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Read ReviewsA concussion may be referred to as a "mild" brain injury, but when it comes to the symptoms it provokes, not much is mild about it. Headache, dizziness, visual disturbances, imbalance, sensitivity to light/sound, concentration difficulties and fatigue can all interfere with day-to-day activities, work, sport, and overall quality of life.
Many believe that all one needs to do following a concussion is rest until the symptoms resolve. However, recent research suggests that in order to return to work, school, or sport as soon as possible, one should instead focus on receiving appropriate rehabilitation at the right time.
If you have been injured during sports, in a motor vehicle accident, at work, or during a fall, it is time to book a concussion assessment with our physiotherapists at Sterling Physiotherapy.
Sterling Physiotherapy in Hamilton offers personalized concussion rehabilitation programs to help you return to your daily activities safely and effectively.
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by the brain accelerating rapidly inside the skull due to a direct or indirect blow to the head.
Contrary to popular belief, a person does not have to lose consciousness in order to have a concussion. In fact, most people who have a concussion remain conscious.
Symptoms of a concussion may present themselves immediately following the injury or up to 72 hours post-injury.
Each concussion is unique—some may see a rapid improvement in their condition while others may struggle with lingering effects of the injury.
If you are experiencing most of these concussion symptoms or they prohibit you from performing everyday activities, consider booking a concussion physiotherapy session with our experts at Sterling Physiotherapy.
It is common for people to leave their concussions untreated for weeks or even months following the injury in the hopes that the symptoms will simply go away. However, in cases where symptoms persist for longer than a couple of weeks, it is always a good idea to seek professional medical attention.
A professional physiotherapy assessment is always a good option if you are unsure about the cause of your symptoms or if you have suffered a severe injury.
Most of our patients wonder what happens during their concussion physiotherapy assessment, so we thought we'd share a bit of an insight into the process.
During your assessment, your physiotherapist will spend some time educating you on your condition while also asking you a series of questions pertaining to your injury, symptoms, current state of health, and personal goals. Some of the tests that may be performed during your assessment include:
Your physiotherapist will review your:
Many people that suffer concussions also suffer from balance difficulties. The physiotherapist will assess your:
Your vestibular system is responsible for helping your body maintain balance and posture. Some of the tests that may be performed during your assessment include:
Most people that suffer a concussion also suffer from some form of neck injury. The physiotherapist will assess:
The majority of people with concussions experience some form of visual disturbance. The physiotherapist will assess:
Following the assessment, your physiotherapist will come up with a comprehensive rehabilitation program that addresses your unique needs and injury presentation.
Recent advancements in concussion management suggest that the focus should be on identifying the systems that have been affected by the injury as opposed to simply suggesting total rest. Physiotherapy treatment for a concussion may include:
Vestibular rehab is a specialized form of physiotherapy that is used to treat dizziness, imbalance, motion sensitivity, and vertigo. It may involve:
In cases where neck dysfunction contributes to headaches, dizziness, or visual disturbances, physiotherapy treatment may involve:
Physiotherapy treatment for eye movement dysfunction typically involves:
Your physiotherapist can walk you through an individualized, step-by-step program that will help you safely return to work, school, and sport. Current concussion management guidelines suggest that a gradual return to activity is typically safer and more effective than total rest.
The average concussion recovery time varies on a case-by-case basis and largely depends on a number of individual factors including:
Most people make a full recovery within a matter of weeks, while some may require longer-term rehabilitation. The best way to manage a concussion is to follow a personalized treatment program that your physiotherapist will design specifically for you. Do not compare your road to recovery to that of someone else's-everybody heals at a different pace.
Some helpful concussion recovery tips may include:
Note: It is important to pace yourself during the first few weeks following the injury as trying to be too active or too sedentary can provoke your symptoms.
At Sterling Physiotherapy, we recognize that each concussion is different. We offer a number of services that can aid in your concussion rehabilitation, including:
Whether your concussion was caused by a sports injury, a slip and fall, or a car accident, our physiotherapists are here to help you recover safely.
Yes. Physiotherapy for dizziness following a concussion typically involves specialized vestibular rehabilitation exercises aimed at retraining the brain and inner ear to process movement signals correctly.
Physiotherapists generally do not recommend total rest beyond the acute phase of the injury. A gradual, professionally guided return to activity is proven to be safer and more effective.
Yes. That is why neck physiotherapy is often a crucial component of concussion rehabilitation, as cervical spine dysfunction can frequently trigger headaches, dizziness, and visual disturbances.
In most cases, you can book a physiotherapy appointment directly without a referral; however, it is always a good idea to speak with your primary care physician or check your insurance provider's requirements.
