Written by Kevin Sisbarro, DPT, CVT
Article
brain injury, concussion, Sports, sports injury
Spring is one of our favorite times of year here at Hartz Physical Therapy — the fields are full, the tracks are busy, and athletes of all ages are doing what they love. But with increased activity comes increased risk, and one of the injuries we see most often this time of year is the concussion.
If your athlete has recently taken a hit to the head — whether on the soccer field, baseball diamond, lacrosse field, or during a track meet — we want you to know that you’re not alone, and you don’t have to navigate recovery by guesswork. Concussion rehabilitation is what we do, and we’re here to walk alongside your athlete every step of the way.
Why Physical Therapy Matters After a Concussion
A concussion isn’t just “getting your bell rung.” It’s a real brain injury — and one that deserves real, structured care. The good news? Most athletes make a full recovery with the right support. The key is getting evaluated early and following a plan that’s tailored to your specific symptoms and activity level.
At Hartz Physical Therapy, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We take the time to understand where your athlete is in their recovery and build a personalized plan that helps them heal safely and confidently.
How Physical Therapy Helps Athletes Recover
Concussion rehabilitation works by retraining the systems that were disrupted by the injury. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
1. Balance and Vestibular Training
Dizziness, unsteadiness, and that “floaty” feeling after a concussion are incredibly common — and incredibly frustrating for active athletes. Our therapists use guided balance and vestibular exercises to help the brain relearn how to process motion, so your athlete can move with confidence again without worrying about stumbling or feeling off-balance.
2. Visual and Cognitive Retraining
After a concussion, the connection between the eyes and the brain can feel sluggish or off. Reading can be hard. Screens can be exhausting. Sports that require quick visual tracking — like tracking a fly ball or reading a defender — can feel impossible. We work through targeted eye tracking exercises, head-and-eye coordination drills, and task-based activities that help athletes sharpen their focus both on the field and in the classroom.
3. Gradual Return to Exercise
Rest is important early on, but staying sedentary for too long can actually slow recovery. That’s why we guide athletes through carefully controlled aerobic activity that supports brain healing without pushing too hard, too fast. Think of it as a throttle — we help find the right level of effort that promotes recovery rather than setbacks.
4. Neck Strength and Mobility
This one often surprises people: the neck plays a big role in how athletes feel after a concussion. Whiplash-type forces during the injury can leave the neck stiff, weak, and achy — which contributes to headaches and that heavy-head feeling. Improving neck strength and range of motion is a key part of our approach, and athletes often notice a real difference in how they feel day to day once we address it.
5. Return to Play Progression
Before any athlete returns to full sport participation, they need to work through a structured, step-by-step return-to-play progression. This isn’t just about feeling okay at rest — it’s about making sure the brain can handle increasing levels of physical and mental demand. We follow established protocols and stay in close communication with parents, coaches, and medical providers to make sure every athlete is truly ready before they step back on the field.
What Athletes and Parents Should Watch for This Spring
One of the trickiest things about concussions is that symptoms don’t always show up right away. An athlete might feel fine in the moment, then wake up the next morning with a pounding headache or struggling to focus in class. That’s why it’s so important for parents, coaches, and athletes to stay observant in the days following any significant impact.
Here are some signs that something may be off:
- Persistent or worsening headaches
- Slower-than-normal reaction times
- Confusion, brain fog, or difficulty concentrating
- Complaints of “just not feeling right”
- Increased sensitivity to bright lights or loud environments
- Changes in sleep patterns — sleeping too much or not enough
- Mood changes or increased irritability
If you’re seeing any of these signs, please don’t wait it out. It’s always better to pause, get an evaluation, and know for sure than to push through and risk a longer, harder recovery.
We’re Here to Help
At Hartz Physical Therapy, our goal is simple: we want your athlete to recover fully, not just quickly. Returning to sport before the brain is ready isn’t just risky — it can lead to prolonged symptoms and a much longer road back. But with the right guidance, most athletes come back stronger, steadier, and more confident than they were before.
This spring, don’t let a concussion sideline your athlete longer than necessary. If you suspect a concussion — or if your athlete has been cleared medically but still doesn’t feel like themselves — reach out to us. We’ll get them evaluated, build a plan, and walk with them every step of the way back to the game they love.
Because that’s what we’re here for.
Contact Hartz Physical Therapy today to schedule an evaluation.