Taking the Right Steps to Safely Resume Work Activities
Often, in the aftermath of a traumatic blow to the head, your first questions are about when you’ll be healthy enough to return to work. The good news is that with proper medical treatment, most concussion victims make a full recovery, though the time it takes varies based on a number of factors, including the severity of your injury, your age and gender (women tend to take longer to recover) and any complications.
The Need for Brain and Body Rest After a Concussion
Medical professionals agree that in the hours and days immediately following a concussion, one of the most important remedies is rest. The more cognitive activity you engage in right after a concussion, the longer your recovery time typically will be. In addition, eliminating strain and stress on the rest of your body also can speed up recovery from a concussion. A general recommendation is to take a minimum of two days off from work and only return to your job through a supervised, gradual return-to-work program coordinated with your doctor.
Tips for Successfully Going Back to Work After a Concussion
Before you return to work, you’ll want to work closely with medical professionals, identifying all physical and cognitive components of your job. Your doctor can help you prioritize tasks, determining those that pose the least risk of impeding or reversing your recovery. Some important things to remember as you reintegrate yourself into the workplace:
- You may need more time to complete the same activities.
- You can expect to be more tired after doing the same amount of work.
- You may have challenges remembering all the steps required in your job—it’s okay to write things down.
- You may need assistance from others as you return to full pre-concussion health.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who have suffered a concussion or other type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 r fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas, and San Antonio.
