Concussion Management

About Concussions

Concussions are a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a direct or indirect force to the head, neck, or body. While symptoms are often temporary, they can affect physical, cognitive, emotional, and vestibular function. Proper, early management by a healthcare professional with concussion training is essential for safe recovery, reducing the risk of prolonged symptoms or complications.

Physiotherapy-based concussion management follows current clinical guidelines and uses a multi-system approach to assess and treat the effects of concussion. We collaborate with other healthcare providers when needed and tailor each program to the individual’s needs, whether the concussion is sport-related, work-related, or due to an accident.

What We Assess/Address:

• Acute Injury Assessment & Management: Early assessment to rule out red flags and provide acute management education
• Cervical Spine Function: Neck injuries often occur alongside concussions and may contribute to headache or dizziness
• Vestibular System: Balance, coordination, and spatial awareness can be disrupted after concussion
• Oculomotor Function: Visual tracking, focus, and eye movements may be impaired
• Exercise Tolerance: Assessment of safe return to physical activity using objective testing (e.g., Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test)
• Cognitive and Symptom Monitoring: Tracking of symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, and mood to guide recovery and return-to-learn or return-to-work

Who It's For / What to Expect

Evidence continues to support early clinical care (within the first week) by a healthcare professional with concussion training is the most important factor to timely recovery from concussion. A structured, personalized approach guided by trained professionals can improve recovery outcomes and reduce the risk of prolonged symptoms.

Treatment May Include:

• Education & guidance in early initiation of active rehab such as relative rest, exercise, diet, sleep
• Manual therapy for neck pain and mobility
• Vestibular and visual rehabilitation exercises
• Guided, progressive return-to-exercise protocols
• Return to school / Return-to-learn guidance
• Education on pacing, screen time, and symptom management
• Collaboration with physicians, neuropsychologists, or occupational therapists as needed