Rowan's Law Day: Protecting Athletes with Baseline Concussion Testing
Every year, Rowan's Law Day serves as a critical reminder of the importance of concussion awareness and safety, especially for athletes. Established in honor of Rowan Stringer, a high school rugby player from Ottawa who tragically passed away in 2013 due to second impact syndrome, this day calls for improved education about the dangers of concussions. Rowan’s untimely death occurred because her concussion wasn’t recognized early enough, and her brain wasn’t given the time it needed to heal. Rowan’s Law now stands as a symbol of change, mandating concussion protocols across schools and sports organizations to prevent similar tragedies.
At Honsberger Physio+, we take concussion prevention and recovery seriously, offering baseline concussion testing at our Markham and Aurora clinics. This proactive approach plays a vital role in minimizing the long-term risks of head injuries, ensuring that athletes and active individuals are properly protected.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the brain is jolted or shaken inside the skull, often resulting from direct blows to the head or sudden impacts during falls or accidents. Symptoms may vary, including headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory issues, and even loss of consciousness. These symptoms can arise immediately or take hours to appear, making it difficult to recognize the severity of the injury right away.
What makes concussions particularly dangerous is that they’re not always obvious and can worsen if not properly treated. In Rowan’s case, her brain had not healed from a previous concussion before she suffered another hit, leading to second impact syndrome—swelling of the brain from repeated trauma.
The Role of Rowan’s Law in Concussion Safety
Rowan’s Law was enacted to prevent tragedies like Rowan Stringer’s from happening again. The law sets mandatory concussion safety protocols in schools and sports organizations across Ontario, including awareness programs for athletes, coaches, parents, and teachers. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of a concussion and ensuring proper recovery before returning to any activity.
But awareness is only the first step. Preventing and managing concussions effectively requires both education and proactive tools like baseline concussion testing.
Why Baseline Concussion Testing Matters
Baseline concussion testing is a preventive measure designed to assess an individual's cognitive and physical functions before any injury occurs. This "baseline" information helps physiotherapists and healthcare providers accurately compare post-injury results to pre-injury norms, allowing them to detect even subtle changes in brain function after a concussion.
At Honsberger Physio+, our baseline concussion testing goes beyond traditional assessments. We evaluate a range of critical functions, including:
- Biomechanical assessment: Understanding how your body moves and responds to stress.
- Vision testing: Tracking how your brain processes visual information, which can be impacted after a concussion.
- Balance and coordination testing: These motor functions are often affected by brain injuries.
- Neurocognitive testing: Measuring reaction time, memory, concentration, and cognitive processing speed to identify impairments after injury.
This comprehensive approach ensures that any changes following a head injury are quickly identified, allowing for a safer, more informed recovery plan.
How Honsberger Physio+ Can Help
If you or your child participates in sports or other physically demanding activities, having a baseline concussion test can be a vital step in protecting against future injury. Should a concussion occur, the baseline data will help guide your recovery, ensuring a safe return to your sport, school, or work.
At Honsberger Physio+, we take a whole-body approach to concussion rehabilitation, combining physiotherapy with neurocognitive technology, active recovery techniques, and alignment therapy. This integrated process ensures that all aspects of your injury—physical, mental, and neurological—are properly addressed.
Our concussion physiotherapy program in Markham and Aurora includes:
- Active recovery plans: Exercises designed to improve balance, coordination, and cognitive function.
- Vision and neurocognitive training: To help restore brain function and reduce symptoms like dizziness or visual disturbances.
- Alignment and soft tissue treatment: Addressing musculoskeletal issues caused by concussions that affect the neck and spine.
Take Action: Book Your Baseline Concussion Test Today
Concussions can happen at any time, and recognizing them early is crucial to preventing long-term damage. In line with Rowan's Law, we encourage all athletes, parents, and active individuals to take the proactive step of booking a baseline concussion test at one of our clinics in Markham or Aurora.
By staying ahead of the injury, you’ll ensure the best chance of full recovery and safe participation in your favorite activities. Let Honsberger Physio+ be part of your concussion prevention and recovery plan.
Don’t wait—take charge of your brain health today. Book your baseline concussion test now and protect yourself or your loved ones from the dangers of head injuries.
At Honsberger Physio+, we are committed to helping athletes and active individuals recover safely and return to the activities they love. Contact us today to learn more about our concussion physiotherapy and baseline testing services in Markham and Aurora.
For a baseline concussion test, call 905-841-0411 (Aurora) or 905-940-2627 (Markham)
Additional Resources
On The Blog: Concussion Management in Sports: Best Practices and Recovery Strategies
On The Blog: Concussion Symptoms + Recovery Plan
