What is a Concussion?
According to the most recent Zurich consensus statement, a concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) as it is sometimes called, is a complex process affecting the brain induced by bio-mechanical forces.
The forces that they are referring to are acceleration or impulse forces delivered to the brain. Concussions cause a temporary dysfunction in the involved nerves, where they don’t work properly for a period of time and may cause any one, or more, of the following signs or symptoms:
If you, or your child is experiencing ANY of these symptoms following a significant hit or blow to the head or body, you should have a high suspicion of a concussion injury and seek medical attention immediately.
Generally, under proper management, most athletes recover completely from their concussions. However, if not managed properly, and the athlete is allowed to return-to-play too early, they are at risk of a severe, potentially permanent, or even fatal brain injury, should they sustain another concussion while in the 'dysfunctional' phase (where the brain is still healing).
At Pro Motion Physiotherapy, we look at the areas that may be contributing to your symptoms and build a rehabilitation plan around what you are experiencing and what you need to get back to.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW to learn more:
What is a concussion?
A Thorough Concussion Assessment Matters
No single test tells the whole story.
Concussion is diagnosed clinically using the history of the injury, symptoms and physical examination. Assessment may include balance, eye movement, reaction time, memory, cognition, neck function and exercise tolerance.
Our goal is to understand which systems may be contributing to your symptoms so treatment can be targeted rather than generic.
What Concussion Rehabilitation May Include
Treatment depends on your symptoms, findings and goals.
Rehabilitation may include a gradual return to physical activity, vestibular and balance exercises, vision or gaze-stabilization work, treatment for neck-related symptoms, education about pacing, and guidance on returning to work, school or sport.
Persistent symptoms can sometimes be influenced by the neck, vestibular system, vision, sleep, migraine pathways, mood or reduced exercise tolerance, so identifying the main drivers is an important part of treatment
Rest Is Not the Whole Plan
Recovery usually involves a gradual return to activity.
Current concussion guidance generally supports relative rest for the first 24 to 48 hours rather than prolonged complete rest. Light activity can often begin as tolerated, followed by a gradual progression based on symptoms and clinical guidance.
We help you understand how much activity is appropriate, how to progress safely and when to adjust the plan.
Returning to Work, School and Sport
The goal is steady progress, not rushing recovery.
Return to work, school and sport should be gradual and based on how you respond. Athletes should complete a stepwise return-to-play progression and receive appropriate medical clearance before returning to full sport participation.
Our role is to help guide that progression and address the physical factors that may be limiting your recovery.
When Symptoms Last Longer
Persistent symptoms deserve a closer look.
Some people continue to experience headaches, dizziness, visual problems, fatigue, brain fog or exercise intolerance for weeks after a concussion. When symptoms persist, the next step is often identifying which systems are still contributing and targeting rehabilitation accordingly.
Ready to Move Forward?
Start with a thorough concussion assessment.
If concussion symptoms are affecting work, school, sport or everyday activities, our physiotherapy team can help you understand what may be contributing and build a plan for the next stage of recovery.
Want to Learn More About Concussion?
For detailed, research-backed information about concussion symptoms, testing, recovery, persistent symptoms and return to activity, visit the Complete Concussions Knowledge Hub. Resources include clinician-reviewed articles and plain-language explanations across the major areas of concussion care.
NOTE: Pro Motion Physio is part of the network of certified Complete Concussion Clinics.
