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The movie “Concussion” and various past/present NFL stars suffering from repeated collisions have helped raise greater public awareness regarding the serious impact of repetitive sports injuries leading to potential traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Impact sports such as football, hockey, and soccer where players may repeatedly experience full impact to the head can lead to concussion, or sub-concussions. The long-term effects of playing football or other high impact contact sports is not fully known, but the evidence suggests that this type of repetitive head injury may lead to subsequent brain disorders.
Some parents are questioning their son’s participation in football, or wondering about the long-term effects of playing football and other contact sports.
Linking the Evidence
The 2013 PBS documentary, “League of Denial: The NFL’s Concussion Crisis” generated widespread public awareness of the inherent risks for mental and health issues arising from the frequent concussions, as well as repetitive sub-concussions, experienced by NFL football players. In 2015, Sony’s production, “Concussion”, which features the story of Dr. Bennet Omalu’s discovery of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain condition, and his interactions with the NFL, generated much controversy, especially amidst allegations of the NFL’s attempt to cover up medical evidence linking concussions from playing football to traumatic brain injury.
In October of 2022, the NFL updated their concussion protocol with stricter standards to improve player safety. The new protocol includes evaluation of concussion symptoms, balance, stability, and neurological symptoms such as motor coordination or dysfunctional speech before a player can return to the field safely.
Manual Regulation Therapy for Concussion
In my paper, “A Colloid Fluid Model: The Bridge Between Biological and Energy Medicine,” published internationally in Explore Magazine, I explain how the model gave birth to Manual Regulation Therapy, or MRT.
Manual Regulation Therapy is a unique and integrative therapy that combines conventional physical therapy, craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, and myofascial release to provide a totally unique approach to treatment. These treatments prove highly effective in helping those suffering from the effects of concussions, both as a result of violent hits and smaller repetitive blows, to experience relief, and even complete recovery.
Additional details on the immense benefits of post-concussion Manual Regulation Therapy can be found by listening to my interview on Essential Healthy Living Radio.
The first priority of course with traumatic brain injury is to see a neurosurgeon or neurologist. But unfortunately, not everyone recovers as they would like to. That’s where my Manual Regulation Therapy meets an important need in making a qualitative difference in the wellbeing of those suffering from traumatic brain injury. In addition to hands-on therapy work, I also recommend nutraceuticals that have neuroprotective compounds for treating concussions and, in some cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which can help repair damaged brain tissue, as well as reduce swelling and inflammation.
Author Ron Murray is an integrative practitioner at National Integrated Health Associates in Washington D.C. and pioneer in Manual Regulation Therapy, MRT. An expert in the field, he combines MRT, Physiotherapy, CranioSacral Therapy and Heart Rate Variability to treat a wide range of health issues including asthma, concussion and other traumatic brain injury, TBI, chronic, unresolved pain and more.
