Navigating Concussions in Fall Sports: What Athletes and Families Need to Know
As fall approaches in the Chicagoland area, athletes of all ages return to football fields, soccer pitches, and training facilities with excitement and anticipation. Along with the benefits of sport—confidence, fitness, and teamwork—comes an increased risk of injury, including concussions. At Emery Physical Therapy, we regularly work with individuals and families in Mount Prospect, Des Plaines, Oakbrook Terrace, and surrounding communities who are unsure how to recognize a concussion, when to seek care, and how to return safely to school, sport, and daily life.
A concussion is a form of mild traumatic brain injury caused by a sudden force to the head, neck, or body that disrupts normal brain function. Importantly, a direct hit to the head is not required. Rapid acceleration or deceleration—such as a fall, collision, or sudden stop—can be enough to trigger symptoms. Because concussions are invisible on standard imaging and symptoms may evolve over time, they are often misunderstood or minimized.
Why Concussions Are More Than “Just a Headache”
Unlike fractures or muscle strains, concussions affect how the brain processes information. This disruption can lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, visual disturbances, balance problems, sleep changes, and increased irritability or anxiety. Some individuals feel symptoms immediately, while others notice changes hours or even days later. For student-athletes, this can interfere with academic performance, emotional regulation, and physical coordination.
Continuing to play or train while symptomatic increases the risk of prolonged recovery and persistent post-concussion symptoms. This is why early recognition and appropriate management are critical. If a concussion is suspected, removal from activity and medical evaluation are essential first steps.
Shifting Away From “Complete Rest”
In years past, concussion management focused almost entirely on prolonged rest in dark, quiet environments. While short-term rest is still important, current research supports a more active, guided recovery approach. After the first 24–48 hours, carefully prescribed physical and cognitive activity—kept below symptom-provoking levels—can help regulate the nervous system and promote healing.
This is where physical therapy plays a key role. At Emery Physical Therapy, our clinicians use evidence-based concussion assessments to identify which systems are contributing to ongoing symptoms. These may include the vestibular system (balance and inner ear), visual processing, cervical spine function, or exercise tolerance.
How Physical Therapy Supports Concussion Recovery
Concussion rehabilitation is not one-size-fits-all. A personalized plan may include gentle aerobic exercise to improve blood flow to the brain, visual-motor training to address eye strain or blurred vision, vestibular therapy to reduce dizziness and balance issues, and targeted neck treatment to address headaches or stiffness originating from the cervical spine.
For athletes, physical therapy also guides the return-to-sport process. Progression back to practice and competition is based on symptom response, movement quality, and functional testing—not arbitrary timelines. Even after clearance, continued monitoring helps reduce the risk of re-injury.
Returning to School, Work, and Daily Life
Concussion recovery doesn’t stop when sports resume. Many individuals continue to experience subtle symptoms during screen time, driving, reading, or busy environments. Addressing these challenges is essential for full recovery and long-term brain health. A thorough evaluation helps ensure lingering symptoms are not overlooked or dismissed.
At Emery Physical Therapy, we work closely with patients across Mount Prospect physical therapy, Des Plaines physical therapy, and Oakbrook Terrace physical therapy locations to help them regain confidence in both physical and cognitive demands of everyday life. Our goal is not just symptom reduction, but safe, lasting recovery.
How We Can Help You Get Started
Concussions are serious, but with the right care, most people recover fully and return to the activities they enjoy. If you or your child has experienced a head or neck injury, or if symptoms are lingering beyond the first week, professional evaluation matters.
Emery Physical Therapy offers a free assessment to determine whether concussion-focused physical therapy is appropriate for you. We proudly serve patients in Mount Prospect, Des Plaines, Oakbrook Terrace, and surrounding Illinois communities. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our concussion rehabilitation services, visit www.emeryphysicaltherapy.com or contact one of our clinics directly.