Medical clearance by an appropriate physician is mandatory before return to play.
The ThinkFirst Canada Concussion resources were developed based on the Zurich Guidelines outlined in the Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport and have been reviewed with great thanks to the ThinkFirst Concussion Education and Awareness Committee.
A concussion is a serious event, but you can recover fully from such an injury if the brain is given enough time to rest and recuperate. Returning to normal activities, including sport participation, is a step-wise process that requires patience, attention, and caution.
Step 1: No Activity – Complete Rest
- Limit school, work, and tasks requiring concentration.
- Refrain from physical activity until symptoms are gone.
- Once symptoms are gone, consult a physician (preferably one experienced in concussion management) before beginning a step-wise return-to-play process.
Step 2: Light Aerobic Exercise
- Activities such as walking or stationary cycling.
- No resistance training or weight lifting.
- Exercise should be supervised to monitor symptoms.
- If symptoms return, stop activity and rest until resolved.
- If symptom-free, proceed to Step 3 the next day.
Step 3: Sport-Specific Activities
- Activities such as skating or throwing may begin.
- No body contact or jarring motions.
- If symptoms return, stop and consult a physician.
- If symptom-free, proceed to Step 4 the next day.
Step 4: Non-Contact Training Drills
- Begin drills without body contact.
- If symptoms return, stop and consult a physician.
- Progress to Step 5 only after medical clearance.
Step 5: Full Contact Practice
- Begin drills with body contact.
- If symptoms return, stop and consult a physician.
- If symptom-free, proceed to Step 6 the next day.
Step 6: Return to Game Play
Never return to play if you still have symptoms.
A player who returns to active play before full recovery from a concussion is at high risk of sustaining another concussion, with symptoms that may be increased and prolonged.