Beyond the Brain: How Concussions Increase Risk of Lower Body Injuries

Most clinicians treat a concussion and move on. What they miss is what happens next. In this episode, John Allan, DPT sits down with Dr. Olivia Abdoo, DPT, SCS, CPSS, CSCS to break down one of the most underrecognized findings in sports medicine: athletes who sustain a concussion are 58% more likely to suffer a lower extremity injury. That number demands a framework shift.What they cover:Why neurological healing extends well beyond the standard 7-day return to sport protocolHow concussion disrupts muscle activation, force output, movement patterns, and dual task performanceThe integrated systems framework and what it means for lower body injury riskWhy sport-specific activity is the best neurocognitive rehabilitation availableHow to match rehab to the athlete's energy system profile rather than generic aerobic protocolsInterval training as the most effective tool for assessing and rehabilitating the autonomic nervous systemThe 10 to 14 day window of vulnerability and how to navigate return to play within itDomains of concussion presentation: vestibular, ocular, autonomic, cervical, cognitive, and affectiveIf you work with athletes in any capacity, this episode reframes what concussion recovery actually requires and why the lower body is part of the conversation from day one.Social Media:Rehab2PerformR2P AcademyDr. Olivia Abdoo