We usually associate concussions with football or hockey. But in reality, any athlete can take a hit, a fall, or a sudden jolt that leads to a head injury. That’s why concussion recovery is something the entire sports community needs to be aware of.
Head injuries account for nearly 45% of all sports-related ER visits, according to the CDC. That’s a big number that also includes basketball, soccer, lacrosse, wrestling, and even baseball.
Most athletes recover in a couple of weeks. But some concussions can sideline you for a season, and if not treated right, they can end a career.
That’s why concussion recovery for athletes is a big deal for coaches, trainers, and sports players alike. It’s important to learn to recognize the symptoms, and know how to recover the right way for a safe return to play.
That conversation starts now.
Understanding Concussions
A concussion is a type of brain injury. It happens when a hit to the head—or even a hard jolt to the body—causes the brain to bounce or twist inside the skull. That sudden movement disrupts how your brain works, at least for a while.
It doesn’t have to be a big, dramatic hit. Sometimes it’s whiplash, a fall, or a collision during practice. The kind of thing that looks like nothing, but leaves you feeling off.
Inside your skull, your brain floats in a cushion of fluid (called cerebrospinal fluid). This protects it from everyday movement. But when the force is really strong, that cushion isn’t enough. The brain hits the inside of the skull, and that’s when a concussion can occur.
Here’s the tricky part: you can’t see a concussion. There’s no bruise or swelling to point at. But on the inside, the brain needs to pause its usual performance and put all its energy into healing.
What Are The Common Symptoms of a Concussion?
Typical signs of a concussion include:
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Headache
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Confusion
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Dizziness or balance issues
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Blurry or double vision
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Memory loss
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Sensitivity to light or sound
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Nausea
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Trouble concentrating
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Slower reaction times
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Sleep disturbances
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Mood changes
These symptoms may show up right away or hours later.
Here’s the most important thing athletes, coaches, and trainers should know: don’t ever hide concussion symptoms. They are real injuries. Like a sprain or a broken bone, they need rest and rehabilitation to heal properly.
Yes, “brain injury” sounds intense. But the good news is, most concussions heal well and fast with proper care. And while it's very rare for a single concussion to cause long-term damage, repeat injuries or untreated concussions can lead to serious problems.
That’s why reporting symptoms matters. It’s the first step toward safe brain injury recovery and the only way to make sure the next steps are handled right.
So what happens next, after the hit? Let’s walk through the proper concussion treatment options, starting from the sideline.
Concussion Treatment Options
When a concussion happens on the field or during training, there are a few things every coach, trainer, and athlete should know.
First rule: if there’s even a chance of a concussion, the player should be taken out. No second guessing. No “shake it off”. It needs proper evaluation.
If the athlete shows signs like confusion, memory issues, or trouble walking, that’s a red flag. And it’s the beginning of the recovery process, not just the end of the game.
If you are an athlete, don’t hide your symptoms.
If you are a coach, don’t keep your player in the game.
Now, let’s walk through what to do when a concussion happens during a match.
Concussion Protocol for Sports and Matches
What should you do if a concussion happens during a game or match? It’s important to follow the protocol:
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The player must stop playing immediately.
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Just because the player feels fine doesn’t mean they are good to go.
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Report it. Get evaluated.
Plates should tell their coaches right away and head to the sideline. From there, a trainer or medical staff will run a quick concussion check. They’ll look for symptoms like dizziness, disorientation, delayed response, or trouble with balance and memory.
There are a few common questions for diagnosing concussions, like:
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Can you say the months of the year backwards?
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Can you tell me your current location?
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Recite the letters of the alphabet
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Memorizing a few simple words and repeating them after a few minutes
Simple questions like these help medical staff spot signs your brain isn’t working at full speed.
Once a concussion is suspected, you’ll be removed from play and guided through a proper concussion protocol. That includes initial rest, symptom monitoring, and a structured return to play after concussion plan.
Let’s walk through the first step: early recovery and rest.
Early Recovery and Rest
After a concussion, it’s important to reduce both physical and mental strain. That means limiting screen time, workouts, intense studying, or long work shifts. But it doesn’t mean total isolation or staying in bed all day in “cocoon mode.”
Good rest and sleep are very important, especially during the first 48 hours. But even early on, it’s healthy for the brain to engage in light, low-stress activities.
Here’s what you can do in moderation:
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Use your phone
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Watch TV
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Read a book
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Light chores like cooking or cleaning
What you want to avoid are high-demand tasks, both mentally and physically. Think of it as relative rest, not complete shutdown. No eight-hour workdays or intense studying yet.
Recent research shows that being too strict with rest can actually slow recovery. Today’s best post-concussion treatment options support a gradual, well-paced return to activity. Light movement, short conversations, and gentle stimulation can help the brain recover more naturally.
Concussion Rehabilitation for Athletes
How long does it take to recover from a concussion? It depends. Every athlete is different—and so is every hit.
That said, here’s a basic timeline to guide the recovery process.
For most athletes dealing with a first-time, mild to moderate concussion, recovery usually takes one to two weeks. Some bounce back faster. Others take more time. That’s completely normal.
If it’s not your first concussion, expect recovery to take longer, and sometimes twice as long or more. That’s why preventing repeat injuries is so critical. Each concussion increases the risk of a tougher recovery.
With your doctor’s support, working with an experienced physical therapist will help you stay on track. It’s all about pacing—one step at a time.
Two Days After Concussion
During the first 48 hours, and with medical clearance, athletes can begin light physical activity to support recovery. Start small, with walking, gentle stretching, or 15–20 minutes on a stationary bike.
Some mild symptoms are normal. But if anything feels worse or uncomfortable, stop right away.
First Week After Concussion
By day 3 or 4, if symptoms continue to fade, you can ease into low-intensity aerobic work. Avoid intense or contact-based activities.
So what can you do during your first recovery week? Focus on light running drills, wind sprints, or non-strenuous sport-specific skills like skating, passing, or footwork mechanics.
Week 2 for Concussion Recovery
If things are progressing smoothly, week two usually includes non-contact practice. You’ll return to sport in a limited, controlled way, rebuilding coordination and confidence under supervision.
If symptoms stay away and performance feels solid, your healthcare provider may clear you for full return to play after concussion around this point. But just know that recovery is personal. The concussion recovery process depends on the athlete, the injury, and the care.
So let’s take a closer look at two different recovery stories from young athletes who recovered from a concussion.
Case Studies: Professional Athletes Concussion Recovery
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) released a video featuring two young athletes who experienced concussions. There you can learn their experiences, and how different concussion sports recovery can look from one case to the next.
Claire Pensiero was a freshman soccer player at Princeton when she took a hard hit during a preseason scrimmage. Right after the collision, she felt confused and disoriented. She didn’t even know where she was.
Her symptoms started out mild but quickly worsened: headaches, light and noise sensitivity, and trouble with spatial awareness. Everyday routines like school, training, and socializing became difficult.
Claire’s case required extended care. She had to step away from soccer and focus on recovery for several months. But with medical support, rest, and time, she made a full comeback.
The second case required less recovery time. Ben Chappell, a sophomore quarterback at Indiana University, suffered a concussion during a game while trying to score a touchdown.
At first, he didn’t feel much different. But after heading to the sideline, the medical staff ran a concussion evaluation—and that’s when they caught something was off.
Thanks to early diagnosis and honest symptom reporting, Ben started treatment immediately. He followed the recovery protocol and returned to play in about two weeks, fully cleared and symptom-free.
Claire and Ben’s stories highlight how different athletes need different recovery times. But what matters most was recognizing the symptoms, reporting them, and following professional guidance. That’s how both athletes recovered—and kept playing the sport they love.
Supporting an Athlete's Recovery from Concussion
Concussions can happen to all athletes, even the best ones. The key is to recognize the signs early, follow the right recovery steps, and get the support you need to heal properly.
At Performance One, we bring over ten years of experience in athletic training, injury recovery, and prevention. Our team understands how to guide athletes through concussion recovery with the same care and intensity we bring to every part of their performance.
Whether you are returning to the field, the court, or the gym, our goal is to keep you healthy, strong, and ready to play.
If you or someone you train has experienced a head injury, don’t leave recovery to chance. Get expert physical therapy support from professionals who know what it takes to come back the right way.
Recover smart. Train strong. Stay in the game with P1.