Concussion Youth

In the first few days following concussion, brain rest is critical to ensuring a recovery that occurs most completely, in the shortest amount of time. That rest includes avoiding/reducing reading, computer work,video games, texting, and watching TV. As the days pass, symptoms usually improve quickly and activity can be gradually re-introduced. Light exercise begun at the right time aides in faster recovery. Communication with your doctor, teachers, coaches, and therapist is critical to success. The team of providers coordinate return to school, adjustment to homework levels, and accommodations during the school day. Return to Play and Return to Learn protocols are specific, and followed carefully. For many children and their parents, this process can be scary and overwhelming. Julie has many years experience assisting with the coordination of this process. Using over 25 years of professional experience and research in post concussive syndrome, Julie developed the CLEARED Concussion Recovery Program®. This program is the most effective way to recover from concussion, and is currently in use at Neurobalance Physical Therapy, The Denver Broncos, and Resilience Code Concussion Clinic.

Ongoing symptoms can include headache, dizziness, blurred vision, neck ache, mood irritability, brain fog, and fatigue. These symptoms need to be prioritized, with treatment fitting well into an already busy schedule for students and parents. Specific tests are carefully chosen to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms. Exercises are prescribed for each individual, ensuring your therapy is performed in the most efficient and effective manner. The frequency of clinic visits is determined together with the child and parent, considering tolerance to activity, current schedules, travel distance to the clinic, and symptom types. This can range from twice weekly to once monthly. Manual therapy may be offered for headache, whiplash, or neck/back ache that is often associated with concussion. This can include gentle massage, joint traction/mobilization, and stretching. All therapies are performed in a comfortable fashion, putting you and your child at ease. Duration of therapy varies widely according to the severity and number of symptoms, and pre-existing medical conditions. Care can last a few weeks to several months.

Julie has extensive experience in concussion recovery, and monitors research in this area regularly. She is the concussion PT for the Denver Broncos, and has assisted professional athletes from the NHL, NFL, UFC and MLB, elite distance runners, and student athletes in all levels of recreational and competitive sports return to their sport, when they are ready. She works with many local pediatricians regarding Return to Play, Return to Learn, school day modifications, and communication with coaches and teachers.