Return to Play is a nice concept. Of course we want to return to our playing fields. However in reality there is no way for you to return to play because it’s just a set of tests. But they don’t tell you how to past each one of these tests. So you are doomed to fail them. If you’re in school, would the teacher have you write a test without first teaching the lesson and then preparing you to pass it?
Watch the video to get into the details:
Today most of these protocols look like this.
Step 0, immediately after the it’s been determined that there is a concussion. This includes complete physical rest and for most it also means complete mental rest too – in a dark room. However this means you are doing nothing – which could make your symptoms worse or slow down recovery!
Here is the 5 Step Return to Play Protocol:
Step 1 Light/exercise/work
Step 2 Spot/work specific activity such as skating in hockey
Step 3 Sport practice, but no contact for short intervals
Step 4 Sport practice with some body contact/work – then you want to get cleared by a medical doctor
Step 5 Return to full activity in sport/work/school
You will go through the first step. You will be passed or failed. If you fail, you have to take a step back and rest some more until your symptoms somehow disappear.
Why depend on luck?
Their return to play protocol doesn’t ask you to do anything. Resting means you do nothing. It’s not proactive. That’s why I often say that the research about neuroplasticity and neuroscience is already there but it’s gathering dust. They don’t know how to use it.
I strongly suggest that you start using your brain to change your brain. You should be trying to get back to a normal life as soon as you can. Since I’m all about taking real action, here’s my Return to Play protocol:
1. Be honest with yourself. For example, how you really feel? If you’re tired, rest.
2. Again, be honest with yourself. If we’re talking about the brain, then lets actually use the brain to change it. This means using your mind to change your brain. What happened before and around the time the concussion that UPSET you?
3. Once you identified what that problem was and likely still is, write it down.
4. Ask yourself these questions about this situation:
a) Is this something I have 100% control over?
b) Is this something that I’m 100% responsible for?
c) Can I do something positive and constructive about it.
5. If you answer YES to ALL three of these questions, then you can do something about it.
6. Now make a decision that you WILL do something about it. Your brain is already changing for the better.
7. Create a goal based on that problem (what is the opposite of that problem?)
8. Then create the plan to do something about it. Your brain is changing for the better.
9. Execute each step of the plan, however a plan will always change. Your brain changes all along the way for the better.
10. Maybe you decide you don’t really have the control or the responsibility for it or that you can’t be positive and constructive about it. So LET it GO! That’s why being real honest about it is extremely important.
Because you’ve taken control of your own thoughts and you’re taking positive constructive action, you’re taking charge of your brain.
Please share this video with your friends, like my Facebook page, Rapid Injury Recovery. If someone you love has Post Concussion Syndrome tell them to get the book and please leave an honest review of it! If you want to know what to do about a concussion get the book for preventative reasons too! Thank you! I’ll be back in two weeks on Facebook Live. But I’m going to upload a pre-recorded short video for you next week!
See you in two weeks! Bye!
Be awesome!
Share this post. Like it. Spread the news that something CAN be done about the aftermath of concussions!
Also please go visit my podcast page for the latest interviews that I’ve been doing.
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We cannot afford to wait for MDs to catch up! I have to become the advocate the activist doctor because no one else is ready to step in. With the tragic murder-suicide of McCann Utu Jr due to inept “management” of his Post Concussion Syndrome, it is paramount that we must do things differently. No more lives so needlessly lost!
Need help adjusting your thoughts and implementing a comprehensive set of solutions uniquely tailored to your circumstances? Apply here for Dr. Joanny’s help. We’ll review your information and send you your next steps.
Dr. Joanny Liu, TCMD “Best Selling Author and founder of Extraordinary Sports Medicine, where we help athletes reverse injury, get back in the game they love and improve their quality of life.” Best selling book at: Heal Your Concussion: How to Quickly and Effectively Get Back in the Game
