This is the 3rd in a series of blog posts where Certified Athletic Therapist - Alex Barton and Certified Craniosacral Therapist - Liw Bringelson discuss concussions, and explain what we can do to help before and after your concussion.

If you have experienced a significant blow to the head, take it seriously! Our bodies are complex systems, and while we may be able to “shake off” an injury, there can be long-term, significant effects. If you have “bumped your head”, “had your bell rung”, “are seeing stars” then you may have experienced a head injury. As we discussed in the first post of this series, there are many types of symptoms that may happen with a concussion.The first thing to do after experiencing a head injury is to seek out a professional opinion.

As a Certified Athletic Therapist (Alex Barton), one of the most important parts of my job is in assisting players to identify concussion symptoms. Based on what I see, from the sidelines, I can help the athlete and others around them to make informed decisions about continued playing and treatment.

The first thing to do after experiencing a head injury is to see your doctor for a full diagnosis. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may suggest changing your daily routine to support brain healing and recovery from your injury. For example, one challenge in today’s world is to avoid screens (phones, computers, TVs). There are therapies and protocols which may assist in supporting you and your brain to heal.

After receiving the diagnosis, you can work with the Synergy Health and Wellness team to determine appropriate treatment and rehabilitation plan to return to regular daily activities and get back to competition.

As discussed in the last blog (click here), Alex Barton, Athletic Therapist has completed specialized training through the The Shift Concussion Management Program (SCMP) which allows her to properly assess concussions, interpret results and rehabilitate. This testing protocol helps to better diagnose the concussion so we can understand what the problem is. If we can better understand the problem, we are able to recommend more specific treatment.

For example, if you were diagnosed with a knee injury, a generic knee strengthening program would allow you to get better, but it would probably take longer. Alternatively, if we are able to more specifically identify the injury, such as a 2nd degree sprain of the medial collateral ligament (MCL), then we would be able to give you a more specific rehabilitation program. That is what ImPACT and SCMP allows Alex to do!

In addition to a more specific rehabilitation program, we can support your brain and central nervous system to rebalance and repair itself through Craniosacral Therapy. Liw Bringelson provides this form of light-touch bodywork, which supports your central nervous system to “re-set” and then the healing can progress from a state of balance.

The combination of Craniosacral Therapy and Athletic Therapy provides the best environment for you and your brain to heal from a concussion or traumatic brain injury.

For more information about how we can help you or to book an appointment please email (alexbarton@synergywellnesscentre.com or findingquiet@gmail.com) or call (705) 446-5828.

You often hear about the importance of strengthening your core. This is true and important, but it is recommended for many reasons over and above just achieving your dream body.

Many people have back pain and this can sometimes be caused by weak abdominal muscles. In fact, developing strong abdominal muscles may actually help prevent back pain by enabling proper spinal alignment, making you less prone to back injuries. Your abs anchor your frontal core, and if they are weak, the other structures supporting your spine, such as back muscles, will have to work harder. By developing stronger core muscles, you’ll be less likely to injure or strain your back muscles.

Below are three exercises that help build your core, so your back’s not sore.

Rope Climb

Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you and feet turned out, toes pointed. Contract your core muscles and roll your shoulders forward creating a curve in your back. Lift and move arms in succession as if you were climbing a rope, twisting your core slightly with each reach. Repeat 20 times.

Circle Plank

Start in a plank position with abs tight. Pull right knee in and circle it clockwise, then counterclockwise. Keep the rest of your body stationary. Repeat five times and then switch legs.

Oblique Reach

Sit with knees bent and feet on floor. (A) Straighten right leg. Roll spine into a C-curve. Place left hand behind head and extend right arm. (B) Twist body to the left, roll back a bit more (and hold for one count), then come up. Do five reps and then switch sides.

Try these exercises to help tone your core, three to four times per week for about 15 minutes. Your back will thank you.

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