Concussions
Concussion Recovery and Return to Sport: A Comprehensive Approach
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At SOZO Performance Therapy, we understand how critical it is for athletes to recover from concussions and safely return to their sport. Concussions are a serious injury that requires a specialized, multi-faceted recovery plan. We integrate the latest evidence-based research and advanced treatment techniques to guide you through the recovery process, focusing on restoring balance, cognitive function, and physical performance.
Aerobic Exercise and Concussion Recovery
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Research has demonstrated that aerobic exercise plays a pivotal role in concussion recovery. Engaging in low-impact aerobic activities, like walking, cycling, or swimming, helps promote blood flow to the brain, which supports the healing process and enhances brain function. Aerobic exercise has been shown to:
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Improve Cognitive Function: Exercise helps to reduce symptoms like mental fog, poor concentration, and memory issues by increasing blood flow to the brain, which accelerates neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to heal and reorganize).
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Regulate Vestibular Symptoms: Aerobic activity can also aid in managing dizziness and vertigo by stimulating the brain's vestibular system, which improves balance and reduces sensory disturbances common after a concussion.
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Visual Training for Concussion Recovery
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Many concussion patients experience visual disturbances, such as blurred vision or trouble focusing. Our visual training program targets these symptoms by improving the brain’s ability to process and coordinate visual information.
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Eye Tracking Exercises: We use specific exercises that challenge the eyes to track moving objects and shift focus quickly. This helps improve coordination and reduces dizziness and discomfort.
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Enhanced Reaction Time and Focus: Visual training improves how the brain interprets visual signals, allowing athletes to regain faster reflexes and improved decision-making skills, essential for returning to sports safely.​
Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR) and Balance Recovery
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The Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex (VOR) is responsible for stabilizing our gaze and coordinating eye movements with head motion. After a concussion, this reflex is often disrupted, leading to balance issues and difficulty maintaining focus, especially in dynamic sports environments.
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VOR Rehabilitation: We use specialized exercises to retrain the VOR system, helping athletes improve their balance and stabilize their vision while moving, which is essential for high-speed sports activities.
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Better Stability and Balance: By restoring VOR function, athletes gain better overall stability, which directly supports improved performance and safety during sport.
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Our Comprehensive Approach for Concussion Recovery
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By combining aerobic exercise, visual training, and VOR rehabilitation, we create a tailored, holistic recovery plan to restore an athlete’s balance, coordination, and cognitive function. These strategies are proven to accelerate recovery, reduce symptoms, and help athletes safely return to the field or court with greater performance capacity and reduced risk of reinjury.
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If you’ve experienced a concussion, we’re here to help. At SOZO Performance Therapy, we prioritize your safety and success through a carefully structured, evidence-based recovery program designed to get you back to peak performance and on the path to full recovery. Contact us today to learn how we can support your journey back to sport.
If you need more help, feel free to book an appointment—or contact for questions!