Concussion Rehabilitation
A concussion should be taken seriously. Our physiotherapists have special vestibular and concussion rehabilitation training to help you pursue a safe, individualized recovery.
Understanding a Concussion
Your brain is your body’s command center. Its soft, sensitive tissues float in cushioning fluid within the hard skull. A swift blow to the head or violent shaking can override these protections and lead to a concussion, a mild type of brain injury.
A concussion can occur when the brain moves rapidly back and forth or bangs against the side of the skull. This sudden movement can stretch and damage brain tissue and interfere with normal brain activities. Concussions may result from falls, car crashes, or recreation such as biking, skateboarding, skiing, playground activity, and organized sports.
Although concussions are considered mild brain injuries, they are not minor injuries that should simply be ignored. With proper care, most people recover fully, but some people can experience lasting effects on thinking, attention, learning, and memory.
Common Symptoms
Concussion symptoms can begin quickly or be delayed until the next day or two. Common symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Memory problems
Changes to Watch For
Loss of consciousness occurs in about 1 in 10 concussions. A person with a concussion may have trouble answering basic questions or may move in an awkward or clumsy way.
If someone has concussion symptoms, they should be removed from play right away and seen by a health care provider rather than trying to finish the game or activity.
Recovery Is Individual
For about 9 in 10 people with concussions, symptoms disappear within 7 to 10 days. Others take longer to recover, which is why an individualized assessment and closely monitored plan matter.
Optimal recovery does not necessarily mean fast recovery. Our focus is helping you progress safely at the right pace for your symptoms and goals.
Our Concussion Rehabilitation Program
No two concussion injuries are the same. Different areas of the brain may be involved, so your physiotherapist will complete a thorough evaluation of your neurological, musculoskeletal, and balance systems. From there, we build a personalized plan designed to support a safe and optimal recovery time.
Rest & Recovery
Concussion recovery often requires rest for both the brain and body. We provide a personalized, closely monitored program to limit physical, thinking, and remembering activities when needed to help prevent symptoms from worsening. Proper sleep hygiene is also important, and our specialists can provide education to help support better sleep.
Restoring Strength & Endurance
Rest can quickly lead to deconditioning. Our trained clinicians prescribe graded neuromuscular and endurance training to help you build back toward daily activities, work, and sporting events without progressing too quickly.
Dizziness & Balance Treatment
Dizziness after concussion may be related to injury to the vestibular system. Specialized treatment and training may help reduce dizziness and associated balance problems. Your plan may include stretches, strength and motion exercises, eye exercises, hands-on techniques, and specialized balance devices.
Return to Sport & Daily Life
Returning to normal activities is a gradual process. We add the appropriate level of exercise and functional activity step by step because too much stimulation may temporarily worsen symptoms. Your physiotherapist will guide your progression and help you follow a safe return-to-sport or return-to-daily-activity plan.
Start With a Thorough Concussion Assessment
With a proper assessment and closely monitored treatment program, most patients fully recover with minimal residual deficits. Follow the guidance of a physiotherapist trained in concussion rehabilitation.
Serving patients in Edmonton and Drumheller, AB.