Post-Concussion Rehabilitation
Concussion symptoms can affect work, school, sport, exercise, screen time, sleep, and everyday activity. Rehabilitation focuses on understanding your symptoms and helping you return to activity gradually and safely.
When concussion symptoms linger
A concussion can affect multiple systems in the body, which may cause a variety of symptoms. Some people recover quickly after a concussion, while others continue to experience symptoms that make daily life difficult to manage.
Concussion-related symptoms may include:
- headaches or pressure in the head
- dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems
- nausea
- motion sensitivity
- neck pain or stiffness
- light or sound sensitivity
- fatigue
- poor sleep
- difficulty concentrating
- vision strain or trouble with screens
- feeling worse with physical or cognitive activity
These symptoms can be frustrating, especially when they change from day to day. A careful assessment can help identify what may be contributing to your symptoms and what kind of support may help.
How we assess concussion recovery
Your first visit will include a detailed conversation about your injury, symptoms, health history, activity level, and goals. Your therapist may assess areas such as neck mobility, balance, eye movement, vestibular function, exercise tolerance, and how your symptoms respond to different kinds of activity.
The goal is to understand which systems may be involved and how to guide your recovery without pushing too hard, too soon.
Treatment may include
Your treatment plan will depend on your symptoms and assessment findings. It may include:
- education about concussion recovery and symptom management
- guidance on pacing, rest, and gradual return to activity
- neck treatment or exercises when neck pain is contributing
- vestibular rehabilitation for dizziness, vertigo, or balance concerns
- vision exercises
- gradual aerobic exercise progression
- return-to-school, work, sport, or daily activity planning
- strategies for managing screen time, light sensitivity, and symptom fluctuations
Rehabilitation is usually progressed step by step. Your therapist will help you understand what to work on, what to monitor, and when to adjust the plan.
What to expect
Your first session is about understanding the full picture. Your therapist will ask how the concussion happened, what symptoms you are experiencing, what has changed since the injury, and what activities you are trying to return to.
After assessment, they will explain what they are finding and recommend a plan based on your current stage of recovery. Treatment may begin with education, symptom-management strategies, gentle movement, or specific exercises depending on your needs.
If your symptoms suggest that another medical assessment is needed, your therapist can help guide you toward the appropriate next step.
Returning to activity
Concussion recovery is not always linear. Symptoms may improve, worsen, or shift as you return to more activity. A structured plan can help you build tolerance gradually while reducing the risk of doing too much too soon.
The goal is to help you return to school, work, sport, exercise, and daily life with more confidence and a clear understanding of how to move forward.
