Yoga and Meditation

Extensive research that explores a holistic and multimodal approach to concussion recovery, continues to be an area of interest. Meditation and yoga, commonly referred to as the practice of mindfulness, have emerged as promising alternative treatments for managing symptoms of concussions, chronic pain, and several mental health disorders.

Applications in Concussion and Migraines

Recent studies have indicated that yoga and meditation may be beneficial for individuals suffering from a concussion. A scientific review encompassing 20 studies indicated that participants engaging in mindfulness through yoga and meditation experienced notable improvements in concussion symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and overall cognitive performance compared to control groups.

Moreover, yoga has been specifically linked to pain management, particularly in cases of lower back pain, neck pain, and chronic headaches and migraines, which are common after concussions. Yoga’s emphasis on mindfulness and relaxation techniques could help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks, making it a valuable tool for those recovering from concussions.

There are resources and programs that specialize in yoga and meditation for concussion patients. These programs use a specialized approach to mindfulness and the type of movements performed. If you are interested in trying yoga for concussion symptoms, it is best to follow the guidance of a program designed for concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI) or with a teacher trained in brain injury accommodations.

Therapeutic Uses for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Yoga and meditation have also been employed as therapies for mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Research has demonstrated that these practices can lead to significant reductions in PTSD symptoms among veterans and civilians alike. For instance, a study found that a holistic yoga program tailored for PTSD resulted in substantial improvements in the severity of the patients’ PTSD symptoms. Similarly, mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to alleviate symptoms of MDD, enhancing emotional regulation and resilience.

Additional Benefits Linked to Concussion Symptoms

Beyond their applications for specific medical conditions, yoga and meditation may offer broader benefits that are relevant to concussion recovery. Pain interference refers to the degree to which pain hinders engagement with daily activities, including physical, cognitive, emotional, and recreational functions. Yoga and meditation can enhance pain tolerance and reduce pain interference, which are crucial for individuals dealing with persisting symptoms after concussion.

One study indicated that yoga showed favourable results compared to usual care for managing pain, particularly for low back and cervical (neck) pain. The same review also found improvements in quality of life and mood among participants, suggesting the potential of yoga as a helpful addition to traditional pain management approaches. These findings could potentially be applicable to persistent headaches and discomfort following a concussion, as yoga may help reduce pain interference and improve overall well-being for individuals recovering from a brain injury.

Furthermore, the integration of mindfulness techniques can help individuals cope with the emotional and psychological challenges that often accompany concussions, such as anxiety and mood disturbances. By fostering a greater sense of self-awareness and presence, mindfulness practices can aid in the emotional recovery process, which is a core part of holistic healing.

Holistic healing is essential because it addresses the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—rather than focusing solely on specific symptoms. This comprehensive approach recognizes the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional well-being, which is particularly important for individuals recovering from concussions.

Emotional health significantly impacts physical recovery; anxiety and mood disturbances can hinder coping with physical symptoms. By integrating mindfulness techniques, yoga, and meditation, individuals can improve their self-awareness and emotional regulation, which are vital for healing. Additionally, holistic healing encourages a sense of purpose and connection, fostering resilience and a positive mindset during recovery. By promoting balance among all aspects of health, holistic healing can enhance quality of life and overall well-being, making it a crucial part of effective recovery strategies for concussions and other health challenges.

Who can benefit?

Everyone! The practice of mindfulness through meditation and/or yoga may  provide benefits for a variety of aspects of concussion recovery from physical symptom management to overall quality of life measures. If you are suffering from persistent concussion symptoms, consulting with a doctor is recommended to ensure that meditation and yoga are safe for your specific symptoms.

For all concussion patients, meditation and/or yoga can be used as another resource to help mitigate symptoms and the difficulties that arise or are amplified due to injury. When managing  concussion recovery, there is not a one-size-fits-all all approach, and the practice of mindfulness is designed to be another tool for your recovery toolkit.

For those with limited access to healthcare for any reason, online meditation resources, such as videos or courses, can serve as an accessible and affordable resource to aid in managing concussion symptoms. Mindfulness practices can be performed at home, offering an easy to access and cost-effective supplement to in-person yoga or meditation practices, although they should not replace a medical evaluation. Online platforms provide free live Zoom classes, fostering a sense of community and support, which can be especially beneficial for those in remote or underserved areas.

For caregivers of those with a concussion, it can be stressful and time-consuming to care for a loved one with a concussion. These practices are useful in promoting stress management, relaxation, and overall well-being. As a caregiver, it is so important to attend to your own mental health to be able to support those around you. There are programs designed for caregivers of brain injury patients that help foster a sense of community and build on skills such as vulnerability, boundaries, listening, trusting your goodness, opening up to grief, and receiving while giving.

For service members and veterans, mindfulness has been studied as a supplemental treatment for veterans/ service members who have a history of brain injury and mental illness. Concussion symptoms and previous mental health issues can exacerbate each other. Therefore benefits of mindfulness can be very beneficial for these individuals, such as reduced anxiety and depression, improved attention, etc. There are currently studies for veterans with a history of concussions and blast-related brain injury exploring a combination therapy.

For health care providers, this page is designed as a resource for patients, but also to aid in alternative treatment recommendations provided by professionals. Ensuring healthcare providers stay up to date with emerging studies in concussion rehabilitation is crucial to ensure patients have the best recovery outcomes possible.