It is estimated that as many as 3.8 million concussions occur in the United States annually due to sports or recreational injuries. Concussions present a serious health risk to the public. Research continues to show how damage to the brain can cause long-lasting health implications if not properly addressed. Symptoms similar to Parkinson’s, along with memory and attention-deficit issues, are often seen amongst older athletes decades after their careers end. Thankfully, rules in sports are changing and the need for serious recovery measures after a concussion are becoming common knowledge.
The Best Form of Protection is Prevention
While athletic gear has come a long way within the last few decades to help reduce the risk of head trauma, there is still more that we can do to help improve the odds. One of the very best things one can do is focus on strengthening neck muscles and the trapezius muscle, which runs along the spine and back shoulder area. In fact, studies have shown that individuals with the strongest necks are the least likely to sustain a concussion in high school sports.
Target Muscles in a Variety of Planes of Motion
The neck can move in a variety of unique patterns rotationally and laterally, so it’s critical to target these muscles through multiple different angles and movement patterns. Resistance cords provide individuals with one great solution to achieve this effectively, in addition to providing a variety of other benefits such as increased flexibility, range of motion, and cell growth.
Two simple pieces of equipment from NZ Manufacturing can help with both prevention and recovery from concussions:
The HEADSET KIT M357-MEDICORDZ® gives individuals the ability to target neck muscles to increase strength and mobility through forward and lateral flexion, extension and rotation neck exercises; while, the HEAD STRAP KIT M351KT-MEDICORDZ® stretches both the upper back and neck muscles.
Recover Optimally
After taking the necessary time to rest initially after a concussion, strength training and rehabbing the muscles surrounding and supporting the head is essential to proper recovery. Research has shown that athletes who have had one concussion are 4 to 6 times more likely to sustain a second. With careful guidance from sports medicine doctors or physical therapists, the use of resistance cords can help increase blood flow to recovering areas to support a strong, healthy comeback from a concussion and reduce the likelihood of a second occurrence
NZ Manufacturing, which has been in business for over 30 years, creates some of the highest quality resistance exercise tools used by professional sports teams, hospitals, and national organizations to help individuals stay healthy and recover more optimally. We are more than happy to answer any questions you might have or provide you with any additional information you may need. Reach us by phone at 1-800-886-6621 or fill out our online contact form today!
