Concussions and a Safe Return to Sport

Balanced • August 16, 2018

Concussions. They can have lasting effects later in adulthood, so prompt treatment is essential to mitigate long-term effects. While the end of summer draws near, and fall sports get underway at the start of a new school year, it’s important for parents, trainers, and coaches to remain vigilant in watching for signs and symptoms of concussion in young athletes.

Here some tips to help you recognize concussions:

Your child isn’t acting quite like themselves : Look for changes in your child’s usual mood, cognition, ability to pay attention, and energy level. When your child isn’t acting like he/she normally does following a game, it’s a safe bet they may have suffered a concussion.
They sustained a jarring hit : Any hit, whether it is to the head or body, has the possibility of causing a concussion. Hits to the head are obviously related to concussions, but hits to the body can also cause concussions through whiplash-like mechanisms.
Nausea or sensitivity to light or sound : These are some very common signs seen following a concussion.
Dizziness while using their phone or watching TV : This can be caused by a sensory issue within the vestibular system. Also watch out for dizziness or imbalance while driving and walking in busy areas.
IF YOU SUSPECT A CONCUSSION SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE : Waiting to seek medical advice can have an impact on the overall time it takes for your child to recover. Seeking medical advise as soon as you suspect your child may have a concussion is key.

One of the best things that you can do for your athlete as a parent or coach is to be sure that they have baseline testing consisting of physical, cognitive, and equilibrium tests prior to participation in practice and games. Should an injury occur, baseline testing allows the coach and trainer to know when it is safe to allow the athlete to return to sport after an injury has occurred. Also be sure that the testing for your athlete is comprehensive, and not performed only using the IMPACT computer-based test that doesn’t take into account the other functions of the body that may be impacted through concussion.

When seeking medical advice, remember that advice can come from a variety of medical practitioners including medical doctors, physical therapists, athletic trainers, etc. Medical examination usually consists of some tests and measures to determine the severity of the injury. Examination is necessary to rule out other serious pathologies, including a brain hemorrhage. Usual care for a concussion is a brief period of rest (1-3 days), followed by a graded return to sport and school, and then rest. Rest is essential for the brain to heal itself in the early stages, although activity should be resumed as quickly as possible while maintaining little to no symptoms. Physical therapists can help by determining a safe level of activity for the athlete and developing a sport specific training plan. Before your child returns to sport, ensure all testing compares to baseline, that physical activity has been progressed, and that your child is symptom-free with sport specific training.

By following these key steps after sustaining a concussion, your athlete can return to sport as quickly and safely as possible.

Note: This blog is not considered medical advice that should be used if you suspect a concussion in your child. If you believe your child may have suffered a concussion or would like to receive baseline testing, contact our clinic at 434-293-3800.

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From Pain to Progress: What Real Patients Say About the Balanced Chiropractic & Physical Therapy Experience

By Allison Hawthorne • September 18, 2025

When you're in pain — whether from a nagging injury, post-surgical recovery, or chronic discomfort — finding the right care can feel like a maze. At Balanced Chiropractic & Physical Therapy, many patients walk in skeptical but leave with something they hadn’t experienced in other clinics: real relief and a clear plan forward. What sets this clinic apart? It's not just the treatment. It’s the total experience — one where skilled practitioners combine chiropractic care, physical therapy, and patient education to help individuals regain mobility, confidence, and quality of life. A Different Kind of Care Experience From the moment individuals arrive, they notice a different tone. The team at Balanced doesn’t just treat the symptoms — they take time to understand the full picture. Many patients describe the approach as comprehensive, personal, and results-focused . Whether recovering from orthopedic surgery or managing long-standing joint pain, patients often comment on how the care they received here was more effective than what they experienced elsewhere. The key difference? Integration. At Balanced, chiropractic and physical therapy are used in combination — not in silos. This means spinal adjustments might be paired with strengthening exercises, or dry needling might be used to reduce tension while also building joint stability. It’s a multi-modal approach designed to accelerate healing while helping prevent future injury. Common Conditions Addressed Patients come in with a wide range of challenges: Shoulder pain and limited mobility Back and neck discomfort, including sciatica Hip pain and post-surgical recovery Sports-related injuries Plantar fasciitis and foot issues Nerve-related symptoms, including numbness or tingling Knee pain and age-related joint stiffness Repetitive strain injuries from work or athletics Postpartum musculoskeletal challenges In each case, treatment plans are tailored — not only to the condition but to each patient’s lifestyle, goals, and progress. What Patients Consistently Say Here are some recurring themes reported by patients in public reviews: “I finally found relief after years of trying other providers.” “The care team really listens and adjusts based on how I feel week to week.” “The home exercise programs helped me stay consistent and feel in control of my progress.” “They went above and beyond — even following up after care to check on how I was doing.” “I was able to return to normal activities that I hadn’t done in years.” It’s not just about symptom relief. It’s about restoring function and confidence — whether that means returning to work, walking without pain, playing sports again, or simply sitting comfortably during long drives. Results That Speak for Themselves Across the board, patients report: Reduction in pain (often from high pain levels to minimal or none) Improved mobility and flexibility Faster recovery timelines post-surgery Better outcomes compared to previous care elsewhere Knowledge to self-manage and prevent recurrence One of the most notable differences? Patients feel like they are part of the process , not just receiving care but actively participating in their own recovery with a supportive team behind them. A Team That Prioritizes People, Not Just Protocols Balanced Chiropractic & Physical Therapy isn't just known for clinical skill — the people are a major part of the equation. Chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists, and administrative staff are frequently described as: Attentive Encouraging Thorough Responsive Easy to communicate with This atmosphere of support and collaboration often leads to stronger patient engagement and better long-term results. Why It Matters Musculoskeletal pain doesn’t just affect the body — it affects work, sleep, relationships, and mental focus . The goal at Balanced isn’t just pain reduction; it’s full-body function and restored confidence in movement. Whether you’re facing a complex injury or a nagging issue you’ve ignored for too long, Balanced Chiropractic & Physical Therapy offers something that’s hard to find in today’s healthcare landscape: individualized, integrated care that actually works. If you're exploring options for recovery, rehabilitation, or chronic pain management, Balanced may be worth your time — and could be the turning point your body’s been waiting for. Contact us today