Physical Therapy Intervention for Extended Physical Symptoms After a Sports-related Concussion

Patients will be recruited from the ongoing Randomized Clinical Trial (Walsh University HSR 14-20) that are not returned to play and/or are not asymptomatic at the completion of their involvement in this research protocol. Based on the timeframe for their participation in the aforementioned study, these athletes will be 30 - 50 days post-concussion. At their final visit for the RCT, patients with one of the following criteria will be invited to participate in this research study:

1. Lack of release for Return to Play
2. Continuation of physical symptoms (headache, nausea, vomiting, balance problems, dizziness, light or noise sensitivity, numbness and/or vision problems) as recorded on the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale.

Desired sample size: 15 participants.

Skilled treatment: patients will be scheduled for a physical therapy assessment. The PTs will use a prescriptive approach to the assessment of the central nervous system, the cervical spine, and the vestibular system to determine the relative involvement of each system and dysfunction contributing to the patient's physical complaints. This assessment will include the outcome measures that will be obtained pre and post-treatment (Vertigo Symptom Scale (VSS) and the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA). Once the assessment is completed, the PT will initiate treatment, with follow-up visits for PT treatment 1 - 2 times per week. They will pragmatically design an individualized and progressive treatment plan, including manual therapy (manipulation and/or mobilization), neuromotor control strategies, and vestibular rehabilitation techniques, depending on the findings at assessment and patient response. Therapists can also tailor education regarding mental and physical rest according to specific parameters provided by the treating physician. Patients may also be prescribed a home exercise program and exercise education. The precise treatment strategies will be recorded. At each PT visit, symptomatic recovery will be tracked using the PCS.