Shift Concussion Management is a leader in research-based concussion protocols. Shift Concussion Management includes healthcare providers across North America that set the standard for concussion care.
We follow Shift Concussion Management best practices, so you get the best possible diagnosis, treatment, and advice for your concussion. You do not need a doctor’s referral or a baseline test to visit us for concussion treatment.
Running Shoe Restorative Health is a Shift Concussion Level 2 Provider Clinic. Shift Concussion Management and its global network of Health Providers offers accessible, individualized and effective concussion management strategies to individuals of all ages suffering from concussion and mild traumatic brain injury. Shift also serves as a training platform for Health Professionals, offering education on current, evidence-based concussion assessment and rehabilitation techniques to ensure an informed and high standard-of-care for those seeking support in their recovery.
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by sudden acceleration and deceleration movements of the brain in the skull. These acceleration or deceleration movements are usually caused by a blow to the head, face, neck, or body, with forces of the blow being transmitted to the brain.
When the brain accelerates and decelerates, cells within the brain tissue undergo shearing and stretching, which initiates a rapid impairment of neurological functioning. This impairment is known as a concussion. Concussions can occur as a result of a sport injury or due to accidents such as falls or motor vehicle accidents. Concussions are usually short-lived and do not produce structural changes to the brain.
Everyone experiences concussions differently. If you have sustained an injury and you have one or more of the symptoms below, you should suspect a concussion. Seek treatment within 24 to 48 hours if you are experiencing any concussion symptoms.
The symptoms below could be a sign of a more serious brain injury than a concussion. If you experience any of these symptoms, go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
Baseline testing is commonly used for athletes who play sports with a high risk of concussion, like hockey or football; or for workers in heavy labor-type jobs.
We administer a battery of tests at the start of the season to provide an overview of current brain function, before a concussion even occurs. That way, if/when a concussion does happen, we have a baseline to compare to, to understand severity of the deficits sustained. The test involves both physical and neurocognitive tests.
In order to do test most fully and effectively, we have partnered with ImPACT – an FDA-cleared tool for baseline testing which we use to measure visual and verbal memory, reaction time, and processing speed. Additionally, baseline testing at the Calgary Concussion Centre will measure neck function, vestibular system, concentration, visual tracking, balance & sway, and motor strength.
Knowing what your baseline level of function is prior to an injury allows for us to have a clear goal of where we need to get you back to, following injury. This allows us to determine when one can safely return to activity or sport.
Using a combination of your symptoms, medical history, physical tests, and neurocognitive tests, we can determine if you have a concussion and what type of concussion you have. Based on your symptoms and type of concussion, we’ll recommend a treatment plan based on our concussion protocols and the current CCMI guidelines.
We use ImPACT neurocognitive testing, a test that measures brain function in athletes over age 13. The test takes about 30 minutes and is one of the most-studied concussion tests in the world.
During the test, we will measure your brain function by evaluating memory, reaction time, and basic neurocognitive functioning. Testing occurs during baseline testing and will be used as a benchmark for comparison if you do sustain a concussion in the future.
After the initial 24 to 48 hour recommended rest period, exercise therapy has been found to help with concussion symptoms. Exercise increases blood flow, which can promote healing. Exercise therapy is also a great opportunity to begin reintroducing exercise slowly and safely.
We work with you to create a tailored exercise program.
Concussions can impact your balance. If you’re experiencing balance issues, we use Footmaxx to evaluate your symptoms. Balance rehab includes exercises and treatments aimed at the visual system, vestibular system, as well as the muscles and tissues necessary for balance.
As you go through treatment, we continuously re-assess your progress to make sure you’re getting the right treatment to suit your needs. We also develop a plan for you to return to your regular activities in the safest way possible.
We typically recommend a gradual return to work or school with half-days first. When you’re ready to return to playing sports, we’ll create a plan where you don’t participate in full-contact practices until you’re fully ready.
Manual therapy is a type of physiotherapy that involves manual mobilization of joints, muscles, and fascia of the head and neck. It can help heal concussions and neck injuries like whiplash that may have caused your concussion. Manual therapy helps improve blood flow, which can help reduce headaches and dizziness.
Visual and vestibular rehabilitation can help with a number of concussion symptoms, especially balance issues. Visual and vestibular rehab can also help reduce dizziness, visual abnormalities, concentration issues, and memory problems. A referral to an optometrist for vision therapy may be discussed if necessary.
It’s important for you to understand your concussion every step of the way. We aim to educate you on your concussion to help you heal and to prevent future concussions. We’re here to reassure you and help get you back to safely playing sports, working, or going to school.
Our clinic is located behind the Peter Lougheed Hospital, in the same complex as London Drugs and TD Bank off of 32 Avenue.
Running Shoe Restorative Healthcare
