Dr. Joshua Bletzinger DC

Feeling Stuck in Concussion Recovery? Here’s Your Game Plan!

March 29, 2025•7 min read

Are You Stuck in Concussion Recovery? Here’s the Truth About the Best Treatment Options to Finally Heal.

Struggling with post-concussion fog, headaches, or light sensitivity that just won't quit?

Or maybe you’re tired of trying “rest and wait” only to feel like you’re stuck in neutral.
Maybe you’re worried about what lingering symptoms might mean for your long-term brain health.

I get it—it’s not just about feeling better today, but about reclaiming your future. Here’s what you need to know: most of the common, lingering symptoms of concussion recovery don’t clear up with just rest.

The real key to complete recovery involves tackling root causes like neuroinflammation, autonomic dysregulation, and hormonal imbalances.

So, let’s dive into what really works.

The Concussion Recovery Roadblock: Why Symptoms Linger

Ever wonder why your headaches, brain fog, or light sensitivity won’t fade away?

It’s frustrating, especially if you’ve tried “rest and recover” like everyone suggested. But here’s the kicker: lingering concussion symptoms often stick around because traditional approaches don’t target the core issues—like your autonomic nervous system, your body’s inflammation response, or even hormone imbalances.

Instead, you need an approach that actually targets those problems directly.

And yes, this can make a huge difference in how quickly and completely you recover.

What Are the Top 3 Problems Concussion Patients Face in Recovery?

1. Persistent Symptoms That Make Everyday Life Tough
Imagine trying to focus in school or stay social when everything—from lights to sounds—feels like it’s turned up a notch. You feel dizzy, mentally foggy, and drained, and it’s affecting every part of life.
2. Fear of Long-Term Brain Health Risks
The longer symptoms hang around, the bigger the fear: what if this concussion sets you up for cognitive decline or memory issues in the future?
3. Confusion About Treatment Options
Most advice centers on “just rest,” but that often isn’t enough. The lack of solid answers can leave you frustrated and seeking solutions that actually work.

If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone. There’s good news here: real, effective strategies are out there.

Proven Treatment Approaches for Lasting Concussion Relief

1. Tackle Neuroinflammation with the Right Diet and Supplements

Chronic neuroinflammation often drives lingering concussion symptoms. Anti-inflammatory foods and supplements can be game-changers here.

Neuroinflammation is basically inflammation in the brain, similar to how our bodies might swell up after a sprained ankle. But in this case, after a concussion, the brain’s immune cells stay active longer than they should, creating ongoing irritation. This can lead to symptoms like brain fog, headaches, and even memory problems. When left untreated, neuroinflammation keeps the brain from healing fully, which is why it’s often a major reason behind lingering concussion symptoms.

What to Do:
- Eat Omega-3-Rich Foods: Salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts can help calm inflammation.
- Reduce the Pro-Inflammatroy foods: Foods such a grains (wheat, corn, oats) and vegetable seed oils can ignite inflammatory responses.
- Cut Out Sugary and Processed Foods: These can fuel inflammation and slow down your recovery.
- Consider Anti-Inflammatory Supplements: There is a wide range of nutritional supplements that been shown to reduce brain inflammation. I will save the complexity of this topic to it's own article and video.

Making these dietary shifts can make a noticeable difference in reducing headaches and brain fog. For more, check out the CDC’s concussion recovery guide.

2. Support Brain Recovery Through Vagus Nerve Stimulation

The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in balancing your autonomic nervous system, which often goes haywire after a concussion.

The vagus nerve is like the body’s main communication highway, running from the brain through the chest and down to the gut. It controls our 'rest and digest' responses, helping to keep us calm and balanced. After a concussion, though, this nerve can get thrown off, leaving the body stuck in a stress response. When the vagus nerve isn’t functioning properly, it can worsen symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and even anxiety, making recovery much harder and longer than it should be.

Try Vagus Nerve Stimulation Techniques:
- Breathing Exercises: Try the “4-4-4-4” technique: breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and rest for 4.
- Cold Exposure: Splashing cold water on your face or taking a quick cold shower can activate the vagus nerve.
- Coherence: Use a program like HeartMath to synchronize your heart, brain, and nerve system by balancing heart rhythm patterns, also called Heart Rate Variability.

These methods can help bring relief to that underlying tension, reduce dizziness, and help you feel calmer throughout recovery.

3. Balance Hormones to Fight Post-Concussion Fatigue

Concussions can mess with your hormones, especially cortisol and thyroid levels. These imbalances can lead to fatigue, mood swings, and even impact your sleep.

Hormone imbalances are common after a concussion because the injury can disrupt areas of the brain, like the pituitary gland, that control hormone production. When these hormones—such as cortisol, thyroid, or even sex hormones—get thrown off, it can lead to issues like fatigue, mood swings, sleep problems, and even changes in appetite. These imbalances make it much harder for the body to fully recover, often prolonging symptoms and adding to the frustration of persistent concussion syndrome.

What Helps?
- Regular, Light Exercise: Gentle movement like walking can naturally help regulate cortisol.
- Consider Seeing an Endocrinologist: If symptoms persist, a hormone specialist can run specific tests and guide you toward balancing any deficiencies.

For more on the science of hormone and brain health, check out resources on the Mayo Clinic’s site.

4. Try Sub-Symptom Threshold Exercise

Exercise can be a tricky one. The key here is to find your “symptom threshold”—the point where symptoms worsen—and stay below it.

How to Exercise Safely:
- Start Light: Try stationary biking or a brisk walk.
- Monitor Symptoms Closely: If dizziness or headaches kick in, dial back the intensity. Gradually build up to higher levels as your tolerance increases.

The right level of exercise promotes blood flow to the brain, helps with energy levels, and can even lift your mood. Some research on exercise and concussion recovery can help you better understand this approach.

5. Use Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for Deep Healing

LLLT has been shown to support ATP (cellular energy) production in the brain, reduce inflammation, and promote neuroplasticity—basically, helping your brain cells recover faster.

How to Start with LLLT:
- Find a Clinic Specializing in LLLT: Many sports and rehabilitation centers offer this.
- Follow a Schedule: Regular sessions over a few weeks can help kickstart the recovery process and even relieve ongoing symptoms like fatigue and mental fog.

FAQs on Concussion Treatment and Recovery

What can I expect from a concussion recovery program?
A well-rounded program will address neuroinflammation, autonomic imbalances, and physical therapy for symptoms like dizziness and headaches. You’ll likely see a blend of dietary guidance, controlled physical activity, and relaxation techniques for best results.

How long does it take to recover from post-concussion syndrome?
While recovery timelines vary, effective treatment can lead to noticeable improvements within weeks, with full recovery possible over a few months.

Why isn’t “rest and recover” enough for most people?
Rest doesn’t address underlying problems like autonomic dysregulation or neuroinflammation, which are key contributors to lingering symptoms. Targeted therapies are needed to fully resolve these issues.

Is it safe to return to sports after a concussion?
Only return when you’re fully symptom-free and have medical clearance. Returning too soon can increase your risk of a secondary, more severe injury.

Can diet really impact my concussion recovery?
Absolutely. A diet high in anti-inflammatory foods like fish and vegetables can help reduce brain inflammation, speeding up your recovery.