3 Actionable Tips in Overcoming Sports-Related TBI

The latest statistics say that up to 3.8 million traumatic brain injury cases happen in the USA each year. And sadly, approximately 10 percent occur because of recreational activities and sports. Most of these patients are in high school, eagerly competing in contact sports like basketball and football to qualify for university scholarships. While some only suffer from mild injuries, others have temporary or long-term paralysis.  Fortunately, patients have options for effective traumatic brain injury recovery in Miami. 

This week’s discussion aims to share actionable tips you (or a loved one) can use to overcome sports-related TBI. After all, several remedies and treatments can help minimize the impact of the injury and speed up recovery. To jumpstart our discussion, let’s look into the possible side effects of having a traumatic brain injury when you’re an athlete.

TBI Effects on Mental and Physical Abilities of Athletes

Traumatic brain injuries can come in many forms, and they can develop regardless of whether the accident resulted from contact or non-contact sports. TBI can also affect people differently, based on the intensity of the impact on the central nervous system. Other factors can influence a patient’s traumatic brain injury recovery in Miami. A few examples of these include the body’s recovery rate, pre-existing health conditions, and overall condition.

In most cases, sports-related TBI cases take a few weeks to heal and recover. As a result, doctors, therapists, and other healthcare professionals recommend taking a break from playing or training to allow the body to recuperate. The recommended resting break will also help deal with the plethora of TBI side effects, including:

• Headaches
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Impaired cognition
• Noise and light sensitivity
• Trouble remembering things
• Personality changes
• Increased aggression
• Sleeping problems
• Difficulty swallowing
• Poor body and mind coordination
• Foot drop
• Increased muscle spasticity
• Taste and smell dysfunction
• Increased risk for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease
• Temporary or long-term paralysis 

How to Cope with Traumatic Brain Injuries if You’re An Athlete 

Every sports enthusiast loves an inspiring comeback story. It paints a picture of the bravery and the resilience of an athlete who wants to get back in shape. However, not many people understand that it can take months or even years to recover fully. Some even take longer to heal mentally and physically because they battle against depression after getting set. If you have a similar experience, you might find it helpful to follow the actionable TBI recovery tips listed below: 

#1. Visualize your end goals 

Never underestimate the sheer power of goal visualization. It will help you plan a sustainable and effective recovery and patient care plan. Additionally, your end goals for your traumatic brain injury recovery in Miami will also help you condition your mind and body. It is crucial to regain self-confidence, especially when navigating overwhelming tasks.

We recommend creating a list of goals you want to achieve within a certain timeframe. Make sure to keep your goals specific, attainable, and realistic.  

#2. Accept your situation 

The last thing you want is your TBI injury making you feel powerless. It will hinder you from seeking the help you need and making sound and conscious choices for a speedy recovery. To win against this situation, we advise accepting your fate and understanding that some things are beyond your control. 

A study notes that accepting one’s new reality after a traumatic injury can improve mental well-being and heal the body. So, moving forward, you should try to be more open to making adjustments (both temporary and long-term) like skipping a season and committing to a healthier diet.   

#3. Seek professional help 

Jumpstarting your journey towards traumatic brain injury recovery in Miami is better with a knowledgeable team of professionals. After all, a TBI can impact several aspects of your life, including your socialization skills, independence, emotional well-being, and physical capabilities. 

Most athletes with TBI work closely with physical therapists and fitness trainers who have in-depth experience dealing with various TBI symptoms. Others also consult with additional healthcare practitioners like occupational therapists, neurologists, speech therapists, and psychological counselors. 

With the right team on board, you can gain expert insights on the best methods to combat the different effects of TBI. They can also help you determine how to manage training demands once you get back in the game.

Begin Your Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery In Miami with iAM ABLE

Ensuring a smooth traumatic brain injury recovery in Miami depends on two things – your commitment to following your patient care plan and your sense of urgency in seeking professional help. The sooner you take the first steps towards overcoming your sports-related TBI, the faster your body can adjust and recover.  

Here at iAM ABLE, our team of specialists is passionate about helping every patient who wants to restore lost body functionalities due to TBI. We use different techniques and specialized equipment to support your recovery journey. On top of these, we also offer comprehensive resources of paralysis recovery like our blog and directory of resources for people living with paralysis.

We also encourage you to get a copy of our eBook on thriving after a paralyzing accident. It contains helpful information to help you navigate everyday challenges and improve your chances of overcoming your injuries. For more information on how we help athletes and other individuals who suffer from sports-related TBI, please contact us at 305-283-9717 or alfredo@iamable.org.

Grab our free e-book 7 Unbelievably Important Steps to Take to THRIVE after Paralysis by clicking the image below.