Concussion Recovery
Do you know the 4 R’s of Concussion Recovery?
It can be hard to know what steps to take for a suspected concussion. Continuing to play can increase the risk for another injury or long-term complications.
Follow the 4 R’s: four steps towards a safe recovery.
- Recognize the signs and symptoms.
- Remove the athlete from play.
- Refer to a licensed healthcare professional.
- Return to play (once cleared by a medical practitioner).
Visit the Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) to learn more about each step.
Mental Wellness During Concussion Recovery
Hurting your head is a big deal. Some athletes report experiencing symptoms of social pressure, anxiety, isolation or even fear, making a full recovery challenging.
After a concussion, it is common to experience challenges such as:
- Feeling stressed or overwhelmed
- Changes in mood
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of identity and feeling isolated
- Sense of urgency to return to activities (rushing the healing process)
- Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
Did you know? More than 25% of athletes reported feeling pressured to continue playing while experiencing concussion symptoms.
Your mental and emotional well-being after a concussion matters just as much as your physical health.
Don’t suffer in silence. It’s okay not to be okay. When in doubt, call for help!
- Speak with your doctor or nurse practitioner.
- Ontario Brain Injury Association Helpline – Calls answered Mon-Fri 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST at 1-800-263-5404.
- Health 811 – Free, secure, and confidential health advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week from a Registered Nurse. Simply dial 811 or contact the toll-free TTY line at 1-866-797-0007.
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