Sterling Physiotherapy is a trusted clinic in Hamilton–Burlington with 250+ real Google reviews for Physiotherapy, Vestibular, TMJ Dysfunction, Massage therapy and Custom orthotics.
Read ReviewsA slip on an icy Hamilton driveway, a collision at the rink, or a rear-end crash on the QEW: concussions happen in everyday life. Most people recover well, but some are left with lingering dizziness, headaches, or brain fog. This guide covers the symptoms to watch for, what recovery realistically looks like, and how concussion rehabilitation at Sterling Physiotherapy in Hamilton helps you get back to your routine safely.
Concussion physiotherapy in Hamilton uses specialized assessment and targeted rehabilitation to treat the headaches, dizziness, neck pain, vision strain, and fatigue that follow a head injury. While most people improve within one to four weeks, physiotherapy helps when symptoms linger or when you need a safe, step-by-step return to work, school, or sport.
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a hit to the body that whips the head back and forth. The impact briefly disrupts how brain cells work. Standard CT and MRI scans usually look normal, so diagnosis is based on your history, symptoms, and a clinical exam. Most people never lose consciousness, making milder knocks easily overlooked.
Symptoms may arise quickly or develop over hours and days. They often fall into four categories:
Emergency Red Flags: Seek emergency care if you notice a worsening headache, repeated vomiting, a seizure, loss of consciousness, growing confusion or drowsiness, slurred speech, weakness or numbness, unequal pupils, or fluid from the nose or ears. Anyone with a suspected head injury should be assessed by a doctor.
For most people, concussion symptoms improve within one to four weeks, according to Parachute's Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport resources. Children and teens often take longer, as can those with a previous concussion. The recovery trajectory is rarely linear, so good days followed by flare-ups are normal. A history of migraines, a coinciding neck injury, poor sleep, or rushing back to demanding activity can all prolong the process.
| Stage | Typical Timing | What It Involves |
|---|---|---|
| Early Rest | First 24 to 48 hours | Relative rest, gentle daily activity, no sport. |
| Gradual Recovery | One to four weeks | Symptoms ease, step-by-step return to school, work, and exercise. |
| Persisting Symptoms | Beyond 2 weeks (adults) or 4 weeks (children/teens) | Ongoing dizziness, headaches, or fatigue. Expert assessment recommended. |
Rest is the starting point, but when symptoms linger, they are often triggered by specific, treatable problems in the inner-ear balance system, eye-movement system, or the neck. A concussion-informed physiotherapist identifies which systems are involved and develops your personalized rehab plan.
Parachute's return-to-sport strategy moves through six steps. Each lasts at least 24 hours, and you advance only when activity does not provoke new or worsening symptoms. Returning to school or work comes before returning to sport.
If symptoms flare more than mildly or for more than an hour, stop and try the same step again the next day. Your physiotherapist assists you with progression and helps recognize setbacks. For more specific details on safely returning to play, see our return-to-sport guide.
Consider booking an assessment if:
Hamilton's active lifestyle means concussions come from many sources: hockey and football, icy sidewalks and Escarpment trails in winter, cycling, workplace incidents, and motor vehicle collisions. If your injury was a result of a car accident or a workplace incident, Sterling Physiotherapy provides MVA physiotherapy and WSIB physiotherapy, and we offer direct billing with most insurance benefit providers.
Sterling Physiotherapy is a multi-disciplinary outpatient rehabilitation clinic at 505 Rymal Rd E, Hamilton, with over 200 Google reviews. We offer concussion assessment, vestibular and vision rehabilitation, neck treatment, and return-to-activity guidance, in coordination with your doctor.
No referral is needed, parking is free. We are open Monday to Friday 10 am to 8 pm and Saturday 10 am to 3 pm.
Still dizzy, foggy, or held back by headaches? Let us determine the cause and develop a plan to get you moving again.
Book an Appointment
Call: (289) 401-2900
Location: Sterling Physiotherapy, 505 Rymal Rd E, Hamilton, ON L8W 3X1
Yes. A physiotherapist trained in concussion care assesses balance, eye movements and neck function, then treats what they find with vestibular rehabilitation, vision exercises, manual therapy and graded exercise. It is most useful when dizziness, headaches or fatigue last longer than expected.
Most people feel better within one to four weeks. Children and teens often need longer, and a previous concussion can extend recovery. If symptoms last beyond about two weeks in adults or four weeks in children, ask for an expert assessment.
No referral is needed to book at Sterling Physiotherapy, although some insurance plans require a doctor's referral for reimbursement. A doctor should still assess any head injury first to rule out serious complications.
Yes, once a doctor has ruled out a serious injury. Sleep supports healing, and you do not need to be woken through the night unless a clinician advises it. Seek urgent care if you cannot be woken normally or become more confused.
