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Return-to-Play Concussion Protocol in Roseau, MN

At Erickson Family Chiropractic Center, we provide comprehensive concussion assessment, monitoring, and clearance services for student-athletes. We strictly follow the stepwise protocol required by the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) and high school administration, ensuring athletes recover safely and return to sports with full medical clearance.

 

Our process includes:

  • Immediate removal from play or practice if any concussion symptoms are present — no same-day return to competition.

  • Regular monitoring after injury to watch for worsening symptoms.

  • Evaluation by a qualified medical provider familiar with current concussion treatment guidelines.

  • A medically supervised 6-step return-to-sport process, with required school attendance and clearance before resuming competition.

 

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We partner with athletes, parents, coaches, and schools to ensure compliance with Minnesota State Statute 121A.38 and all MSHSL safety guidelines.

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Step-Wise Return-To-Play Protocol (MSHSL Standards)

Return-to-play decisions are complex. An athlete may be cleared to return to competition when the
player is free of all signs and symptoms of a concussion at rest and during exercise. They must be
cleared by a Qualified Healthcare Professional (QHP). Once free of symptoms and signs of concussion, a
stepwise symptom free progressive exercise process is required before an athlete may return to
competition. Below is the accepted best-practice for return to play after a concussion. This protocol is
supported by the MSHSL, NCAA and professional sports organizations.

 

  • Each step requires a minimum of 24 hours

  • The player can proceed to the next level only if they continue to be free of any symptoms or

  • signs at the current level. The player must be supervised by a trusted adult during each step.

  • If any symptoms occur, the player should drop back to the previous level.

 

The return to play after a concussion follows a stepwise process and must be performed in sequence:

 

  • Step 1: Symptom Limited Activity or No activity: Daily activities that do not provoke symptoms and/or rest until all symptoms have resolved. Once asymptomatic, proceed to level 2.

  • Step 2: Light activity: such as walking or stationary cycling, no weight/resistance training.

  • Step 3: Sport specific activity: running/sprinting, skating, agility drills. No head contact.

  • Step 4: Non-contact activity: return to modified sport/activity/practice. Non-contact drills, weight training. No head contact.

  • Step 5: Full contact activity: return to full participation after medical clearance.

  • Step 6: Game play.

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The final return to competition decision is based on clinical judgment and the athlete may return only
with written permission from a health care provider who is registered, licensed, certified, or otherwise
statutorily authorized by the state to provide medical treatment; is trained and experienced in
evaluating and managing concussions; and is practicing within the person's medical training and scope
of practice.


Note: Neuropsychological testing or balance testing may help with the return to play decision and may
be used after the player is symptom free, but the tests are not required for the symptom free player to
return to play.

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