A concussion is an injury that changes how the cells in the brain normally work. A concussion is caused by a blow to the head or body that caused the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. Even a "ding," or "getting your bell rung," or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.
School District of Amery RETURN-TO-PLAY Concussion Protocol
Whenever an athlete has concussion-like symptoms, please notify the Amery Athletic Trainer as soon as possible.
Broden Schock, Athletic Trainer Phone 715-557-1086 Email
In order to resume activity, the athlete must be symptom free and off any pain control or headache medications that they were not taking prior to the concussion. The athlete should be carrying a full academic load without any significant accommodations for 1-2 days. Finally, the athlete must have written medical clearance from an appropriate health care provider.
The program described below is a guideline for returning concussed athletes when they are symptom free. Athletes with multiple concussions and athletes with prolonged symptoms often require a prolonged or different return to activity program and should be managed by a physician that has experience in treating concussions.
The following program allows for one step per 24 hours. The program allows for a gradual increase in heart rate/physical exertion, coordination, and then allows contact. If symptoms return, the athlete should stop activity and notify his/her healthcare provider before progressing to the next level.
- STAGE ONE: Daily activities that do not increase symptoms (gradual reintroduction of school, work and walking).
- STAGE TWO: Light aerobic exercise: slow-to-medium pace jogging; stationary cycling. No resistance training. This allows for increased heart rate.
- STAGE THREE: Sport-specific exercise: moderate to higher intensity running or skating drills, but no activities with risk of head impact. This allows for increased heart rate and agility/movement.
- STAGE FOUR: Non-contact training: Higher intensity aerobic fitness, and non-contact/non-collision team training drills (e.g., passing drills). May begin progressive resistance training. This increases coordination and thinking during sport.
- STAGE FIVE: Full contact practice. Following medical clearance, participate fully in normal training activities. This restores confidence and allows coaches to assess functional skills.
- STAGE SIX: Full clearance / Normal game play.
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