Confidence in Your Recovery
Concussions can affect more than just your head - they can impact your balance, vision, energy, focus, and ability to tolerate everyday movement.
Our team at Great North Physiotherapy takes a structured, movement-based approach to concussion rehabilitation to help you recover safely, rebuild tolerance, and return to the activities that matter most.
Concussion Recovery Isn't Just About Rest
While rest plays a role early on, ongoing symptoms often require a more active and targeted approach.
A concussion affects how the brain processes movement, exertion, and sensory input. That’s why symptoms like headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and brain fog can persist longer than expected.
At Great North Physiotherapy, we focus on understanding how your symptoms present, identifying the systems involved, and guiding your recovery with a clear, progressive plan.
Does This Sound Familiar?
Concussion and post-concussion symptoms can vary widely. You may be experiencing:
- Headaches or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue or reduced energy levels
- Difficulty with screen time or reading
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Symptoms that worsen with physical or mental activity
- Feeling “off” or not like yourself
If your symptoms are lingering or limiting your day-to-day life, you’re not alone and there is a structured path forward.
Understanding Your Concussion Symptoms
Concussion recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. A detailed assessment helps us identify what systems are contributing to your symptoms.
Your concussion assessment may include:
- A detailed history of your injury and symptom progression
- Symptom profiling and trigger identification
- Vestibular and balance assessment
- Eye movement and visual tracking evaluation
- Cervical spine (neck) assessment
- Exercise tolerance testing
Buffalo Treadmill Test
When appropriate, we use the Buffalo Treadmill Test to assess your tolerance to physical exertion. This helps us safely guide your return to activity and build a structured progression.
The goal is to move from uncertainty to clarity — so your recovery has direction.
How We Handle Concussion Rehab at Great North Physio
Your treatment plan is built around your symptoms, tolerance, and goals.
Treatment may include:
Graded return to activity
A structured progression of physical and cognitive activity based on your tolerance.
Vestibular rehabilitation
For dizziness, balance issues, and motion sensitivity.
Visual and oculomotor retraining
To improve eye tracking, focus, and screen tolerance.
Cervical spine treatment
Addressing neck-related contributors to headaches and symptoms.
Sub-symptom threshold exercise
Using controlled exercise to improve recovery without aggravating symptoms.
Education and pacing strategies
Helping you understand your symptoms and manage activity levels effectively.
Why Choose Our Team?
At Great North Physiotherapy, your concussion care is:
Structured and individualized
Your recovery plan is based on your presentation (not a generic timeline).
Movement-based and progressive
We guide you through recovery step by step, building tolerance and capacity safely.
Integrated across systems
We assess and treat vestibular, visual, and musculoskeletal contributors together.
Designed to return you to what you do
Whether that’s sport, work, school, or everyday life, your plan is built around it.
Connected to performance when appropriate
With access to House of Greatness, you can bridge the gap from recovery to performance when you’re ready.
We don’t just help you feel better; we help you function at your full capacity again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does concussion recovery take?
Recovery timelines vary depending on the individual and the nature of the injury. Many people improve within weeks, while others require a more structured progression over time.
Should I rest until symptoms are gone?
Complete rest beyond the initial phase is no longer recommended. A guided, gradual return to activity is typically more effective.
Can physiotherapy help with concussion symptoms?
Yes, physiotherapy can address vestibular, visual, neck-related, and exercise tolerance components of concussion recovery.
Do I need a referral?
No, you can book directly with a physiotherapist in Ontario, although some insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement.
Let's Move Forward, Together.
Concussion symptoms can feel frustrating and unpredictable, but with the right assessment and plan, recovery becomes much more manageable.
If you’re dealing with ongoing symptoms or unsure how to safely return to activity, we’re here to help guide you through it.
