Why Every Athlete Needs More Than Rest After a Concussion: The Role of Speech-Language Pathology in Recovery

When most people think about sports concussions, they picture helmets, rest, and maybe a trip to the doctor’s office. But what many athletes and families don’t realize is that concussions can have lasting effects well beyond the initial injury—and recovery often requires more than just physical rest.

One of the hidden challenges after a concussion is the impact on cognitive-communication skills. These are the abilities we use every day to think, learn, and interact, and they are critical both on and off the field. That’s where a speech-language pathologist (SLP) comes in.

Concussions Can Affect More Than You Think

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Even though it’s called “mild,” the effects can be anything but. According to the CDC, children and teens are more likely to experience longer recovery times compared to adults. Common symptoms include:

   •   Trouble concentrating or paying attention

   •   Memory problems (forgetting plays, assignments, or conversations)

   •   Slowed processing speed (taking longer to think, react, or respond)

   •   Difficulty finding the right words

   •   Increased fatigue with schoolwork or conversations

   •   Emotional changes, like frustration or irritability

For student-athletes, these challenges can impact school performance, social relationships, and confidence, in addition to athletic performance.

The Risk of Repeated Concussions

Repeated concussions are especially concerning. The American Academy of Neurology reports that athletes with a history of multiple concussions are at higher risk of persistent cognitive problems, depression, and longer recovery times.

Research also shows that sustaining a second concussion before fully healing from the first increases the risk of second impact syndrome, a rare but often catastrophic condition. Long-term exposure to repeated head injuries can also contribute to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which has been linked to memory loss, mood changes, and progressive neurological decline.

This makes proper management and full recovery essential before returning to play.

How an SLP Helps After Concussion

Speech-language pathologists are trained to support recovery in thinking, communication, and executive functioning. In concussion care, SLPs often:

   •   Teach memory strategies so athletes can keep up with schoolwork

   •   Help improve focus and attention in busy classrooms or game settings

   •   Support word-finding and verbal expression

   •   Train problem-solving and organization skills

   •   Provide tools for pacing and managing mental fatigue

When working with a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS), athletes also benefit from advanced training in brain injury rehabilitation. A CBIS understands the unique challenges of brain injury recovery and can tailor interventions for long-term success.

Recovery Is a Team Effort

Concussion recovery is most successful when athletes have a multidisciplinary team—this often includes physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists. Ignoring the cognitive side of recovery can leave athletes vulnerable to long-term challenges, especially if they sustain more than one injury.

Take the Next Step

If your child, teammate, or you yourself are recovering from a sports concussion and noticing memory issues, trouble concentrating, or communication changes, reach out to a speech-language pathologist with brain injury expertise, ideally a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS). Early and specialized support can make all the difference in preventing long-term struggles and helping athletes return to school, sports, and life with confidence.

At Help with My Speech, we know that for athletes, recovery isn’t just about getting back on the field—it’s about protecting long-term health, rebuilding confidence, and regaining the focus and communication skills needed for both sports and school.

With support from a speech-language pathologist and Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS), athletes can return to play stronger, safer, and ready to succeed in every area of life.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how our concussion recovery services can help your athlete take the next step toward a safe and successful return.

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