National Concussion Awareness Day: Protecting Every Brain
It usually starts with something small.
A collision on the soccer field. A slip on the ice. A hard fall at work.
At first, it might seem like “just a knock on the head.” But a concussion is so much more than that. It’s a brain injury. And because you can’t see it, concussions are often misunderstood, brushed off, or left untreated.
That’s why National Concussion Awareness Day matters. It’s a reminder that protecting our brains, and the brains of the people we love, requires awareness, preparation, and the right kind of care.
The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) tells us that concussions can happen to anyone, at any age, in any setting. Without proper attention, what starts as a short-term issue can develop into weeks or months of headaches, dizziness, memory problems, or mood changes. (biausa.org)
Here’s the good news: we’re not powerless. With tools like baseline testing and evidence-based physical therapy, recovery doesn’t have to be guesswork. It can be clear, structured, and safe.
Why Baseline Testing Changes Everything
Picture this: your child takes a simple test before the start of their sports season. It measures how their brain works at its best, including reaction time, memory, focus, and balance. It’s painless, quick, and easy.
Now, imagine later in the season, they suffer a concussion. Instead of guessing if they’re “back to normal,” their doctor and therapist can compare their recovery to their own baseline scores. That’s a game-changer.
At Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, we offer baseline testing for athletes as young as 11, both in-person and online, for older kids and adults. It’s not just about sports, it’s about peace of mind for parents, coaches, and families. (Learn more)
Common Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion
No two concussions look the same. Some symptoms show up right away, while others may not appear until hours or even days after the injury. That’s why it’s so important to know what to watch for.
Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms:
Headaches or pressure in the head
Dizziness or balance problems
Blurred or double vision
Sensitivity to light or noise
Nausea or vomiting
Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
Feeling foggy, sluggish, or slowed down
Mood changes such as irritability, sadness, or anxiety
Sleep changes - sleeping more or less than usual, or trouble falling asleep
In children, you may also notice they’re more cranky than usual, cry more often, or lose interest in their favorite activities.
The key takeaway? If something feels “off” after a head injury, it’s worth paying attention to. Even mild symptoms can signal a concussion, and it’s always better to get checked early.
Healing the Right Way: Physical Therapy for Concussions
In the past, people thought the only treatment for a concussion was sitting in a dark room and waiting. We now know that’s not enough.
Concussion-focused physical therapy helps patients heal safely and completely by addressing the parts of recovery that rest alone can’t fix:
Balance and coordination – to reduce dizziness and restore stability.
Vision and vestibular therapy – for blurred vision, motion sensitivity, or difficulty focusing.
Neck and spine care – to ease the headaches and stiffness that often accompany concussions.
Step-by-step return-to-school and return-to-sport plans – so recovery is safe, measured, and confident.
The earlier therapy begins, the better the outcomes. We’ve seen it firsthand: athletes, students, and adults who felt stuck in their recovery regain energy, focus, and the confidence to get back to the things they love. (See how we help)
How You Can Take Action Today
This National Concussion Awareness Day, you can make a difference:
Schedule a baseline test before the next sports season or activity.
Pay attention to the signs - headaches, dizziness, memory struggles, or emotional changes could mean a concussion.
Don’t wait for symptoms to “go away.” Early care makes recovery smoother.
Share what you know - educate your team, workplace, or family. Awareness saves futures. We’d be more than happy to come to speak to your team, group or organization. (Contact us to set up a chat)
Every Brain is Worth Protecting
Behind every concussion is a person, a student with dreams, a parent with responsibilities, an athlete with goals. They deserve more than guesswork. They deserve proactive tools, expert guidance, and the chance to return fully, not just “good enough.”
On this National Concussion Awareness Day, let’s commit to protecting what matters most: our brains, our loved ones, and our futures.
Take the first step today. Schedule a baseline test or learn more about concussion physical therapy at Advanced Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine.
Connect with one of our concussion experts in Appleton, WI or Oshkosh, WI, Waupaca, WI, and Shawano, WI for a holistic approach to Concussion Care.