What to Expect During a Concussion Rehabilitation Plan

 

A concussion rehabilitation plan is designed to help individuals gradually recover from the effects of a concussion and safely return to their daily activities. Concussions are mild traumatic brain injuries that may occur after a fall, accident, or sports-related impact, and they can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and sensitivity to light or sound. Recovery varies for each person, so rehabilitation plans are personalized to address the individual’s specific needs and pace of healing.

At the start of a concussion rehabilitation plan, the physiotherapist typically performs a detailed assessment to understand the extent of the symptoms. This evaluation may include checking balance, coordination, neck function, eye movements, and overall tolerance to activity. The assessment is not only used to establish a baseline but also to guide the progression of therapy. From here, the physiotherapist can outline a step-by-step plan that considers both rest and gradual activity.

Early stages of concussion care often focus on reducing symptom aggravation and promoting gentle recovery. This may involve periods of relative rest, where the patient limits screen time, strenuous activity, or environments that worsen symptoms. However, prolonged complete rest is not always recommended, and the rehabilitation plan generally includes light, guided activity as tolerated. This balance helps the brain and body adjust without pushing recovery too quickly.

As symptoms begin to improve, the plan may progress to more structured exercises. These can include balance and coordination training, gradual aerobic activity to improve endurance, and exercises for the neck or vestibular system if dizziness and unsteadiness are present. In some cases, vision therapy or cognitive strategies may also be introduced if the concussion has affected eye movement control or concentration. Each stage is carefully monitored to ensure progress without causing a return of symptoms.

Education is also an important part of concussion rehabilitation. Patients are supported with guidance on managing daily activities, sleep hygiene, hydration, and pacing strategies to avoid overexertion. This helps individuals regain confidence in resuming school, work, or physical activity while minimizing the risk of setbacks. The physiotherapist also helps identify when it is safe to progress through stages of activity, whether that means returning to light exercise, sports practice, or full contact play in athletic settings.

For some individuals, recovery may take longer, and symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or dizziness may persist. In these cases, rehabilitation plans are adapted to address lingering concerns with targeted therapies. This may include manual therapy for the neck, vestibular rehabilitation for balance and dizziness, or gradual conditioning for those experiencing fatigue. The plan remains flexible and tailored to each person’s progress.

At Granville Physiotherapy, concussion rehabilitation is approached with care, patience, and individualized strategies. The goal is to help patients return safely to their normal routines while addressing the unique challenges that each concussion may bring. By combining physical therapy techniques with education and gradual activity, the clinic supports a recovery process that respects the body’s pace of healing.

For added convenience, the clinic provides direct billing, accepts most insurance plans, and offers same-day appointments. No referrals are required, and both walk-in patients and those needing accessible care can benefit from free parking and wheelchair accessibility.

If you or someone you know is managing the effects of a concussion, support is available to help guide the recovery journey. To begin a personalized concussion rehabilitation plan, you can book an appointment with Granville Physiotherapy and take a step toward safely regaining comfort, balance, and daily function.