Common Skating Injuries. Part 1: Concussions
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells. CDC Website
Concussions have become more prevalent in ice skating with skaters trying harder tricks at younger ages, but concussions can happen to skaters of any age, youth to adults. If a skater falls on the ice and hits their head they could have sustained a concussion.
Some symptoms to look for after a skater has hit their head would be dizziness, confusion, unable to recall events prior to hit or fall, moves clumsily, slurred speech or slow speech, loses consciousness, mood/behavior/personality changes, headaches, pressure in head, nausea/vomiting, balance difficulties, blurred vision, light and noise sensitivity, feeling sluggish, foggy, just not “feeling right”. Symptoms can accrue immediately, but sometimes you might not see symptoms present until a day or so later.
If a skater sustains a concussion they should immediately remove themselves from the ice and for the rest of the session and follow up with a physician for full evaluation.
Returning to ice after concussion depends on the severity of concussion. It could be a few weeks to months. Initially one should rest, limit physical activity and activities that require higher degree of thinking/remembering. As one starts to feel better gradually return to non strenuous activities first. Continue to get good sleep. As one continues to improve and activities are not making symptoms worse, slowly progress to the prior level of activities.
A physical therapist can help with all stages of recovery from a concussion. A lot of times whiplash symptoms such as neck pain and stiffness accompany concussions and physical therapy can help with gentle stretching exercises to improve neck mobility and reduce pain. As the skater slowly returns to activities a physical therapist can help monitor return and suggest exercises and activities to help return to play.
Twist Physical Therapy specializes in treating skaters of all ages and abilities, both Figure and Hockey Skaters. Dr. Sarah Berkshire coaches and competes with the Washington Ice Emeralds Synchronized Skating Organization and coaches Learn to Skate and private lessons with Kraken Skating Academy. Dr. Sarah offers 30 minute FREE PT consults specifically tailored for skaters. Contact today to schedule or learn more.
