Concussion Rehabilitation in Ottawa
Individualized physiotherapy for recovery and return to activity
A concussion can affect much more than physical activity. Symptoms may interfere with work, school, exercise, sleep and everyday life, and recovery can vary considerably from person to person.
At Physiomax Health, concussion rehabilitation begins with an individualized assessment to identify the factors contributing to ongoing symptoms and develop a progressive rehabilitation plan focused on movement, function and return to activity.
When Should You Consider Concussion Physiotherapy?
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Balance difficulties or unsteadiness
- Headaches
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Motion sensitivity
- Difficulty tolerating physical activity
- Visual or movement-related symptom provocation
- Fatigue with activity
- Difficulty returning to exercise or sport
- Persistent symptoms affecting work, school or everyday activities
Not every person with a concussion experiences the same symptoms, which is why assessment should guide rehabilitation.
What Does a Concussion Physiotherapy Assessment Include?
Assessment is tailored to your symptoms, history and goals. Depending on your presentation, your physiotherapist may assess:
- Balance and walking
- Vestibular function
- Eye and head movement coordination
- Gaze stability
- Motion sensitivity
- Neck mobility and function
- Strength and movement
- Exercise tolerance
- Functional activities that provoke symptoms
The assessment helps identify which systems may be contributing to symptoms and which areas are appropriate for physiotherapy intervention.
How Can Concussion Rehabilitation Help?
- Vestibular Rehabilitation
When concussion results in dizziness, balance difficulties, motion sensitivity or visual-vestibular symptoms, vestibular exercises may form part of rehabilitation. - Balance and Coordination
Progressive balance and movement exercises may be used when concussion affects stability or coordination. - Neck Rehabilitation
The neck can also contribute to headaches, dizziness, pain and movement limitations following an injury. Assessment can identify whether cervical rehabilitation should form part of treatment. - Progressive Exercise
Exercise can be introduced and progressed according to symptoms, tolerance and stage of recovery, with the goal of gradually restoring physical activity. - Return to Activity and Sport
Rehabilitation can support a progressive return to everyday activity, exercise and sport based on the person’s symptoms, functional demands and recovery.
Persistent Symptoms After Concussion
While many people improve following a concussion, some experience symptoms that continue to interfere with daily activities.
Persistent dizziness, headaches, balance problems, neck symptoms, motion sensitivity or difficulty tolerating exercise may require a more detailed assessment to determine which factors are contributing to ongoing difficulties.
Physiotherapy can address appropriate vestibular, cervical, balance and physical-conditioning components as part of a broader concussion-management plan.
Why Choose Physiomax Health?
Concussion rehabilitation should not be a one-size-fits-all program.
At Physiomax Health, our approach is individualized and research-driven. Assessment findings are used to determine which areas require rehabilitation and to guide progression toward meaningful goals.
Because our physiotherapy services also include vestibular rehabilitation, orthopaedic and sports physiotherapy, and neurological physiotherapy, we can address relevant overlapping movement and rehabilitation needs within an integrated physiotherapy approach.
Concussion Rehabilitation at Physiomax Health
Concussion physiotherapy is available through Physiomax Health in Ottawa.
South Keys
1935 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1V 8A3
Glebe
619 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1S 3T5
Frequently Asked Questions
The appropriate timing depends on your symptoms, medical status and stage of recovery. If symptoms such
as dizziness, balance problems, neck pain or difficulty returning to activity persist, physiotherapy assessment
may help identify areas that can be addressed through rehabilitation.
Yes. Concussion can affect vestibular and balance function. When appropriate, vestibular rehabilitation may
address dizziness, motion sensitivity, gaze stability and balance problems.
Neck injuries can occur alongside concussion and may contribute to pain, headaches, dizziness or
movement limitations. A physiotherapy assessment can determine whether the cervical spine should form
part of rehabilitation.
Physiotherapy can support a progressive return to physical activity and sport based on symptoms, exercise
tolerance, functional demands and stage of recovery.
Physiotherapy may still be appropriate when symptoms such as dizziness, balance difficulties, neck problems
or exercise intolerance persist. Assessment helps determine whether there are rehabilitation needs that
physiotherapy can address.
A physician’s referral is generally not required to see a physiotherapist in Ontario, although some insurance
plans may require one for reimbursement.