What Is A Concussion?

A concussion is an injury to the brain that results in temporary loss of normal brain function and can happen to anyone. Thankfully our team of Physiotherapist and Chiropractors are trained and able to help identify and diagnose a concussion and provide the necessary support to get back on your feet and in the game when it is safe to do so.
Concussions are not an injury that be taken lightly. According to best evidence and brain injury experts even though there are some concussions that are less serious than others, there is no such thing as a “minor concussion”.

Recognizing Concussion Symptoms

Common concussion symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating. Mild concussion symptoms can sometimes be easy to dismiss, but even subtle changes in how you feel after a head impact deserve attention.

One of the important things to understand is that delayed concussion symptoms are possible. Some people feel fine immediately after a head injury, only to develop signs of a concussion hours or even days later. If you or someone you know has taken a hit to the head, monitor closely for any changes in mood, sleep, memory, or balance.

Signs of a concussion to watch for:

  • Headache or pressure in the head
  • Confusion or feeling "foggy"
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Slurred speech or feeling slowed down
  • Memory gaps around the time of injury
  • Mood changes, irritability, or increased anxiety

If you notice any of these signs after a head injury, seek assessment right away. Early identification leads to better outcomes.

How Physiotherapy Supports Concussion Recovery

Physiotherapy plays a central role in concussion recovery, particularly when symptoms involve dizziness, balance problems, headaches, or difficulty returning to physical activity. Our physiotherapists assess the vestibular system, the cervical spine, and overall movement patterns to identify what is driving your symptoms and build a recovery plan around it.

Treatment through physiotherapy may include:

  • Vestibular rehabilitation to address dizziness and balance disruption
  • Cervical spine manual therapy for headaches originating from the neck
  • Graded return-to-activity and return-to-sport programming
  • Cognitive load and exertion management strategies
  • Education on pacing and activity modification during healing

Physiotherapy is especially valuable for people whose concussion recovery is being slowed by neck involvement or vestibular dysfunction, two of the most common reasons symptoms linger beyond the expected window.

Chiropractic Care for Post-Concussion Syndrome

Chiropractic care addresses the musculoskeletal and neurological components of concussion that are often overlooked. Many people experience cervicogenic headaches, upper cervical tension, and restricted joint mobility following a head injury. Our chiropractors focus on restoring proper alignment and function in the spine, particularly in the upper cervical region, to reduce symptom load and support the brain's recovery environment.

Post concussion syndrome, where post concussion symptoms persist beyond the expected recovery window, often has a significant cervical component that responds well to chiropractic treatment. This may include:

  • Upper cervical joint mobilization and manipulation
  • Soft tissue therapy for suboccipital and upper trapezius tension
  • Postural correction to reduce ongoing strain on the nervous system
  • Coordination with physiotherapy to ensure a unified recovery approach

For patients dealing with ongoing headaches or dizziness and vertigo following a concussion, chiropractic care is often a key part of resolving what other approaches have not fully addressed.

Your Concussion Treatment Plan at Revive Health

How long does a concussion last? For many people, most symptoms resolve within 7 to 14 days with proper management. However, recovery time varies depending on the severity of the injury, previous concussion history, and how closely a concussion protocol is followed. When symptoms persist, a collaborative approach between physiotherapy and chiropractic care produces the best outcomes.

At Revive Health, your concussion treatment plan is built around your specific presentation, not a one-size-fits-all template. Your physiotherapist and chiropractor work together from the start, sharing findings and progressing your care in a coordinated way. Whether you are dealing with a recent concussion or struggling with post concussion syndrome, you will have a clear plan with defined milestones for getting back to full activity.

Conditions we commonly treat alongside concussions include headaches, dizziness and vertigo, and neck pain. You can also visit our full conditions page to explore other areas we support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most concussions resolve within one to four weeks with proper rest and a supervised return-to-activity plan. Some individuals, particularly those with a history of previous concussions, may experience post concussion syndrome with symptoms lasting longer than expected.

If you suspect a concussion, stop the activity immediately and seek assessment from a healthcare professional. Avoid returning to sport or demanding physical activity until you have been cleared by a trained clinician. Our team can assess your symptoms and guide your recovery safely.

Return to activity should always follow a step-by-step concussion protocol guided by a healthcare professional. Going back too soon, before symptoms have fully resolved, increases the risk of prolonged recovery and re-injury. Our team will help you progress safely through each stage.

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