July 23, 2025 - TCO
Sports Concussions: 5 Fast Facts Everyone Should Know
Concussions are among the most misunderstood injuries in sports.
They don’t just sideline athletes physically; they can affect school, work, and daily life. At Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO), we believe in empowering athletes, parents, and coaches with the knowledge and care needed to respond quickly and recover fully.
Whether you’re dealing with a recent injury or want to be prepared, here are five facts you should know:
Concussions are treatable.
Too often, concussions are brushed off as “just a bump.” The truth is that early intervention is critical. At TCO, we offer one of Minnesota’s premier sports concussion programs, including the state’s most advanced concussion center located at TCO Eden Prairie. Our interdisciplinary team of sports medicine physicians, physical therapists, and athletic trainers works together to develop personalized treatment plans based on each athlete’s needs. Starting care early helps shorten recovery time and improves outcomes across sports, school, and social activities.
Not all concussions look or feel the same.
No two concussions are alike. Symptoms can vary widely between athletes, even if the mechanism of injury is similar.
Common sports concussion symptoms include:
- Headache or head pressure
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Nausea
- Light or noise sensitivity
- Blurred or double vision
- Feeling mentally foggy or slowed down
- Emotional changes or irritability
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
If you notice any of these symptoms after a hit or fall, it’s essential to seek evaluation, even if the symptoms seem minor.
Stop playing immediately.
Continuing to play after a concussion can increase your risk of a longer recovery or lead to more serious injury. If you experience a blow to the head or body followed by symptoms, remove yourself from playing and alert a coach, parent, or athletic trainer.
TCO makes care easy. Patients with new sports concussions can walk into any TCO Urgent Care location from 8 AM to 8 PM, no appointment or referral required.
Rest alone is no longer the best treatment.
Old advice said to stay in a dark room and rest until symptoms disappeared. Current research shows that targeted rehabilitation leads to faster, more complete recovery. TCO provides individualized rehab that may include:
- Vestibular therapy for balance and dizziness
- Ocular motor rehabilitation for visual tracking and focus
- Cervical spine treatment for neck pain and stiffness
- Exertion therapy and functional training to gradually restore strength and stamina
Our Eden Prairie location also features advanced technology like Eye-Sync, Synaptec, NeckCare, and virtual reality tools to evaluate and treat cognitive, visual, and physical deficits.
There’s no set timeline for concussion recovery.
No two brains heal the same. While some athletes recover in a matter of days, others may need several weeks or more. No test can accurately predict recovery time, but with the right sports concussion treatment, you can return safely and confidently.
At TCO, we closely monitor your progress and provide return-to-play guidance based on your sport and goals. Our focus is on helping you recover fully and avoid reinjury by progressing through a safe, structured plan.
Seek care at TCO if:
- You suspect a concussion but are unsure
- You want expert guidance during the first 24 to 48 hours after a head injury
- Your symptoms are not improving after 24 to 48 hours
- You’re looking to start treatment with a sports concussion expert
- You’ve been diagnosed and need specialized rehab
Call 952-456-7000 or walk into any TCO Urgent Care location from 8 AM to 8 PM daily. Our team will evaluate your condition and determine the next step in your care.