How Do I Treat My Concussion? A Modern Guide to Sports Concussion Recovery with a Revolutionary New Option: PolarCap®

Concussions are one of the most commonly misunderstood injuries in both sports. Whether you're an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, knowing how to treat a concussion properly is essential for long-term brain health.

So, what should you do if you or someone you know has sustained a concussion playing sports?

The answer begins with the basics—but also involves a new treatment that’s changing the game: PolarCap®, a revolutionary technology designed to lower exercise-induced elevated brain temperature post-injury, which is proven to improve concussion recovery.

Understanding Concussions

A concussion is defined as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)caused by a hit, blow, or jolt to the head—or even a hit to the body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This sudden motion can damage the brain, triggering chemical changes and inflammation.

Common symptoms include:

- Headache or pressure in the head

- Dizziness and balance issues

- Confusion or difficulty concentrating

- Nausea or vomiting

- Light or noise sensitivity

- Memory problems

While symptoms can resolve in days, others may persist for weeks—or longer—without proper care.

Traditional Concussion Treatment:

The standard concussion protocol can be summed up by R.I.P.– Rest, Identify, and Progress.

1. Rest

The first and most important step is both physical and cognitive rest. This includes:

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- Limiting screen time (phones, computers, TVs)

- Avoiding physical activity, especially anything that risks another head impact

- Getting plenty of sleep

2. Identify Symptoms

Regular monitoring is crucial. Keeping a journal of symptoms can help track improvement and alert medical professionals to any setbacks.

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3. Progress Gradually

Once symptoms begin to ease, individuals follow a graduated return-to-activity protocol, typically under medical supervision. This includes light aerobic exercise, sport-specific drills, and eventually full contact and return to competition, only after being cleared by a medical professional.

While this framework remains critical, modern sports medicine is moving toward more active and evidence-based treatment strategies—and that’s where PolarCap® comes in.

PolarCap®: A Revolutionary New Treatment for Concussions

Developed by Swedish MedTech company PolarCool AB, PolarCap®introduces a breakthrough possibility: selective head and neck cooling aimed at lowering the brains temperature immediately after a concussion, reducing the metabolic rate and improve recovery.

How It Works:

PolarCap® is a portable, non-invasive, controlled cooling treatment that circulates cold fluid around the head and neck. It’s applied by medical staff on the sidelines or in the locker room right after the injury occurs and is diagnosed. This targeted cooling aims to:

- Reduce elevated brain temperature that occurs with exercise and trauma

- Lower metabolic demand, giving brain cells a better chance to recover

- Promote active treatment in the acute phase of injury, where currently athletes just rest

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Backed by Science, Trusted by Teams

PolarCap® isn’t just a new product—it’s clinically proven.A five-year study conducted in partnership with the Swedish Ice Hockey League (SHL) and Lund University revealed that athletes treated with PolarCap® were:

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- Nearly 80% less likely to experience prolonged concussion symptoms, i.e. absence 3 weeks or more.

- Able to return to play earlier

- More likely to recover fully without persistent side effects

Today, PolarCap® is used by elite teams across Europe in ice hockey, rugby, American football, and even soccer, where head collisions are becoming an increasing concern.

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Conclusion: You Don’t Have to Just “Wait It Out”

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Concussions are serious—but so is the progress being made in how we treat them. While rest and recovery are still essential, innovations like PolarCap® offer real, science-backed solutions that can reduce downtime, lower risk, and improve long-term outcomes.

Whether you're a pro athlete or an amateur looking out for your own health, choosing proactive care could make all the difference.

PolarCap® is changing the standard of concussion treatment—from passive to proactive. If your team or organization is serious about player welfare, contact us to learn how PolarCap® can enhance your concussion protocol.

Written by Jamie Bache
Chief Growth Officer – PolarCap®

Player safety starts with action. Let's take it together.

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