How physiotherapy can help treat a concussion

After a thorough concussion assessment that includes several concussion tests, a physiotherapist can differentiate the various causes of symptoms. Implementation of your treatment plan for concussion management would then follow, with specialized focus on different symptom areas.

Cervical spine issues after a concussion

If the neck or spine has been affected by the concussion an injury, a physiotherapist can help with:

• Strengthening neck muscles
• Manual therapy to ensure the joints are moving well
• Myofascial release techniques to ensure good mobility of the surrounding soft tissue

Vestibular issues after a concussion

Vestibular problems involving dizziness or imbalance can be helped with:

• Balance training
• Canalith repositioning maneuver (a head maneuver to move the ear crystals to an area of your inner ear that eases dizziness)

Visual disturbances after concussion

If vision is affected after a concussion, ocular reflex training can prescribed to improve visual motor control to reduce visual disturbances.

Exertion issues after a concussion

If exertion is a problem, exercise prescriptions should be part of a concussion management plan, with incremental progression of individually tailored exercises.

For more information, or to find a concussion specialist near you: www.lifemark.ca/services/concussion-care