Concussion Management Strategies

Content provided by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

How to manage your concussion

The concussion recovery timeline

Everyone’s timeline for concussion recovery is a bit different, but there are some general rules that will help you return to regular life safely.

Using the sleep, energy conservation, relaxation and nutrition strategies from the beginning of your recovery process will provide you with the tools and skills necessary to let your brain recover, and make it easier to begin reintegration into school and then sport.

At Holland Bloorview we recommend that you successfully return to school without post-concussion symptoms before you move on to returning to sport. This will reduce your chances of re-injury by moving you through the stages of lower risk to higher risk activities in the right order.

Conserving your energy

How do I conserve energy?

You can conserve your energy by using the “Four P’s” – Prioritize, Plan, Pace and Position. The diagram below explains the Four P’s.

Sleep tips during concussion recovery

How do I improve my sleep?

After you’ve had a concussion, getting enough and good quality sleep is one way to help your brain recover so you can return to your daily life and go back to the activities you want or need to participate in.

Concussion management resources

Concussion & You Handbook 

Video: Concussion management and return to learn: Dr. Mike Evans 

Guidelines for diagnosing and managing pediatric concussion (recommendations for parent and/or caregivers 

All content courtesy of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital