Block Therapy for Concussions
Concussion Basics
A head injury that affects brain function
When a trauma exceeds the ability of the cerebrospinal fluid to absorb the impact, the force can damage the brain itself.
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Can have temporary or long-lasting effects.
Short-term effects include headache, nausea, memory loss, sleep issues, fatigue, dizziness and irritability.
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Long-term effects include personality changes, disruption in senses, loss of inhibition, difficulty planning or concentrating, impaired memory, impulsivity, difficulty locating objects.
Standard Approach
Rest, extra protection and medications (often pain meds)
Specified therapies often target the direct symptoms of the injury.
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For example, mood imbalances may require psychotherapy, motor control issues may require physiotherapy, chronic pain may require pain medications.
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Very much focused on treating the direct symptoms of the brain injury and hoping it resolves in time.
Block Perspective
A healthy body is efficient at:
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1. removing waste and 2. sending healing agents to repair the injury.
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An injury creates scar tissue (adhesions). If not addressed, the scar tissue affects flow and function.
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Debris needs to the removed and space created in the tissue to allow the healing agents to fully access the damage.
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The initial response to injury and pain is to hold the breath. The ribcage and core constrict, the head is pulled forward. Debris builds up causing pressure and further blockage to the brain.
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First, focus on strengthening waste removal via the breath - get the debris out!
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Step 1: Open the ribcage to release the stressed patterns of breath, activate the parasympathetic state (rest/digest/healing) and promote flow in the core. ​
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Step 2: Work at a Distance: Focus on the arms and hands and promote proper alignment to enhance flow to the head and neck. This can create positive change without causing stress (clenching/restriction/internal rotation of the arms and hands) before the person is ready to address the direct injury.
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Step 3: Approach the injury site: When the time is right, further work can be done to open the neck and head to promote flow - debris out and healing agents in. Symptoms tend to resolve steadily, incorporating other holistic approaches.
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There is no rush - work is done as the person is ready. The benefits are noticeable and progressive.
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Block Therapy is a supportive and complementary approach to whatever other medical/alternative actions someone is taking. Supporting the fascia and the breath will only assist the body with most efficient healing.
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