Safe Return-to-Play After a Concussion | SPPC Concussion Care

How to Safely Return to Play After a Concussion

Can You Really Trust Feeling "Better"?

Your athlete says their headache is gone.
They feel “fine.”
They’re asking—no, begging—to get back in the game.

But here’s the thing: feeling better doesn’t mean they’re ready to play.

Returning to sports too soon after a concussion can put your athlete at risk for:

• Another concussion, which is more likely when the brain hasn’t fully healed.

• Second impact syndrome, a rare but serious condition that can cause brain swelling (this is as bad as it sounds).

• Lingering post-concussion symptoms, like brain fog, headaches, and balance issues that can last for months—or even years.

No game is worth jeopardizing long-term brain health.

This is why return-to-play safety is non-negotiable.

And at SPPC, we’ve built a program that combines science, strategy, and expert care to make sure athletes don’t just get back to sports—they come back stronger and safer than ever.

Why Rest Isn’t Enough

“Just rest and wait it out” is outdated advice.

Yes, rest is important in the first few days after a concussion, but prolonged rest isn’t the answer.

Here’s why:

1. The brain needs energy to heal.
   Sitting still for weeks can actually slow recovery by starving the brain of the stimulation it needs to rebuild pathways.

2. Deconditioning makes symptoms worse.
   Too much rest leads to physical deconditioning, which can make dizziness, fatigue, and brain fog worse when activity resumes.

3. Return-to-play needs structure.
   Randomly jumping back into sports without a step-by-step plan increases the chances of re-injury or prolonged symptoms.

The key? Restoration exercise.

This means introducing controlled, light exercise at the right time to promote brain and body recovery—without triggering symptoms.

The Buffalo Treadmill Test: Your Safety Checkpoint

If you’ve never heard of the Buffalo Treadmill Test, here’s the quick version:

It’s a simple walking test that helps us measure your body’s response to exercise after a concussion.

Here’s how it works:

• You walk on a treadmill at a steady pace while we gradually increase the incline.

• We track your heart rate and watch for any symptom changes (headache, dizziness, etc.).

• If your symptoms flare up, we record the exact heart rate where it happens.

This gives us your exercise threshold—the point where your brain and body can no longer handle the workload.

Why does this matter?

Because it tells us exactly where to start your recovery.

• No guessing.

• No “push through the pain.”

• Just a personalized plan to safely build your stamina without setting you back.

Learn more about our Concussion Comeback program here.

Building a Return-to-Play Plan That Works

Once we know your exercise threshold, we create a step-by-step return-to-play program.

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.
It’s a personalized strategy that’s customized to your needs, your sport, and your progress.

Here’s what it looks like:

Step 1: Sub-Symptom Threshold Training

• We start you with light, controlled exercise that stays below your symptom threshold.

• Think walking, stationary biking, or light swimming—no heavy impact.

• The goal is to gradually recondition your nervous system without flaring up symptoms.

Step 2: Incremental Progression

• As your tolerance improves, we slowly increase the intensity of your workouts.

• This could mean adding incline, speed, or resistance—again, staying below your symptom threshold.

• Every step is monitored to ensure your brain and body are ready for the next level.

Step 3: Sport-Specific Training

• Once you can handle moderate exercise without symptoms, we reintroduce sport-specific movements.

• This might include running, cutting, or drills related to your sport.

• At this stage, your athletic trainer or exercise therapist becomes a key part of the process.

Step 4: Full Contact Clearance

• The final stage is practicing with your team and participating in controlled scrimmages.

• Once you’ve passed all the steps, you’re cleared for full contact and competition.

Why Work With Athletic Trainers & Exercise Therapists?

You can’t do this alone.

Athletic trainers and exercise therapists are essential to return-to-play success.

Here’s why:

• They catch what you can’t see.
  Athletes often push through discomfort or downplay symptoms. Trainers are trained to notice even the smallest signs of a problem.

• They keep you accountable.
  It’s easy to skip steps or rush the process when you’re eager to get back. Trainers ensure you follow the plan—and don’t take shortcuts.

• They make it sport-specific.
  Every sport has unique demands. Exercise therapists tailor movements to your sport, so you’re not just symptom-free—you’re game-ready.

FAQs About Return-to-Play After Concussion

1. How long does it take to return to play after a concussion?
It depends. Most athletes recover within 2-4 weeks, but every concussion is different. Recovery times can range from a few weeks to several months.

2. What happens if you return to play too soon?
Returning too soon increases the risk of another concussion, second impact syndrome, or prolonged post-concussion symptoms.

3. What’s the biggest sign you’re not ready to play?
If physical or cognitive activity triggers symptoms (headache, dizziness, fatigue), your brain isn’t fully healed yet.

Grab a copy of the Concussion Comeback eBook

What Makes SPPC Different?

At SPPC, we take the guesswork out of concussion recovery.

Our program includes:

• Buffalo Treadmill Testing to pinpoint your exercise threshold.

• Collaboration with athletic trainers and exercise therapists for personalized reconditioning.

• Cutting-edge therapies like laser therapy to speed up brain healing.

We don’t just want you to play again.
We want you to play safely—and better than ever.

Ready to Get Back in the Game?

Let us help.

Our return-to-play protocols are designed to keep you safe, strong, and ready for the challenges ahead.

Schedule your evaluation today and take the first step toward recovery.

Check out the 2022 Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport to get the most updated evidence-informed principles of concussion prevention, assessment and management.

Feeling ready doesn’t always mean you’re ready.

Let us show you how to return to play the right way.

Your health—and your future—depend on it.

Note: This blog was generated with the assistance of AI and carefully reviewed, edited, and updated by Dr. Josh Bletzinger to ensure accuracy and relevance to the Concussion Comeback Program.