A concussion can affect how you think, move, sleep, and function day to day. Symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, fatigue, or feeling mentally slowed can be unsettling — especially when recovery feels uncertain.
At Panorama Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic in Surrey, BC, concussion physiotherapy focuses on guiding recovery through a structured, evidence-based process. The goal is to support healing without unnecessary delays or symptom flare-ups.
Understanding how concussion rehabilitation works can help you approach recovery with clarity and confidence.
WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that temporarily alters brain function. It can occur after a direct impact to the head, a whiplash-type mechanism, a fall, or a sports collision. Loss of consciousness is not required for a concussion to occur.
Common concussion symptoms include headaches, dizziness, balance difficulties, sensitivity to light or noise, cognitive changes such as brain fog or slowed thinking, neck pain, fatigue, and sleep disruption.
Headaches and neck symptoms are particularly common, which is why concussion physiotherapy often addresses both neurological and cervical spine components together.
WHY CONCUSSION PHYSIOTHERAPY MATTERS
Short periods of rest are appropriate immediately after a concussion. However, prolonged rest and complete avoidance of activity can contribute to delayed recovery.
Concussion physiotherapy provides structured guidance, including symptom-limited movement, gradual return to activity, and monitoring of how your body responds. Education is a key component, helping you understand which symptoms are expected and how to progress safely.
This approach replaces guesswork with a clear rehabilitation plan.
COMPREHENSIVE CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT
Effective concussion management considers multiple systems that may contribute to symptoms, including the:
- Nervous system
- Cervical spine
- Balance system
- Visual system
At Panorama Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic, concussion management typically begins with a detailed assessment of balance, coordination, eye movements, neck mobility and strength, symptom triggers, and tolerance to physical and cognitive activity.
PERSONALIZED CONCUSSION REHAB PROTOCOL
Concussion recovery is highly specific and individualized. A concussion rehab protocol is tailored to your symptoms, daily demands, and recovery goals, whether that involves returning to work, school, or sport.
Rehabilitation may include gentle aerobic exercise to support brain blood flow, vestibular rehabilitation for dizziness, vision exercises for visual strain, cervical spine treatment for neck-related symptoms, and pacing strategies to prevent symptom flare-ups.
Education throughout this process helps you progress without unnecessary setbacks.
PROGRESSIVE RETURN TO ACTIVITY
As symptoms improve, rehabilitation progresses to include increased exercise tolerance, combined cognitive and physical tasks, and activity-specific training. Progression is monitored closely to ensure the nervous system adapts safely.
CONCUSSION RECOVERY TIMELINES
Recovery timelines vary. Many individuals experience improvement within weeks, while others develop prolonged symptoms for various reasons.
Previous concussion history, symptom severity at onset, and the presence of comorbidities like migraine or anxiety can prolong recovery. Delayed recovery often occurs when patients return to cognitive or physical activity too quickly, overwhelming the brain’s healing capacity.
Psychological factors including fear-avoidance behaviors and catastrophizing also delay recovery. Individual variability in neuroplasticity and the specific brain regions affected further explain why some patients recover in weeks while others require months of structured rehabilitation.
Rather than focusing on speed, effective recovery depends on appropriate guidance, timing, and progression.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A CONCUSSION
If you have recently sustained a concussion or suspect one, avoid prolonged bed rest, limit activities that significantly worsen symptoms, gradually reintroduce light movement, and seek assessment from a qualified concussion physiotherapy provider.
Early, informed care often supports smoother recovery.
CONCUSSION PHYSIOTHERAPY IN SURREY, BC
At Panorama Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic in Surrey, BC, concussion physiotherapy emphasizes clear guidance, gradual progression, and long-term confidence in movement and activity.
Whether your concussion resulted from sport, a fall, or a motor vehicle accident, a personalized concussion rehabilitation program can help you return to daily life safely and effectively.