Concussion

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), commonly called concussion, can cause a long list of symptoms, including but not limited to severe headaches, fatigue, tinnitus & sensitivity to sound, speech impairment, and mood changes such as anxiety, irritability & depression. Impaired vision, concentration, memory and thinking (cognitive function) may prevent a return to school or work. The sufferer may no longer be able to drive or take public transportation.

Include this neuromuscular combination of therapies in your treatment plan:

 √  Bowen Therapy for inflammation & healing

√  Applied Myoskeletal Therapy for neck muscles & skeletal alignment

√ PASC Cranial Considerations (TMD therapy) for sphenoid bone and jaw alignment, and jaw muscle tension

√  CranioSacral Therapy for restrictions in the dura mater covering the spine & brain

Bowen Therapy for Inflammation & Healing

Inflammation is a serious by-product of brain injury. Ongoing brain inflammation can impede recovery, and ultimately contribute to being diagnosed with Post Concussion Syndrome.

A research study published in the journal Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience states: “The neurological damage seen in mTBI patients is the result of the impact forces and mechanical injury, followed by a delayed neuroimmune response that can last hours, days, and even months after the injury. It has been suggested that the delayed neuroinflammatory response to concussions is more damaging than the initial impact itself.”

Learn more about biochemical secondary injuries (inflammation) in When Brains Collide by Michael D. Lewis, MD. In the book and on his website he recommends combating inflammation with quality Omega-3 fish oil.

Neuromuscular therapist Craig Mattimoe’s study of concussion in young athletes showed that timely Bowen Therapy treatment led to quick recovery and return to play. He developed the Bowen Therapy Concussion Protocol that is taught around the world. In Madeline McBride’s case-series study No One Touched My Head: Bowen Therapy for Adults with Long Term Post Concussion Syndrome, she theorizes that Craig’s Bowen Therapy Concussion Protocol reduces the progression of inflammation in the brain.

Craig Mattimoe and Jenna Howe (see Research) have achieved impressive results because the young athletes they treated had immediate access to Bowen Therapy. Schedule Bowen Therapy sessions as soon as possible after receiving medical attention, ideally within 24 to 48 hours. It could make all the difference for a swift recovery. Contact us or find a Canadian practitioner.

Applied Myoskeletal Therapy (AMT) for a type of Vertigo

Spinal Concussion Syndrome is when concussion-like symptoms such as headaches, vertigo and tinnitus originate from the neck, not the brain. That is, muscle tension in the neck due to whiplash or a spine twisted in a fall or accident may compress cervical nerves. A 2015 research paper published in The Physician and Sportsmedicine journal states, “The symptoms of headache and dizziness, so prevalent in concussion-type injuries, may actually be the result of cervicogenic mechanisms due to a concomitant whiplash injury suffered at the same time.”

The College of Applied Myoskeletal Therapy (AMT) training offers very gentle, light touch techniques to release muscles torquing the neck vertebrae, putting tension on skull bones, and compressing nerves. There is no stretching, no firm pressure and no dry needling which can cause further damage to delicate tissues, nerves, and blood vessels.

AMT to release neck muscles will prepare the body for vestibular therapy by a qualified professional.

The spine is the “superhighway” for the body’s nerves. Gently restoring pelvic and spinal alignment with AMT optimizes conditions for the nervous system to heal.

TMD Therapy before Vision Therapy

Asymmetrical pterygoid muscle tension connecting the upper and lower jaws may pull the sphenoid bone behind the eyes out of optimal alignment. This in turn may stress the optic nerves passing through the sphenoid bone, potentially contributing to vision issues arising from an impact to the head.

The pituitary gland hangs from a stalk and sits under the optic nerves in the base of the sphenoid bone. This master gland helps regulate hormones. Concussion can damage the pituitary gland, causing mood and hormone problems.

TMD therapy will ensure that jaw muscle tension is balanced and that the sphenoid bone is aligned. It will optimize conditions for effective vision assessment and therapy by a qualified optometrist.

As well, releasing tension in the muscles in the jaw and around the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) can relax the temporalis muscles at the temples, reducing headaches.

CranioSacral Therapy after Neuromuscular Therapy

A membrane called dura mater sheaths the spinal cord and extends into the brain. It encases cerebrospinal fluid. After AMT therapy releases muscle tension in the head and neck and corrects any vertebrae rotations, CranioSacral Therapy can release skull plates and dura mater restrictions in the spine and brain, optimizing conditions for brain healing.

More Resources for the Severely Concussed

Case Manager - connects you to rehab service providers.

Occupational Therapist - recommends how to adapt your home to your new physical limitations. Can also act as case manager.

Optometrist with vision therapy certification - assesses and treats vision damage such as eye convergence/difficulty focusing.

Vestibular Therapist - assesses and treats vertigo and balance issues.

Audiologist - assesses hearing loss and prescribes hearing aids.

Neuropsychologist - assesses cognitive function such as memory, concentration, and ability to perform your job tasks.

Psychologist or Grief Counsellor - helps you adapt to the loss of who you were.

Personal Injury Lawyer - helps you seek compensation for injury-related long term disability and associated loss of income.

Financial Advisor - helps you apply for disability payments, tax credits, and other financial supports.

and more…