The typical progression of return to play after a concussion involves a gradual return. This is after their symptoms have subsided, the athlete has a normal exam and has returned to their baseline and feels normal, we then start a progression that slowly increases the amount of activity the athlete will do. This typically takes several days. It can be termed as a 5-step or 6-step program. Every day you progress and do a little more activity than the day before. We first do activities that just involve cardio to increase heart rate, increase blood pressure to make sure the symptoms do not return. If the symptoms do return that is a sign that the recovery process has not fully taken place and we need to back up and give the athlete more time before placing them in a dangerous situation where they could have another injury.
