Concussions, often labeled as “mild” traumatic brain injuries, can have major impacts on physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. Whether from sports, a fall, or an accident, early intervention and proper care are crucial. Physiotherapy plays a vital role in concussion recovery beyond just rest.
In this blog, we'll break down how physiotherapy helps with concussion recovery and what to expect during treatment.
🧠 What Is a Concussion?
A concussion occurs when the brain moves rapidly within the skull due to a sudden impact. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
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Headaches
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Dizziness
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Fatigue
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Neck pain
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Visual disturbances
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Difficulty concentrating
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Nausea
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Sensitivity to light or noise
👩⚕️ Why Physiotherapy for Concussions?
Physiotherapy addresses many of the physical symptoms caused by a concussion, especially those that don’t resolve with rest alone. Trained physios provide targeted therapy to treat:
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Vestibular dysfunction (balance and dizziness)
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Cervicogenic symptoms (neck pain and headaches)
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Visual tracking issues
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Exercise intolerance
✅ Key Components of Concussion Physio Therapy
1. Initial Assessment
The first step involves a comprehensive evaluation of:
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Balance and coordination
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Eye tracking and reflexes
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Neck movement and tension
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Heart rate response to activity
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Post-concussion symptoms inventory
This helps the therapist tailor a specific rehab plan.
2. Vestibular Rehabilitation
If you feel dizzy, off-balance, or disoriented, this part’s for you. Your physio may guide you through:
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Gaze stabilization exercises
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Head and eye coordination drills
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Habituation exercises to reduce motion sensitivity
3. Neck (Cervical) Therapy
Often, concussion symptoms overlap with whiplash. A stiff or injured neck can cause:
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Headaches
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Dizziness
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Limited range of motion
Treatment may include:
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Manual therapy
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Gentle stretches
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Posture correction
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Strengthening exercises
4. Graded Exercise Program
Return-to-play or return-to-life protocols aren’t just about rest — movement matters. Controlled, sub-symptom threshold exercise improves:
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Blood flow to the brain
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Energy levels
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Recovery speed
Examples:
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Treadmill walking or stationary cycling with HR monitoring
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Stepwise increase in intensity based on symptoms
5. Vision Therapy Support
For those with eye strain, blurry vision, or difficulty focusing:
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Smooth pursuit and saccade exercises
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Peripheral vision training
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Eye-hand coordination drills
Your physio may work alongside an optometrist or neuro-ophthalmologist if needed.
6. Education & Lifestyle Coaching
Recovery is a 24/7 process. Physios often guide:
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Sleep hygiene
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Stress management
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Screen time control
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Nutrition advice (in collaboration with dietitians)
⏳ How Long Does Recovery Take?
Everyone’s timeline is different, but with physio-led care:
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Most mild concussions improve in 2–4 weeks
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Persistent symptoms (post-concussion syndrome) may take several months of guided rehab
The key is personalized, progressive care — and not rushing the process.
💡 Final Thoughts
Concussion therapy in physiotherapy is not just symptom management it’s an active, science-based approach to healing. If you or someone you know is dealing with concussion symptoms that aren't improving, it might be time to connect with a trained concussion physio.
Recovery is possible — and physio can help you get there. Book an Initial Assessment Today!
