Understanding Concussion Care: How Physical Therapy Can Help You Recover Safely

Concussions are more common than many people realize and they don’t just happen to athletes. A concussion can result from a car accident, sports injury, or any blow to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. While concussions are considered “mild” traumatic brain injuries, their effects can be far reaching. Fortunately, physical therapy plays a vital role in helping patients recover fully and safely.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion occurs when a sudden impact or jolt leads to changes in brain function. This can result in a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Headache

• Dizziness or balance problems

• Blurred or double vision

• Sensitivity to light or noise

• Nausea or vomiting

• Difficulty with concentration or memory

• Fatigue, irritability, or emotional changes

No two concussions are exactly alike, and symptoms can appear immediately or develop hours, or even days after the injury.

The Importance of Early Evaluation

If you suspect a concussion, it’s crucial to get evaluated by a healthcare professional right away. In our clinic, we begin by performing a detailed assessment to understand the extent of your symptoms and how they affect your daily activities. Early management helps prevent symptoms from worsening and reduces the risk of long-term complications.

We work closely with your physician or athletic trainer to ensure a coordinated care plan that prioritizes safety and gradual return to activity.

How Physical Therapy Helps with Concussion Recovery

Concussion rehabilitation focuses on addressing the specific systems that can be disrupted after a head injury such as balance, vision, and neck function. At our clinic, concussion treatment typically includes:

1. Vestibular Rehabilitation

Concussions often affect the vestibular system, which helps control balance and spatial orientation. Vestibular therapy involves targeted exercises to reduce dizziness, improve balance, and restore coordination.

2. Oculomotor and Visual Training

Eye movement and visual tracking can be impacted by a concussion, making reading, screen time, or schoolwork difficult. We use visual exercises to retrain eye coordination, focus, and tracking abilities.

3. Cervical (Neck) Rehabilitation

Neck pain, stiffness, and headaches are common after head injuries. Gentle manual therapy, stretching, and strengthening help restore normal movement and decrease headache frequency.

4. Graded Return-to-Activity Programs

We guide patients through a structured, step-by-step program that gradually increases physical and cognitive activity levels ensuring symptoms don’t return during recovery. This is especially important for athletes returning to sport or students resuming schoolwork.

5. Education and Symptom Management

Understanding your symptoms and how to manage them is key to recovery. We provide individualized guidance on rest, sleep, hydration, nutrition, and pacing daily activities to promote healing.

Recovery Takes Time

Most people recover from a concussion within a few weeks, but some may experience symptoms for longer. Our goal is to help you regain confidence, comfort, and control so you can return to your normal life safely and with lasting results.

If you or someone you know has experienced a concussion, don’t wait to seek care. Early intervention from a trained physical therapist can make a significant difference in how quickly and fully you recover.

Ready to Start Your Recovery?

Contact us today to schedule your concussion evaluation or learn more about our specialized concussion rehabilitation program. Your recovery is our priority.