Spine Center & Orthopaedics Atlanta locations will be closed Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, December 2nd.

Athletes are passionate about their sport. When they suffer a concussion, time seems to stand still until they can get back in the game.  

At Spine center Atlanta, we understand this eagerness and put your health as our top priority. We help you safely return to your beloved activities after a concussion with professional evaluations and cognitive testing. Read on as we share more about concussions and return-to-play protocols. 

Concussion Recovery Care for Athletes in Atlanta 

Recovery from a concussion is as individual as the player and the extent of the injury. Customized concussion care plans include rest, slow resumption of activities, and keeping a close eye on any developing symptoms. 

Atlanta athletes should monitor their health after returning by recognizing symptoms to watch for during return-to-play post-concussion. 

Return-to-Play Protocol Guidelines 

Although it’s difficult, getting back into sports should not be rushed after a concussion. Return-to-play clearance criteria were established as a baseline for safety, making sure athletes are neurologically intact and free of lingering symptoms. 

Physical therapy plays a role in concussion return-to-play with exercises that help restore coordination, balance, and cognitive abilities.  

ImPact Evaluation – How It’s Used Post-Concussion 

At Spine Center Atlanta, ImPact evaluations are used as part of a comprehensive assessment strategy. ImPact testing helps determine sports readiness by comparing an athlete’s post-injury abilities to their baseline performance abilities. Ensuring readiness through proper testing helps prevent second-impact syndrome.  

Risks of Return-to-Play Too Quickly 

Jumping back into the fray too quickly can lead to serious consequences like second-impact syndrome, a fast, severe swelling of the brain. By carefully following the concussion return-to-play checklist provided by your doctor, increasing activity gradually, and monitoring symptoms, further complications can be avoided.  

Return-to-Play FAQs 

Q: How long does return-to-play take after a concussion? 

A: It was previously believed that players could safely return after a couple of weeks. However, according to the National Institute of Health, the mean recovery time is actually 29.4 days. 

Q: Is it safe to play sports after a concussion? 

A: Once your physician has cleared you by following the safe return-to-play protocol, it is safe to hit the field again. 

Q: What percentage of people fully recover from a concussion? 

A: Most concussion sufferers, around 70-90%, recover fully. 

Q: Does a concussion have lifelong effects on the brain? 

A: For most people, there is no permanent impact on the brain. However, athletes who suffer multiple concussions or other head trauma can experience long-term neurological problems. 

Conclusion 

Adhering to return-to-play protocols under the watchful eye of a trained medical professional allows athletes to safely play again after a concussion.  

Expert Impact Testing for Return-to-Sports at Spine Center Atlanta 

Sitting on the sidelines after a concussion can be a real test of an athlete’s patience. But try to think of post-concussion cognitive testing as your teammate. ImPact testing confirms there is no long-term damage or serious symptoms preventing you from playing again. 

When you’ve suffered a concussion, you want a professional to assess; not guess, when you’re ready to play again. The expert team at Spine Center Atlanta can help all athletes get the green light they’re waiting for with our advanced ImPact evaluation and testing.  

Contact Us 

Make return-to-play a reality at Spine Center Atlanta. Contact us today for more information or to schedule your personalized ImPact evaluation. Get back in the game with us – safely. 

 

 

What We Do

Services & Conditions

ACL

ACL

ACL injuries or tears commonly occur during sports that involve sudden stops of changes in direction.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury

If you have experienced a car accident, sports injury, or a slip and fall accident and were diagnosed with a concussion, you may have suffered a traumatic brain injury. It is best to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Failed Spine Surgery

Failed Spine Surgery

The team specializes in minimally invasive techniques and offers comprehensive care, including an on-site, fully-accredited outpatient surgical facility and a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center.

Neck Spine Surgery

Neck Spine Surgery

When non-surgical care doesn't help, the board-certified orthopedic surgeons at Spine Center Atlanta perform neck spine surgery to repair the underlying problem.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-Surgical Treatments services offered in Atlanta, Savannah, Conyers, Augusta, Macon and Decatur, GA

Rotator Cuff Repair

Rotator Cuff Repair

Rotator Cuff Injury services offered in Atlanta, Savannah, Conyers, Augusta, Macon and Decatur, GA

Auto Accident Injury

Auto Accident Injury

If you have experienced a car accident, sports injury, or a slip and fall accident and were diagnosed with a concussion, you may have suffered a traumatic brain injury. It is best to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Cervical Disc Replacement

Cervical Disc Replacement

Cervical disk replacement surgery involves removing a diseased cervical disk and replacing it with an artificial disk.

What We Do

Facilities

Surgery Center

Surgery Center

Our renowned surgery center caters to surgeries related to extremities, interventional spine, and spine surgeries.

MRI Center

MRI Center

Our on-site MRI services give you the convenience of receiving all of your care in one location and deliver a higher quality of care, including a faster diagnosis and treatment.

Rehabilitation Center

Rehabilitation Center

Our rehabilitation team of highly trained professionals has a combined 70 years of clinical experience in the rehabilitation field, each one ready to put their experience to work for you. Our business office and support staff are fully bilingual.

Wellness Center

Wellness Center

Spine Center Atlanta’s Wellness Center offers a boutique-style experience to offer you the best in massage therapy, personal training, and well-being, everything you need to maintain a healthy and rewarding lifestyle.

Aqua Therapy

Aqua Therapy

The aquatic center offers a heated therapy pool at a depth of four feet with 12 massage jets to soothe sore and hurting muscles at the end of your therapy workout.

Acupuncture Center

Acupuncture Center

Acupuncture increases blood circulation to different parts of your body and relaxes your muscles to help alleviate pain.