Ultimate Guide to Concussion Rehab and Management: What You Need to Know

Concussions can happen to anyone—athletes, kids, weekend warriors, or anyone who experiences a blow to the head or a sudden acceleration and deceleration to the head, neck or body with forces transmitted to the brain. While many concussions resolve with rest and time, others can lead to lingering symptoms that affect daily life, school, work, and/or sports. The good news? With the right care, recovery is not only possible—it can be accelerated and more complete.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about concussion rehab and how physical therapy plays a crucial role in getting you or your child back to full function.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a direct blow to the head or a force that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This movement can disrupt normal brain function, leading to a variety of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms.

Common causes of concussion:

• Sports injuries (especially contact sports like football, hockey, wrestling, and soccer)
• Falls
• Car accidents
• Whiplash injuries
• Recreational activities (biking, skiing, skateboarding)

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Concussion

Symptoms can vary widely and may appear immediately or hours (even days) after the injury. They generally fall into four categories:

Physical:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Balance problems

Cognitive:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems
• Confusion
• Slowed thinking

Emotional:

• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Sadness
• Mood swings

Sleep-Related:

• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Sleeping more or less than usual

⚠️ Red flags: Seek emergency care if you notice vomiting, worsening headache, slurred speech, seizures, or loss of consciousness.

Initial Management: What to Do First

The outdated advice of “just rest until you feel better” has shifted. While brief rest is helpful (24–48 hours), research now supports a gradual return to activity under professional guidance.

Key First Steps:

• Stop the activity immediately.
• Get evaluated by a healthcare provider experienced in concussion management.
• Limit but do not avoid screen time and loud environments, and get good sleep during the acute phase.
• Schedule a concussion evaluation within the first few days. Obtaining an evaluation by a provider experienced in concussion management within the first week has been shown to decrease symptom severity and return to baseline sooner.

Why Physical Therapy for Concussion Recovery?

Physical therapy is one of the most effective tools in a comprehensive concussion recovery plan. At our clinic, we use an evidence-based, multi-system approach that includes:

1. Vestibular Rehab

• For symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues
• Includes head and eye movement exercises, gaze stabilization, and balance training

2. Cervical Spine Therapy

• Many concussion symptoms come from associated neck injuries
• Gentle manual therapy, mobility work, and posture correction can relieve headaches and neck pain

3. Visual-Motor Integration

• Addresses blurry vision, eye strain, or difficulty tracking
• Eye movement training and visual exercises help restore coordination

4. Exertion Training

• Helps patients safely return to exercise or sport
• Guided progression through cardio, strength, and sport-specific drills
• Prevents symptom flare-ups with monitored activity

The Stages of Recovery

Recovery looks different for everyone, but a guided progression often follows these phases:

1. Acute Rest and Symptom Management
2. Gradual Return to Light Activity
3. Targeted Rehab for Vestibular, Cervical, or Vision Issues
4. Progressive Physical Exertion
5. Return to School or Work
6. Return to Sport or Full Activity

📍 Note: Athletes should complete a return-to-play protocol supervised by a trained provider. Our clinic provides this service to ensure safety and performance readiness.

Concussion Recovery Tips: What You Can Do at Home

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule
• Stay hydrated and eat brain-supportive foods (omega-3s, anti-oxidants, protein)
• Limit screen time in early phases
• Use sunglasses or noise-canceling headphones if sensitive to light/sound
• Monitor symptoms daily and share updates with your rehab team

Why Choose Our Clinic for Concussion Rehab?

Our physical therapy team specializes in concussion management for athletes, teens, and adults. We understand that no two concussions are alike, so we create personalized plans to treat the root cause—not just the symptoms.

✔️ Certified in concussion rehab (complete concussion management)
✔️ Baseline testing available for athletes
✔️ Return-to-learn and return-to-play guidance
✔️ One-on-one, sport-specific progressions
✔️ Collaborative care with physicians, athletic trainers, coaches, sports-clubs and schools

Don’t Wait—Start Your Recovery Today!

If you or someone you care about is dealing with a concussion, early intervention matters. We’re here to help you navigate the journey safely and confidently.

👉 Call Unbound Physical Therapy and Performance at (701)-390-9773
👉 Book your concussion evaluation online at Unbound Physical Therapy and Performance