Concussion Management

Concussion is defined as a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or neck, or elsewhere in the body where high forces are transmitted to the head. The presentation of concussion varies widely, but common symptoms include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and trouble with sleeping. Generally, concussion symptoms are the result of functional changes within the brain rather than permanent structural damage. This is good news, as it means that the majority of concussions will resolve over time. However, the recovery time of concussions can vary widely, and there are many things that can be done to help speed up the recovery process.

In the past, individuals were advised to rest completely in a quiet dark room for several days after a concussion. However, recent research has shown that total rest delays recovery. Rather, the recommendation now is for relativerest, with a focus on rapidly returning to your activities of daily living. A physiotherapist can help you balance rest with active recovery by monitoring your symptoms and guiding you through a safe and gradual return to school, work, or sport. Additionally, a physiotherapist can treat many symptoms associated with concussions such as headaches, dizziness, and neck pain.

Additionally, many patients may benefit from care from a chiropractor, naturopath, RMT, or kinesiologist. Contact our clinic or book in with any of our therapists if you are unsure where to start.

There is no one-size-fits-all for concussion care, as every concussion patient presents with different signs and symptoms. Some of the services we can offer include:

• Acupuncture
• Spinal and cervical (neck) decompression
• Intramuscular stimulation
• Massage, manual therapy, and chiropractic care
• Naturopathic care for help with sleep, nutrition, and reducing fatigue
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Physiotherapy for jaw pain
• Vestibular Therapy for dizziness and vertigo