Concussion Recovery and a Safer Return to Sport
Returning to play after concussion takes more than feeling better for one afternoon. Understand the importance of a supervised, gradual progression.
Perspective, practical questions and support for your next step.
The first priority is appropriate assessment
A suspected concussion needs a healthcare assessment. Do not return to play on the day of a suspected concussion. Seek urgent medical attention for worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizures, unusual behaviour, weakness or other danger signs.
A gradual return matters
The CDC describes a six-step return-to-sport progression, beginning after the athlete is back to regular activities and cleared by a healthcare professional. It progresses through light aerobic activity, moderate activity, heavy non-contact work, practice and finally competition.
Symptoms are feedback
Each stage typically takes at least 24 hours. If symptoms return, stop that activity, contact your healthcare provider and follow their advice before resuming. Returning to school, work and daily routines may also need adjustments.
Recovery is individual
Some people recover quickly; others need further assessment or specialist support. Persistent, worsening or unusual symptoms should be reviewed, not treated as a motivation problem.
Further reading
Learn more from this clinical or public-health resource ↗. Talk with your own healthcare team about what applies to your injury.