Return To Play guidelines

This is a very important part of the management of concussions. Return to play after concussion should follow a six-step process. There is no exception to the rule, these guidleines must be followed to insure the safety of our athletes.

RETURN TO PLAY

Steps to Recovery and Return to Play

A concussion is serious, but you can recover if the proper guidelines are followed. Remember, the key is REST!

It is very important that you don’t go back to practice or play if you are still showing any concussion symptoms or signs. Before returning to any physical activity, follow these steps in order.

1. No activity, complete rest. Once back to normal and cleared by a doctor, go to the next step.

2. Light exercise such as walking or stationary cycling, for 10-15 minutes.
3. Sport-specific activity (e.g., skating), for 20-30 minutes.
4. Practice puck-handling drills, shooting drills, and other activities with NO CONTACT (i.e. no checking).
5. Practice with body contact, once cleared by a doctor.
6. Game play.

Remember: Recovery is measured in steps, NOT DAYS. Progression between each stage should take a minimum of 24 hours.  Recovery is different for everybody and it takes time to make progress through each step. If any symptoms return, like a headache or nausea, stop all activity, tell someone and rest for 24 hours. Once you are no longer experiencing symptoms you should drop down to the previous stage where no symptoms occurred and try to progress again.  Seek medical attention and only return to physical activity with a doctor’s permission. If you rush your recovery, you risk suffering another concussion. It could be worse, and last much longer.

Source: P. McCrory, W. Meeuwisse, K. Johnston, J. Dvorak, M.Aubry, M. Molloy, R. Cantu, Concensus Statement on Concussion in Sport:  The 3rd International Conference on Concussion in Sport held in Zurich, Br J Sports Med. 2009; 43:i76-i84.
7 plus days to recover

Generally, each step should take at least 24 hours, so that, assuming  the athlete does not experience a reoccurrence of concussion symptoms at rest or  with exercise as he/she progresses through the exercise program, he/she will be able  to return to sports in about a week’s time.

If any post-concussion symptoms occur at any level,  the athlete needs to drop back to the previous level at which he/she was  symptom-free, and try to progress again after a further 24-hour period of rest  has passed.

Need a Concussion Management Program to help you get back in the game – ask us:  toni@stopconcussions.com.

Source: P. McCrory, W. Meeuwisse, K. Johnston, J. Dvorak, M.Aubry, M. Molloy, R. Cantu, Concensus Statement on Concussion in Sport:  The 3rd International Conference on Concussion in Sport held in Zurich, Br J Sports Med. 2009; 43:i76-i84.

Factors in Return To Play Decision After Concussion

Watch Video – source momsteam.com

Athletic Trainer Or Team Doctor Should Make Return-to-Play Decision After Concussion

Many of the new youth sports concussion safety laws contain broad language allowing any “qualified health care professional” to make the all-important return-to-play decision after concussion, but, says Marjorie Albohm, MS, ATC, President of the National Athletic Trainer’s Association, it is a certified athletic trainer (AT) or team doctor who are best qualified to make that call.

Watch Video – source momsteam.com