The 6 Stages of Concussion Recovery: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Ezra Miller
- Sep 4
- 5 min read
Highlights
Ignoring delayed concussion symptoms can turn a mild injury into long-term complications.
Rest and targeted exercises are key to the recovery process.
Empower Fitness provides one-on-one guidance to ensure a safe and sustainable return to your normal activities. Start with a free consultation today!
The 6 stages of concussion recovery give you a clear roadmap to heal safely and return to your daily activities with confidence.
In this article, we will talk about what each stage involves, how to recognize important symptoms, when to seek urgent care, and what steps athletes should follow before getting back into sports.
With the right guidance, you can move through recovery at your own pace while protecting your long-term health. Keep reading to take control of your recovery journey!
Diagnosis: How are Concussions Diagnosed?
Concussions are diagnosed by healthcare professionals through a review of your symptoms, a physical exam, and detailed neurological assessment. Doctors check balance, coordination, reflexes, vision, memory, and concentration to detect signs of brain injury.
In some cases, cognitive testing is used to evaluate skills like attention and memory loss. Imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs may also be ordered to rule out serious issues like bleeding or fractures.
Ongoing monitoring of symptoms is key to guiding your recovery and determining when it is safe to return to daily activities or sports.
Seek Help: When to Go to the ER After Hitting Your Head?
Go to the ER after hitting your head if you experience red-flag symptoms such as loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, a severe or worsening headache, confusion, slurred speech, weakness or numbness in limbs, vision changes, or seizures. These signs may point to a more serious brain injury that needs urgent care.
📌 Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms suddenly get worse, if you notice clear fluid or blood coming from the nose or ears, or if you have trouble staying awake. Acting quickly can prevent dangerous complications and support a safer recovery. |
What Are Delayed Symptoms After a Fall?
The delayed symptoms after a fall are:
Persistent or worsening headache.
Dizziness or balance problems.
Nausea or vomiting that appears hours later.
Difficulty concentrating or memory issues.
Blurred or double vision.
Sensitivity to light or noise.
Unusual fatigue or drowsiness.
Mood changes such as irritability or anxiety.
Trouble sleeping or sleeping more than usual.
Concussions vs. Post-Concussion Syndrome: What’s the Difference?
The difference between concussions and post-concussion syndrome is that a concussion is a mild brain injury that usually heals within a few weeks, while post-concussion syndrome causes symptoms that can last for months.
How Bad Can Post-Concussion Syndrome Be?
Post-concussion syndrome can range from mild issues to severe problems that affect daily life, depending on how strong the symptoms are and how long they last.
What Are the 6 Stages of Concussion Recovery?
The 6 stages of concussion recovery are:
1. Rest and Limit Activity
Begin with complete physical and cognitive rest. This means avoiding activities like screen time, reading, or loud environments that can trigger symptoms. The goal is to allow the brain to start healing without added stress.
2. Light Aerobic Exercise
Once symptoms have improved, introduce gentle movement such as walking or light stationary cycling for 10–15 minutes. These activities help stimulate blood flow, but you should stop immediately if symptoms return.
3. Moderate Activity
At this stage, progress to sport-related drills or moderate exercise like jogging or skating. These movements reintroduce coordination and stamina, but they should not involve any risk of impact or collision.
4. Heavy, Non-Contact Drills
Add more intense, non-contact training such as sprinting, weightlifting, and high-intensity cardio. Incorporate complex drills that challenge coordination and reaction time. This step builds strength and endurance, while still avoiding contact to prevent re-injury.
5. Full-Contact Practice (with Clearance)
After medical clearance, return to full-contact training in a controlled environment. This stage tests your readiness for game-like conditions while under professional supervision.
6. Return to Full Competition
Once you are symptom-free and cleared by a healthcare provider, resume normal competition or daily activities. Continue to monitor yourself closely, as rushing back too soon can increase the risk of another concussion.
It’s better to miss one game than the whole season, or your life. - Troy Aikman, former NFL quarterback
Start Your Recovery Plan Today with Empower Fitness
At Empower Fitness, Dr. Ezra Miller creates personalized physical therapy programs designed to help you recover from concussions safely. Each plan starts with a detailed evaluation, clear recovery goals, and a step-by-step strategy tailored to your needs.
Our approach combines rest, gradual reintroduction of activity, and targeted exercises to improve balance, coordination, and overall strength. This not only supports your healing but also lowers the risk of future injuries.
Whether you’re an athlete returning to play or someone dealing with ongoing symptoms, Empower Fitness provides one-on-one guidance to ensure a safe and sustainable return to your normal activities.
Why choose Empower Fitness:
Individualized treatment tailored to your recovery.
Focus on both rehabilitation and long-term prevention.
Expertise in sports therapy and safe return-to-play strategies.
Book a free consultation with Dr. Ezra today and take the first step toward a safe, effective recovery!
Recovery Time: How Long Does a Concussion Take to Heal?
A concussion takes about 2 weeks for most adults and up to a month for children or teens, though severe cases can last several months. Proper management is key to preventing longer recovery times.
Concussion and Sports: How Long Should an Athlete Rest?
An athlete should rest for 24 to 48 hours after a concussion before gradually returning to activity under medical supervision.
This rest should includes both physical and mental downtime, to allow the brain to recover. Advancing too quickly can increase the risk of setbacks or another injury.
Your brain is your most valuable asset—protect it at all costs. - Chris Nowinski, former football player.
How to Speed Up Concussion Recovery for Athletes?
Athletes can speed up concussion recovery by staying hydrated, getting quality sleep, and following a gradual return-to-sport plan under medical guidance. Balanced nutrition and stress management also support faster healing.
FAQs About the 6 Stages of Concussion Recovery
How Can I Tell if a Head Injury Is Mild or Severe?
You can tell a head injury is mild or severe by how intense and persistent the symptoms are. Severe injuries often involve loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, seizures, or worsening headaches and require immediate medical attention.
What Not to Do During a Concussion?
During a concussion, you should not ignore symptoms, push through strenuous activity, or spend long hours on bright screens. These actions can delay recovery and increase the risk of complications.
What Medications Should You Not Take With a Concussion?
With a concussion, you should not take blood thinners or pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen without medical approval. These medications can increase the risk of bleeding and slow recovery.
How Long After a Head Injury Can a Brain Bleed Occur?
Brain bleed can occur within hours of a head injury but, in some cases symptoms may not appear until days later. This is why early monitoring and follow-up care are essential.
Will an MRI Show Post-Concussion Syndrome?
No, an MRI will not show post-concussion syndrome because it is diagnosed based on symptoms rather than visible brain damage.
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