sensitivity
Addressing visual and vestibular (inner ear) issues that affect focus and stability
Gradually guiding a safe return to normal activities

Call to schedule your initial evaluation today!

Our expert team of therapists at Reddy Care Physical, Occupational & Aquatic Therapy, with clinics across Long Island, Queens, and Manhattan are ready to help.

Great Neck: 475 Northern Blvd., Ste.11, Great Neck, NY 11021 Tel. (516) 829.0030

Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735 Tel. (516) 420.2900

Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797 Tel. (516) 367.1111

Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729 Tel. (631) 243.0247

North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005 Tel. (516) 344.0030

Bayside: Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360 Tel. (718) 224.8480

Oceanside: 2421 S Long Beach Rd., Oceanside, NY 11572 Tel. (516) 992.2282

New York City: 250 West 93rd Street, New York, NY 10025 Tel. (212) 580.0125

Bay Shore: 1470 Sunrise Highway Bay Shore NY, 11706 Tel:(631)-446.1480

Amityville: 565 Albany Ave Amityville NY, 11701 Tel:(631)-532.0906

Rockaway Beach - NEW LOCATION: 2-30 Beach 102nd Street, Suite 28, Rockaway Park, NY 11694 Tel. (718) 945.9575

In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): Tel: (516) 829.0030

*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan*

Sources: Resource 1 Resource 2

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Written by:

Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT

President

Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Reddy Care Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy

Author

Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.

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