A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury that can occur after a blow, jolt or impact to the head or body. Although many concussions improve with appropriate management, symptoms can affect physical activity, concentration, balance, sleep and everyday function.
At Sterling Physiotherapy & Wellness, we provide individualized physiotherapy rehabilitation for athletes and active individuals recovering from concussion in Calgary. Your assessment considers symptoms, balance, coordination, neck movement, exercise tolerance and functional activities to help guide a safe rehabilitation program.
Depending on your presentation, treatment may include education, symptom-guided activity progression, neck rehabilitation, balance exercises, coordination training and gradually increasing cardiovascular exercise.
Concussion recovery should be individualized. Returning to sport or demanding physical activity too quickly can aggravate symptoms, while prolonged unnecessary inactivity may also interfere with recovery. Rehabilitation focuses on finding an appropriate level of activity and progressively increasing physical demands as tolerated.
Our goal is to support a safe, gradual return to school, work, exercise, sport and other daily activities.
If you have ongoing symptoms following a sports-related concussion, Sterling Physiotherapy & Wellness can assess your physical function and develop an individualized rehabilitation plan.
Causes
A concussion can occur when a blow, jolt or impact causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. It can occur with or without a direct blow to the head.
Common sports-related situations include:
- Collision with another player
- Falls during sport
- Contact with the ground
- Being struck by sports equipment
- Sudden acceleration or deceleration
- Contact during contact or collision sports
- Impacts during recreational activities
Concussions can occur in many different sports and activities. The severity of the impact does not always predict the severity or duration of symptoms.
A suspected concussion should be appropriately assessed by a qualified healthcare professional. Physiotherapy can form part of rehabilitation when physical symptoms or activity limitations are present.
Signs & Symptoms
Concussion symptoms can affect physical, cognitive, emotional and sleep-related function.
Possible symptoms include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Balance difficulties
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Blurred or altered vision
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling mentally slowed down
- Memory difficulties
- Irritability or mood changes
- Sleep disturbances
- Reduced tolerance for exercise
- Symptoms that increase with physical or cognitive activity
Symptoms can vary between individuals and may change during recovery.
Seek urgent medical attention for concerning symptoms such as repeated vomiting, worsening severe headache, increasing confusion, seizure, loss of consciousness, significant weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, or increasing difficulty staying awake.
Benefits
Physiotherapy can support recovery when physical and activity-related symptoms persist following concussion.
Potential benefits include:
- Improved balance
- Better coordination
- Improved neck mobility and strength
- Increased exercise tolerance
- Improved tolerance for physical activity
- Reduced dizziness associated with appropriate vestibular rehabilitation
- Improved confidence with movement
- Structured progression of physical activity
- Support for a gradual return to sport
- Education about symptom-guided activity
Rehabilitation should be based on the individual's symptoms, stage of recovery and medical guidance.
Treatment Process
Step 1: Concussion & Functional Assessment
Your physiotherapist reviews your symptoms, injury history, current activity level and functional limitations. The assessment may examine balance, coordination, neck function, movement and exercise tolerance.
Step 2: Identify Contributing Factors
The assessment helps determine whether symptoms may be associated with cervical, vestibular, balance, movement or exercise-tolerance issues that can be addressed through physiotherapy.
Step 3: Symptom & Mobility Management
Treatment may include cervical mobility work, appropriate manual therapy, balance exercises and education about managing physical activity according to your symptoms.
Step 4: Exercise & Functional Rehabilitation
A progressive exercise program may be introduced to improve cardiovascular tolerance, balance, coordination, strength and other physical capacities affected by the concussion.
Step 5: Progressive Return to Activities
Physical demands are gradually increased as tolerated, with progression toward training, sport-specific activities and eventual return to full participation when appropriate.
Recovery Expectations
Concussion recovery varies considerably. Many people improve progressively, but the duration and pattern of recovery can differ depending on symptoms, previous injuries, physical demands and individual factors.
Initial management generally emphasizes appropriate rest and a gradual return to everyday activities rather than prolonged complete inactivity. Physical activity can then be progressed according to symptom response and clinical guidance.
Physiotherapy may be particularly useful when symptoms involving the neck, balance, dizziness, movement or exercise tolerance persist.
Return to sport should be gradual and follow an appropriate progression rather than relying solely on whether symptoms have temporarily improved.
If symptoms persist, worsen or change unexpectedly, reassessment by an appropriate healthcare professional may be necessary.
Therapeutic Features & Treatment Scope
- Concussion & Functional Assessment
- Balance & Coordination Training
- Cervical Rehabilitation
- Exercise Tolerance Training
- Vestibular Rehabilitation
- Graduated Return-to-Sport Planning
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sports concussion?
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow, jolt or impact to the head or body that produces changes in brain function. It can occur with or without loss of consciousness.
Can physiotherapy help with concussion recovery?
Yes. Physiotherapy can help address physical symptoms such as balance problems, dizziness, neck pain, reduced exercise tolerance and movement difficulties as part of an individualized concussion rehabilitation program.
What treatment is involved for a concussion?
Treatment may include education, balance and coordination exercises, cervical rehabilitation, vestibular exercises when appropriate, progressive cardiovascular activity and a structured return-to-sport program.
How long does concussion recovery take?
Recovery time varies from person to person. Many people improve progressively, while some experience symptoms for longer and require additional rehabilitation or medical follow-up. Your healthcare team can guide your individual recovery.
When should I see a physiotherapist after a concussion?
A physiotherapy assessment may be appropriate when symptoms such as dizziness, balance problems, neck pain, reduced exercise tolerance or difficulty returning to physical activity persist. A suspected concussion should first receive appropriate medical assessment, particularly when symptoms are significant or worsening.
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