Sports-related concussions are common in hockey, soccer, football, basketball, and ringette across Edmonton, Canada. While many athletes expect symptoms to resolve quickly, recovery can be unpredictable without structured care.
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Sports concussion rehab in Edmonton clinic |
At Granville Physiotherapy, concussion management services are provided with a focus on community-based care in Edmonton, Alberta. Our concussion physiotherapy programs are designed for individuals in Edmonton and surrounding areas who experience symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, balance challenges, and neck stiffness following head injuries.
Located in the heart of Edmonton, our clinic collaborates with nearby healthcare providers and local specialists to ensure coordinated concussion recovery support. Residents in neighbourhoods including Downtown Edmonton, Oliver, Glenora, and Westmount access our services for tailored assessment and movement-focused rehabilitation strategies.
As part of the Edmonton health community, we integrate local clinical guidelines and recovery pathways to support concussion symptom management, balance rehabilitation, vestibular coordination work, and gradual return-to-activity planning.
As clinicians working with youth, collegiate, and adult athletes, we regularly see how targeted rehabilitation shortens recovery timelines and reduces the risk of prolonged symptoms. Evidence-based concussion physiotherapy Edmonton focuses on restoring brain function, balance, vision, and graded physical tolerance — not just symptom management.
Understanding Sports-Related Concussions
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a direct blow or rapid acceleration-deceleration of the head. Loss of consciousness is not required for diagnosis.
Common symptoms include:
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Headache or pressure in the head
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Dizziness or balance problems
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Light and noise sensitivity
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Blurred vision
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Brain fog or slowed thinking
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Irritability or sleep disturbances
In Alberta, most sport organizations follow graduated return-to-play protocols. However, athletes with persistent symptoms benefit from structured rehabilitation guided by trained professionals.
Why Early Assessment Matters
Early physiotherapy assessment helps identify:
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Vestibular dysfunction (inner ear balance issues)
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Cervical spine involvement (neck-related dizziness or headaches)
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Visual tracking or convergence problems
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Autonomic nervous system dysregulation
Without proper screening, these contributors can delay recovery.
A comprehensive concussion rehabilitation physio Edmonton program evaluates:
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Balance testing
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Oculomotor screening
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Neck mobility and strength
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Exertion tolerance through controlled exercise testing
This objective approach ensures treatment is individualized rather than generic rest advice.
What Concussion Physiotherapy Involves
Modern concussion care has evolved significantly. Complete rest beyond 24–48 hours is no longer recommended in most cases. Instead, controlled, symptom-guided activity improves recovery outcomes.
A structured program may include:
1. Vestibular Rehabilitation
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Gaze stabilization exercises
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Balance retraining
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Motion sensitivity reduction
2. Cervical Spine Treatment
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Manual therapy
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Deep neck flexor strengthening
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Postural correction
3. Graduated Aerobic Conditioning
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Sub-symptom threshold exercise
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Heart rate–monitored progression
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Safe return-to-play planning
4. Visual Retraining
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Convergence exercises
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Eye tracking drills
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Screen tolerance progression
This integrated approach supports safe concussion recovery physio Edmonton strategies tailored to each athlete.
Return-to-Play in Edmonton Sports
Athletes in Edmonton minor hockey leagues, school athletics, and club sports must complete staged return-to-play protocols.
These typically include:
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Light aerobic activity
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Sport-specific drills (no contact)
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Non-contact training
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Full-contact practice (with medical clearance)
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Game play
Skipping steps increases reinjury risk. Professional monitoring ensures safe progression and reduces second-impact complications.
When Symptoms Persist Beyond 2–3 Weeks
If symptoms last longer than expected, this may indicate:
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Cervicogenic headaches
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Persistent vestibular dysfunction
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Exercise intolerance
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Anxiety related to injury
Targeted therapy significantly improves outcomes in these cases. Athletes who previously struggled for months often progress steadily once the right system is addressed.
Integrated Care Approach
Comprehensive concussion management may involve collaboration with:
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Family physicians
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Sports medicine doctors
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Neuropsychologists
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School support teams
Coordinated care ensures academic accommodations and safe sport reintegration.
Why Local Expertise Matters
Edmonton athletes face unique seasonal challenges:
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Ice-related falls during winter
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High-contact hockey environments
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School and university academic pressures
Local clinicians understand regional sport demands and insurance pathways in Alberta, ensuring smoother care coordination.
FAQs
1. How soon should I start physiotherapy after a sports concussion?
Most athletes benefit from assessment within 3–7 days if symptoms persist beyond initial rest. Early guidance prevents deconditioning and prolonged recovery.
2. Do I need a referral for concussion physiotherapy in Edmonton?
In Alberta, a referral is not always required for physiotherapy, though some insurance plans may request one.
3. How long does concussion recovery take?
Most recover within 2–4 weeks, but timelines vary depending on age, injury severity, and previous concussion history.
4. Is exercise safe after a concussion?
Yes, when prescribed below symptom threshold. Controlled aerobic exercise is supported by current research and improves recovery outcomes.
5. Can neck problems cause ongoing concussion symptoms?
Yes. Cervical spine dysfunction frequently contributes to headaches, dizziness, and visual strain after a concussion.
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