Concussion and Why It Needs Proper Management

A concussion is a brain injury caused by a direct or indirect force to the head that alters brain function. It does not always involve loss of consciousness. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, brain fog, light and noise sensitivity, sleep disturbance, visual problems, and difficulty concentrating. Most concussions resolve within 2 to 4 weeks with appropriate management, but without proper care some symptoms can persist for months as post-concussion syndrome.

Early, guided physiotherapy has been shown to lead to faster recovery compared to rest alone.

What Physiolab Treats in Concussion Rehab

  • Cervicogenic headaches from neck injury sustained during the concussion
  • Vestibular dysfunction causing dizziness and balance problems
  • Visual tracking and convergence difficulties
  • Exercise intolerance and return to activity planning
  • Return-to-sport clearance following sport-related concussion
  • Post-concussion syndrome with persisting symptoms

The Multi-Component Approach

Effective concussion rehabilitation addresses each component of your symptoms rather than treating the concussion as a single problem. Your physiotherapist will assess your cervical spine, vestibular function, visual system, and exercise tolerance, and will coordinate a treatment plan that targets each area as needed. This might involve manual therapy for the neck, vestibular exercises, visual rehabilitation, and a structured aerobic progression.

Return to Sport and Activity

A graded return-to-activity protocol is a core component of concussion management. Your physiotherapist will guide you through this process, clearing you for progressively more demanding activities based on how your symptoms are responding. Returning to sport before being cleared increases the risk of prolonged recovery and re-injury.

Book Concussion Treatment in Vancouver

Available at Physiolab’s Vancouver locations. Covered under most extended health plans, ICBC, and WorkSafeBC.

Concussion symptoms that linger need more than rest. They need a targeted plan.

Book a concussion assessment at Physiolab in Vancouver and get the structured rehabilitation you need for a full recovery. Book today.

Book Now

What Our
Patients Say

★★★★★
Visited a few physio clinics for the past 5 years around town and honestly nothing beats physiolab's service. I've been suffering from migraines for 2 years now and saw many different physios for it that didn't help much. After seeing Jackson Lam for a few months now, I can happily say I don't suffer from migraines anymore.
N
Noor Hussain Ramadhan
★★★★★
I have seen a number of different practitioners here over the last few months for rehabilitation. They have really supported me through what has been a challenging experience so far. The team here is knowledgeable, caring, and responsive.
R
Rachel McPherson
★★★★★
I cannot speak highly enough of Allison, the physiotherapist at Physiolab. She impressed me with her deep knowledge, professional expertise, and genuine compassion. She supported me every step of the way and ensured my concerns were always addressed.
S
Stephanie Chan
★★★★★
Karen was an amazing physiotherapist who really cared about your well being. Her time management with exercises and hands on care was great. Definitely feel a lot better since starting treatment here.
E
elika soltani

FAQs

Common questions about concussion treatment, what to expect from concussion rehabilitation, and how physiotherapy supports recovery in Vancouver.
How long does it take to recover from a concussion?

Most concussions resolve within 2 to 4 weeks with appropriate management. Symptoms that persist beyond this point are referred to as post-concussion syndrome and may require a longer course of rehabilitation. Early physiotherapy reduces the risk of prolonged recovery.

Should I rest completely after a concussion?

Complete rest for extended periods is no longer the recommended approach. After a brief period of relative rest in the first 24 to 48 hours, gradual, guided activity has been shown to support faster recovery. A physiotherapist will guide your return to activity safely.

What does concussion physiotherapy involve?

Concussion physiotherapy addresses the specific components driving your symptoms. This may include manual therapy for the cervical spine, vestibular rehabilitation for dizziness, visual exercises for tracking difficulties, aerobic exercise progressions for exercise intolerance, and return-to-sport planning.

Can physiotherapy help with headaches after a concussion?

Yes. Many post-concussion headaches have a cervicogenic component from injury to the neck sustained during the concussive event. Manual therapy and targeted exercises for the cervical spine can significantly reduce these headaches.

Can I return to sport after a concussion?

Return to sport requires a structured, symptom-guided protocol. Your physiotherapist will guide you through the graduated return-to-play steps, only advancing to the next stage when you are symptom-free at the current level. Returning too soon significantly increases re-injury risk.

Is concussion treatment covered by extended health insurance?

Yes. Physiotherapy for concussion is covered under most extended health plans. ICBC covers concussion treatment from motor vehicle accidents. WorkSafeBC covers it for workplace-related head injuries. Physiolab offers direct billing for all of these.

How do I know if I have post-concussion syndrome?

If symptoms from a concussion are persisting beyond 4 weeks, this may indicate post-concussion syndrome. Symptoms include ongoing headaches, brain fog, dizziness, sleep problems, and mood changes. A physiotherapy assessment can identify which components are driving the persistence and guide targeted treatment.

When should I see a physiotherapist after a concussion?

As soon as possible after the initial 24 to 48 hours of rest. Early assessment identifies which systems are affected and prevents the adoption of avoidance behaviors that can prolong recovery. You do not need to wait for symptoms to fully settle before seeking physiotherapy.

Our
Locations

We are proud to serve multiple convenient locations, ensuring quality physiotherapy care is always within reach.