July 22 is World Brain Day, and there is no better time to talk about a head injury that is far more common than most people realize: the concussion. Summer in New Hampshire means biking, swimming, paddleboarding, youth sports camps, and backyard fun, especially this year as the country celebrates its 250th birthday with bigger-than-ever Fourth of July festivities. With all of that activity comes a higher chance of bumps, falls, and collisions. Concussions are often thought of as a football injury, but they can happen just as easily from a bike spill, a hard dive into a pool, or a fall off a ladder during a summer home project. At Sports and Rehab, our physical therapists in Derry, Salem, and Hampstead, NH help patients of all ages recover safely and confidently after a head injury.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow, jolt, or sudden movement that makes the brain shift rapidly inside the skull. That movement briefly disrupts normal brain function, even when there is no visible injury to the head. Standard imaging like X-rays and CT scans often comes back normal after a concussion, which can make the injury feel invisible to others. That does not make the symptoms any less real. Left unmanaged, concussion symptoms can linger for weeks or longer, which is why early, guided care matters.
Common Causes of Concussions in the Summer
- Bicycle falls and collisions
- Skateboard, scooter, and rollerblade falls
- Diving or slipping at the pool, lake, or beach
- ATV, boating, and watercraft accidents
- Youth sports camps, pickup games, and practices
- Trampoline and playground falls
- Falls from ladders or while tackling summer yard and home projects
Recognizing the Symptoms
Concussion symptoms do not always appear right away. Some people notice changes within minutes, while others do not feel “off” until hours or even a day or two later. Common signs include:
- Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
- Dizziness, balance problems, or feeling unsteady
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Trouble concentrating, remembering, or thinking clearly
- Fatigue, low energy, or sleeping more or less than usual
- Irritability, sadness, or other mood changes
Why “Just Rest and Wait” Is Outdated Advice
For years, the standard advice after a concussion was strict rest in a dark room until symptoms disappeared completely. Current research tells a different story. Prolonged, complete rest can actually slow recovery and contribute to deconditioning, anxiety, and persistent symptoms. Most patients recover faster with an early, carefully guided return to light activity that stays below the threshold that triggers symptoms. This is exactly where a skilled physical therapist makes the difference between guessing and a structured, evidence-based recovery plan.
How Physical Therapy Supports Concussion Recovery
Our concussion treatment program combines several specialized techniques tailored to each patient’s symptoms and goals, including:
- Vestibular therapy: exercises that retrain the inner ear and brain to resolve dizziness and balance problems
- Oculomotor and visual tracking work: addressing eye strain, blurred vision, and trouble focusing
- Cervical (neck) treatment: since whiplash and neck strain frequently occur alongside concussions
- Graded exertion protocols: a step-by-step, symptom-guided return to exercise, work, school, and sport
- Education and pacing strategies: practical guidance on sleep, screen time, and daily activity to support healing
Our team also coordinates with physicians, schools, and coaches to support safe return-to-play and return-to-learn decisions, so recovery does not happen in isolation.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Care
Physical therapy plays a key role in concussion recovery, but some symptoms require emergency evaluation first. Seek immediate medical attention if you or your child experience:
- A headache that keeps getting worse
- Repeated vomiting
- Slurred speech or sudden confusion
- A seizure
- Unequal pupil size or loss of consciousness
Once a serious head injury has been ruled out, our team in Derry, Salem, and Hampstead, NH is ready to help guide a safe, complete recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after a concussion should I start physical therapy?
Most current guidelines support beginning gentle, symptom-guided activity within a few days of injury, once any emergency concerns have been ruled out by a physician. Early intervention from a trained physical therapist often leads to a faster, smoother recovery than prolonged rest.
Do I need a referral to see a physical therapist for a concussion in New Hampshire?
No. New Hampshire is a direct access state, which means you can schedule an evaluation at Sports and Rehab without a physician referral. Some insurance plans may have their own requirements, so it is worth a quick call to your carrier to confirm.
How long does concussion recovery typically take?
Most concussions resolve within two to four weeks with proper management, though every patient and every injury is different. Factors like age, prior concussion history, and how quickly treatment begins can all affect the timeline. Our therapists track progress closely and adjust your plan as you improve.
Can children and teens be treated for concussions at Sports and Rehab?
Yes. We regularly treat young athletes and active kids throughout Derry, Salem, and Hampstead, NH, and we work closely with families, schools, and coaches to support a safe, gradual return to academics and sports.
Does insurance cover concussion physical therapy?
Sports and Rehab accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and NH Medicaid. We recommend visiting our insurance page or calling your nearest location to verify your specific coverage before your first visit.
Schedule Your Concussion Evaluation Today
Sports and Rehab has been proudly serving patients in New Hampshire since 1998. With three convenient locations in Derry, Salem, and Hampstead, NH, our licensed physical therapists are ready to help you or your loved one recover safely from a concussion. New patients are typically seen within 24 to 48 hours of their initial call, and no physician referral is required. Explore our full range of physical therapy services, or contact us today to schedule your evaluation and take the first step toward a safe, complete recovery this summer.