To further the discussion on concussion, I wanted to post some video clips produced by the CBS network in the USA.  

These clips relate to the concussion study being undertaken by colleagues in the US and how it relates to two former NFL stars, Ricky Williams and George Visgner.  

The videos can be found here:







A modified transcript of one of the videos is written here:

Ricky Williams partners with local institute for head trauma treatment 
researchBy Matt Lincoln/CBS 12

JUPITER, Fla. - Former Dolphin Ricky Williams is working with the Upledger Institute in Jupiter, to prove that there's a treatment for head trauma that actually works.

The bright lights, high volume, and constant movement of a football field. 

Quite the contrast, inside the Upledger Institute, where the only sounds are some whispering and the whirring of a small fan.. 

This is not your typical huddle, but there is a football player in middle.

"I believe that this work can show change that doctors don't believe is changeable," says Ricky Williams. 

The former Dolphins running back and four other former NFL players, are undergoing Craniosacral therapy in Jupiter.  Developed by Dr. John Upledger, the therapy helps regulate the flow of cerebral spinal fluid throughout the body. 

That's accomplished by multiple therapists listening to the needs of the patient, and working with the tissues throughout the body.

"We're not coming up with an idea of what they need," says Upledger team facilitator Chas Perry.  "We're feeling their tissues and applying that, we are feeling the life of the client."

"It's just been a couple of days, and players say they are astounded how great they feel," says CEO John Upledger. 

The craniosacral therapy can fix ailments throughout the body, but it's unique in what it can do for the brain.  

"Football players have a headache that never really ends," says Williams. "This work allows my head to breathe." 

"Our feeling is the NFL will take note and say 'There is something to this'," says Upledger. "And they will help us get our work out to a broader audience.

Upledger says this treatment not only works for people who've suffered head trauma, but he's seen success in autistic children, and Vietnam veterans as well.

Thursday, July 24 2014, 12:23 AM EDT

Yours in health,

David Macdonald
Director / Paragon Health

A couple of week ends ago, I was emailed by a colleague in Sydney suggesting I have a look at the South Sydney - Roosters Round 2 NRL game.

In particular, he was referring to the period in which South Sydney hooker, Adam Reynolds returned to the field after passing a concussion test.  This is a 10 minute period in which medical personnel get to assess whether a player is safe to return to the game. 

There has been some controversy since this incident regarding whether the player should have been allowed to return to the field.  His play over the next three sets in the game was decidedly subpar, which has brought into question the current methods and analysis to decide upon the correct course of action for a head-injured player.

For a commentary in the popular press, please read the The Australian Newspaper and The Brisbane Times.  For vision of the incident and game, have a look at the video below.

The purpose of this blog is not to overly highlight the pros and cons of on-field concussion testing but to begin a discourse on the possible repercussions and options available to those who've suffered a head injury (sporting or otherwise) in which the brain has been affected.

This same colleague and physiotherapist, Adrian Winkworth, has been involved in significant study in the USA which had brought together some of the best practitioners in their fields to look at the best practice of assessment and treatment in relation to NFL players who have a considerable history of concussion.

There are currently many options that exist for players' recovery, return to sport and long-term health which have yet to utilised.  In my next article, I will highlight some of the possibilities that are available through this clinic and that of my colleague in Sydney.

Yours in health,

David Macdonald
Paragon Health Industries