Treating concussion

Supporting recovery after concussion with osteopathy.

In my practice in Amsterdam, I am seeing more and more people with persistent symptoms after concussion. As an osteopath, I notice that many of these complaints stem from disturbances in the neck, skull, connective tissue and autonomic nervous system. With osteopathy, I can effectively treat these patterns and thus support the recovery process. My approach is calm, precise and focused on restoring balance throughout the body, which is exactly what many people need after a concussion.

Have you suffered a head injury and are you experiencing symptoms such as headaches, neck pain, dizziness or loss of concentration? In my practice, I support the recovery process after concussion and ensure that the body regains its flexibility and resilience. Osteopathy is a valuable addition to the medical treatment process.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

How common is concussion?

Concussion – or mild traumatic brain injury – is often caused by a hard blow to the head or a sudden movement. The body responds to this not only neurologically, but also through muscles, connective tissue and the autonomic nervous system.

• Every year, an estimated ± 600 per 100,000 people suffer a concussion
• This figure is higher among athletes due to falls and collisions
• Approximately 10–20% experience symptoms lasting longer than a few weeks: post-concussion syndrome
• Risk groups include young adults, athletes and people who have been involved in traffic accidents.

It therefore makes sense to look at how osteopathy can support recovery, in addition to rest and medical supervision.

What are the symptoms of concussion?

Physical symptoms

• Headache, pressure on the head
• Neck pain, stiff upper back
• Dizziness or instability
• Sensitivity to sound or light
• Fatigue or visual complaints

Cognitive complaints

• Difficulty concentrating
• Slower thinking
• Forgetfulness

Emotional and autonomic complaints

• Poor sleep
• Irritability or increased tension
• A foggy or unreal feeling in the head

We take a broad view: from the neck and skull to breathing, ribs, spine and fascia, because the entire body is affected by a concussion.

How can osteopathy help with concussion symptoms?

1. Reducing tension in the neck and skull

After an impact, tension often builds up in the neck, jaw and skull. This can exacerbate headaches, dizziness and visual symptoms.
Using gentle techniques, I work on:

• Improving mobility of the cervical vertebrae
• Relaxing the cranial and masticatory muscles and fascia
• Improving blood flow and lymphatic drainage

2. Regulating the autonomic nervous system

Many people remain in a kind of “alert mode” after a concussion. This slows down recovery.
Using subtle techniques on the diaphragm, chest and spine, I work on:

• Greater calm in the nervous system
• Better sleep
• Improved stress and stimulus processing

3. Restoring balance throughout the body

The impact is often absorbed by the whole body, not just the head.
That is why I look at:

• Rib mobility and breathing
• Spine and pelvis
• Connective tissue tensions and movement chains

This ensures relaxation, better flow and greater recovery capacity.

4. Collaboration for complex complaints

When necessary, I work together with:

• General practitioner or neurologist
• Physiotherapist or vestibular therapist
• Optometrist
• Psychologist for stimulus processing

When should you see a doctor first?

If you suspect a concussion, medical assessment is always important.
Contact a doctor immediately if you experience:

• Increasing headache
• Confusion
• Repeated vomiting
• Problems with speaking, seeing or moving

Osteopathy is a valuable addition, not a replacement.