Football, with its exhilarating tackles and fierce competition, has captured the hearts of millions. However, a safety concern often lurks beneath the surface amidst the excitement: concussions. These traumatic brain injuries are unfortunately common in football due to the nature of the sport, even with recent rule changes to mitigate concussion risk. Players, coaches, and parents must understand the potential risk factors behind concussions, the recovery process, and the benefits of physical therapy. Our team at EW Motion Therapy can help athletes with concussion rehab, restoring balance and strength so they can return to the field confident and ready to perform. Even if you decide our physical therapy does not fit your needs, you can still read on to learn about concussions in football and how physical therapy can help with rehab.
Why are concussions so common in football?
Concussions are a significant concern in football due to the high-intensity collisions that players experience on the field. Here are some reasons why concussions are so common in the sport:
- Impactful tackles: Football involves hard-hitting tackles where players collide with each other at high speeds. These collisions can lead to abrupt deceleration and rotational forces, increasing the risk of head injuries.
- Helmet-to-helmet hits: Even with helmets designed to protect players, helmet-to-helmet hits can still occur, transmitting significant force to the brain and causing traumatic injury.
- Frequent physical contact: Football is a contact sport, meaning players frequently contact one another, leading to a higher likelihood of collisions and head injuries.
How have rules changed to mitigate concussion risk?
As concerns over player safety continue to grow, football's governing bodies have taken significant steps in recent years to adapt the game’s rules, making it safer for players of all ages. Let’s explore some fundamental rule changes implemented to address the pressing issue of concussions.
Targeting and helmet-to-helmet hits
One of the most significant rule changes revolves around targeting and helmet-to-helmet hits. These collisions have long been associated with concussions and other head injuries. In response, football leagues have introduced stricter penalties for players who engage in targeting or helmet-to-helmet hits. These penalties often include ejections from the game and potential suspensions, clearly conveying that such dangerous plays will not be tolerated.
Kickoff rule modifications
Kickoff plays have historically been associated with high-speed collisions and an increased risk of concussions. To address this, rule changes have been implemented to alter the kickoff dynamics. For instance, some leagues have moved the kickoff line closer to the end zone, resulting in more touchbacks and fewer high-impact return plays. This reduction in kickoff returns has contributed to a decrease in the frequency of concussions occurring during these plays.
Slower approach to contact
Football is a high-contact sport, but rule changes have been introduced to encourage a slower and more controlled approach to contact. For example, players are now taught to "see what they hit," meaning they should use proper tackling techniques and avoid leading with their helmets. Coaches and officials play a pivotal role in enforcing these rules, ensuring that players prioritize their safety and the safety of their opponents.
Concussion protocols and in-game assessments
Football leagues have implemented strict concussion protocols and in-game evaluations to identify and manage concussions promptly. Players who show signs of a possible concussion are immediately removed from the game for evaluation. Trained medical professionals assess the player's condition using standardized protocols to determine if a concussion has occurred. This "sideline assessment" helps prevent players from continuing to play with an undiagnosed concussion, reducing the risk of further injury.
Restricted contact in practice
Most concussions occur during full-speed, full-contact tackles, so football organizations have limited the contact players have during practice. This reduced exposure to high-impact collisions outside of actual games has lowered the overall risk of concussions and cumulative brain injuries. Instead of frequent full-contact drills, practices often focus on skill development, strategy, and controlled contact.
Improved helmet technology
While not a rule change per se, advancements in helmet technology have played a crucial role in concussion prevention. Modern helmets are designed with advanced materials and structures that better absorb and distribute impact forces. Leagues and teams invest in research and development to create helmets that provide superior protection while minimizing the risk of concussions.
Stricter enforcement of head-related penalties
Football officials are now enforcing penalties related to head-to-head hits more strictly. Players who make contact with an opponent's head, even unintentionally, can face penalties for dangerous play. This enforcement conveys that protecting players' heads is paramount and that all players must exercise caution to prevent unnecessary risks.
Football's response to the rising concern of concussions exemplifies the commitment of the sport's governing bodies to prioritize player safety. The game has evolved through rule changes, improved technology, and enhanced protocols to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries. While concussions remain a concern, the steps taken in recent years are a testament to football's dedication to fostering a safer environment for players of all ages.
Risk factors for concussions
While anyone can sustain a concussion, some individuals might be more susceptible to the injury due to certain risk factors. These risk factors include:
- Age: Younger players, such as high school athletes, are more vulnerable to concussions due to their developing brains and weaker neck muscles.
- Previous concussions: A history of concussions makes a person more prone to future concussions. Each subsequent concussion can have more severe effects and prolonged recovery times.
- Position played: Players in positions with more contact, like linemen and linebackers, are at a higher risk due to their frequent engagement in physical confrontations.
- Playing style: Players who aggressively engage in risky plays are more likely to experience concussions.
- Gender: Research suggests that female football players might be more susceptible to concussions than their male counterparts due to differences in neck strength and other physiological factors.
The recovery timeline
Recovering from a concussion is a gradual process that requires patience and proper care. While the exact timeline can vary from person to person, there's a general progression that individuals typically follow:
- Initial rest: After sustaining a concussion, the immediate focus is on physical and cognitive rest, allowing the brain to heal without additional stress.
- Symptom management: Individuals can gradually reintroduce light activities as symptoms improve, but you should stop any activity that worsens symptoms.
- Return to school/work: Once symptoms are under control, a gradual return to school or work can begin, which may involve reduced hours or modified tasks.
- Physical activity: Once cleared by a healthcare professional, you can initiate a structured and gradual return to physical activity. This often involves a stepwise protocol under medical supervision.
- Return to play: Returning to football activities is the final stage. This should only occur when all symptoms have resolved and the player has received medical clearance. A comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare provider is essential before resuming contact sports.
The role of physical therapy in concussion recovery
Physical therapy is vital to concussion recovery, addressing the physical and cognitive impairments often accompanying concussions. Here's how physical therapy can aid recovery:
- Vestibular rehabilitation: Concussions can disrupt the vestibular system, leading to dizziness and balance issues. Vestibular rehabilitation, a specialized form of physical therapy, helps individuals regain their balance and reduce dizziness.
- Visual rehabilitation: Visual disturbances are common after concussions. Physical therapists work on improving eye movements, focusing abilities, and reducing sensitivity to light, which can significantly affect a person's quality of life.
- Exertion therapy: Gradual reintroduction of physical activity under the guidance of a physical therapist can help prevent deconditioning and manage symptoms. The therapist monitors the individual's response to exercise and adjusts the program accordingly.
- Neck strengthening: Strengthening neck muscles is crucial for concussion prevention and recovery. A more muscular neck can better stabilize the head during impact, reducing the risk of brain injury.
- Cognitive rehabilitation: Cognitive deficits, such as difficulties with memory and attention, are common after concussions. Physical therapists can incorporate cognitive exercises into the rehabilitation plan to address these challenges.
Concussions are a significant concern in football due to the sport's intense nature and frequent physical collisions. While the risk factors for concussions are varied, players, coaches, and parents can take steps to minimize their occurrence and ensure proper recovery when they do happen. With a structured recovery timeline and the inclusion of physical therapy, athletes can navigate the challenges of concussion recovery more effectively, helping them get back on their feet and safely return to the field. Our team at EW Motion Therapy considers it a privilege to help any athlete on this journey. If you’re curious about what else physical therapy can do for you, click the button below to download our answers to 20 frequently asked questions.
