Why Does the 4-Week Stand-Down Exist in High-Performance Sport?
Understanding Concussions
A concussion isn’t just a bump on the head—it’s a brain injury. Even if you feel fine, your brain works hard to repair itself. While symptoms like dizziness or headaches may disappear in a week, full healing takes longer. Children typically recover in four weeks, while adults may heal in three. Re-injury can lead to serious consequences, increasing the risk of injury and prolonged recovery.
The Risks of Not Healing Properly
Sustaining another concussion before fully recovering can trigger an energy crisis in the brain, making it struggle to perform even basic functions. This can delay full recovery by up to 120 days and increase the risk of long-term cognitive issues, including memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and even permanent brain damage [1].
Symptoms Don’t Always Equal Healing
Just because symptoms improve doesn’t mean the brain has fully recovered. Concussion symptoms can appear before or long after the brain itself has healed. This means that relying on symptom resolution alone is not a reliable method for determining if it’s safe to return to activity.
The Role of Baseline Testing
Baseline testing measures an athlete’s brain function before an injury occurs. If a concussion happens, post-injury tests can be compared to this baseline to determine if the brain has fully recovered. At the Headache Clinic, we provide comprehensive baseline testing to ensure informed return-to-play decisions, reducing the risk of repeated injury.
Safe Return-to-Play Guidelines
To prevent long-term damage, follow these key recovery steps:
Active Recovery – While rest is important, complete inactivity for more than six days can double the chances of long-term symptoms. A structured rehabilitation program is essential for proper healing. [2]
Seek Early Evaluation – The sooner an athlete is assessed by a concussion specialist, the better their chances of a full recovery. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.
Baseline Clearance Before Return to Play – Before resuming high-impact activities, an athlete should receive professional clearance through post-injury testing to confirm full recovery.
Protect Your Brain for the Future
Your brain is irreplaceable—don’t rush your recovery. A four-week break for children and a three-week break for adults provides the necessary time for proper healing and helps prevent long-term complications. With the right education, proper rest, and baseline testing, we can ensure athletes return to play safely and confidently.