SPORT CONCUSSION BASELINE TESTING

SPORT CONCUSSION BASELINE TESTING

Envision Physiotherapy has developed a Baseline Testing program for Sport Related Concussion.  A concussion is a brain injury that can happen with or without a blow to the head. It typically results in immediate but short term symptoms that resolve within a few weeks. However, some people develop persistent symptoms such as headache, dizziness, feeling “foggy”, and/or nausea. It has been shown that physiotherapy rehabilitation can improve recovery from a concussion, both in the early and late stages.

 
Why Consider Baseline Testing:
Objective measures serve as a point of reference when gauging concussion recovery and readiness to return to sport. Reaction time, balance, postural stability, and visual coordination skills can ALL be impacted by concussion
 
 
Balance deficits
Athletes with concussion typically present with balance deficits acutely post injury. This is typically linked to the inability of the athlete to coordinate sensory (visual and vestibular) information following a concussive injury. Having a pre injury screen of balance can provide valuable data when comparing how an athlete is performing on balance tasks post-concussion.
 
 
Visual Screening
Eye coordination/teaming issues prevalent in concussion patients include convergence insufficiency, coordination, rapid eye movement difficulties. Clinical Screening at Baseline and Post Injury may be of value and are NOT always addressed as part of “standard” optometric exam.
 

What is included in the Baseline Test:

- 45 minute appointment completed by a physiotherapist

- Baseline test includes symptom severity score, memory recall, reaction time, balance and King Devick for visual screening

 

The following are some of the organizations that support baseline testing:

- International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport (Berlin) - 2017

- Canadian Olympic & Paralympic Concussion Guidelines - 2018

- Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation Guidelines for Diagnosing and Managing Pediatric Concussion -2014

Our physiotherapists, Suzanne Calli, Jennifer (Maggie) Lang, and Erin Gibb have all completed post graduate training specializing in concussion rehabilitation. 

PHYSIOTHERAPISTS

Maggie Lang
Maggie Lang
Maggie Lang
Suzanne Calli
Suzanne Calli
Suzanne Calli
Click on Name for Bio
Erin Gibb

*Contact us if you have any more questions regarding Physiotherapy for Concussion.

Suzanne Calli - MScPT

Suzanne obtained her Masters of Physical Therapy from UBC in 2016, after completing her Bachelor of Science (Honors) from Queen’s University. While completing her undergraduate degree she specialized in Neuroscience. Her interest in neurology grew through her continued education, while her interest in rehabilitation was a result of her love of sports and growing up playing volleyball. This passion continues in her practice as a physiotherapist, working with BC Rugby and with local Rugby clubs.

 

Suzanne is currently pursuing her Diploma of Advanced Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Therapy. She has also taken multiple post graduate courses for dry needling, and the treatment of concussions and vestibular disorders. This includes Vestibular Rehabilitation from Emory University. Suzanne is Shift Concussion Management Level 2 provider as well.

 

She has experience treating people of varying ages and injuries from young athletes to those with neurological conditions. Her approach includes a combination of manual therapy, dry needling and exercise, depending on the individual person.

 

In her free time Suzanne enjoys the outdoors whether it be exploring the local mountains, running, cycling or swimming.

Erin Gibb - MScPT, BScPHPY, IMS

Erin completed a Bachelors degree in Physiology and Pharmacology and a Masters degree in Physiotherapy in her hometown at the University of Saskatchewan. She holds further certification in IMS dry needling, concussion and vestibular rehabilitation, and clinical Pilates.

 

Erin has an appreciation for all sports and has worked as a physiotherapist with various sports teams at both amateur and Olympic levels, including soccer, football, and snowboarding.  Erin is passionate about helping people understand their bodies and getting people back to doing the things they love. She has a special interest in ACL rehabilitation, running injuries, and working with the adolescent population. When not treating patients, you can find Erin outdoors biking, running, hiking, snowboarding, doing triathlons or travelling.