concussion

1. Concussion Recovery: Yoga for the “Invisible” Injury By Kim Anderson

2. Benefits of Yoga for Concussion • Yoga means “to yoke” or “to unite” the body, mind, and spirit. That intention is precisely what people who have had concussions are seeking. Furthermore, a gentle yoga practice can offer cognitive, physical, and emotional improvements for someone healing from a concussion. • The general consensus in the neurotrauma community is that prolonged restrictions after brain injury (e.g. sitting in a dark room with no sounds) are actually detrimental to recovery. Instead, doctors now advise patients to avoid strenuous physical or mental activities for the initial 24-48 hours after a concussion. After that period, the patient will follow a gradual and personalized return-to-play protocol. The goal is prompt re-engagement in social and physical activities that do not worsen symptoms or put the brain at risk for another injury.

3. Yoga is an effective way to improve quality of life and reduce symptoms after a concussion. In a recent study that I co-authored, adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI), including concussions, participated in an 8-week pilot yoga program. At the end, participants reported improvements in quality of life and self-perception, as well as a reduction in negative emotions3. The empirical research on yoga for concussions is in its infancy, but several studies focusing on TBI as a whole have demonstrated the benefit of yoga and meditation on information processing and mental fatigue4, attention5, strength and endurance6, and memory7.

4. Tips for Working with Yogis who are Recovering from a Concussion • As yoga teachers, we can implement three simple practices to encourage a welcoming and healing environment for anyone dealing with a concussion. • Hold Space • Create a safe and peaceful environment where the student can be exactly who they are on that day. Some days, it’s hard to leave your house with a concussion. The world is overwhelming and the simplest tasks can be exhausting. Attending a yoga class may be the one activity they do that day. So it is important to make it a positive and supportive space as much as possible.

5. Emphasize the Breath • We’ve all experienced the benefits of a deep breath. But sometimes it’s easy to forget how powerful that tool is amidst the chaos of daily life. Anyone with a concussion will benefit from conscious breathing – specifically, slow, deep ujjayi breaths. Not only will the breath bring their mind in to the present moment and benefit them physiologically during practice, but it will also help them deal with the overstimulation and intense emotions they’re experiencing off the mat. • Keep it Simple • A concussed brain processes information slower, since the myelin (insulation around the neurons’ axons), which is responsible for fast signal transmission, is damaged. Therefore, it’s important to keep instruction to a minimum. Too many words are difficult for anyone to follow, especially someone who has had a brain injury. While alignment is always important, choose your cues mindfully so as not to distract from the goal of helping your students turn their attention inward.

6. In closing • Yoga is designed to meet people exactly where they are on any given day. Let’s keep that in mind as we work with students who have had concussions, since every day is different. As yoga teachers, we have the honor of giving everyone the tools to re-connect their body, mind, and spirit – which, after a concussion, can feel like a daunting task.

7. For more information go to • https://www.facebook.com/Concussion-info-from-Kim-Anderson-350094549044470