Gillian's Journey of Resilience: Overcoming the Impact of a Concussion

Meet Gillian, an avid athlete and student at Princeton University pursuing a Ph.D., in Computer Science, whose journey took an unexpected twist following a bicycle accident that left her with a concussion.

Cognitive functions like attention, memory, and decision-making can be compromised by a concussion, even when it’s moderate. Patients may find it difficult to focus, process information, or remember things as they used to. As an active athlete and student, Gillian needed to address these issues immediately. Following her neurologist’s recommendation for further recovery, Gillian was recommended to undergo both physical and occupational therapy at Bancroft NeuroRehab.

"I really appreciate occupational therapy. Chatting regularly about the challenges I've noticed in my daily life has helped me reflect and discover patterns in those areas. Discussing ways I could address them has helped me break down the task of confronting those challenges into manageable habits."

As someone who cherished an active lifestyle, Gillian struggled with finding exercises that could align with her goals of regaining balance and returning to normalcy.

"After a concussion, thinking of solutions is often difficult, but through physical therapy, I've been able to find exercises that help me make progress towards my goals of balance and returning to an active lifestyle.“

Just a few months after her accident, Gillian achieved a recovery milestone. She ran a half marathon nearly symptom-free! Additionally, she has successfully returned to her research at Princeton University, embracing the challenges with a renewed sense of determination. 

Gillian Physical Therapy
Jamie Young, ABPTS, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurological Physical Therapy assisting Gillian in Physical Therapy.

Gillian’s remarkable progress is a testament to what can be achieved when you combine our tailored therapeutic interventions with a patient’s drive to succeed. At Bancroft NeuroRehab, we utilize a holistic approach and personalized approach to empower individuals on their path to rehabilitation. Our commitment extends beyond addressing the immediate concerns of our patients. We strive for long-term success, helping them reclaim their lives with newfound strength and resilience.