Occupational Therapy & Sports Related Concussions

Sports are occupations frequently engaged in by children. Though playing sports can to promote a child’s physical, social, and mental health, they also come with risks. One of the most common sport injuries is a concussion (Reed, 2011). Concussions can cause a range of neurobehavioral deficits including “somatic, cognitive, and emotional/behavioral symptoms that can have a significant impact on daily function” (Reed, 2011, p.222). In his 2011 article, Reed looks at the occupational therapist’s role in the rehabilitation of children and youth following a sports-related concussion. Occupational therapists believe that it is important to take a holistic, client-centered approach with each of our patients. This allows us to assess what our patient finds meaningful and construct interventions that work towards their goals. Reed agrees that this is a critical aspect in post-concussion rehabilitation (2011). He further outlines the occupational therapist role which includes modifying tasks and environments upon reentry to sports and school (Reed, 2011). He also looks at how the occupational therapist can provide the patient and family with compensatory cognitive strategies and energy conservation techniques in order to maintain and improve performance in functional activities (Reed, 2011).

References:

Reed, N. (2011). Sport-related concussion and occupational therapy: Expanding the scope of

practice. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 31(3), 222–224. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ962166&site=eds-live