What Is a Concussion — And Why It Deserves Proper Care
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a direct or indirect force to the head that disrupts normal brain function. Despite being classified as "mild," the symptoms can be significant and — if mismanaged — long-lasting.
At Dynamic, we follow the latest evidence-based protocols for concussion management. The old advice of "rest in a dark room until you feel better" has been replaced by a more active, monitored approach that gets you back to school, work, and sport safely and significantly faster.
Common Symptoms of Concussion
Concussion symptoms typically fall into four categories:
- Physical: Headache, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light and noise, blurred vision, fatigue
- Cognitive: Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, feeling "slow," memory difficulties
- Emotional: Irritability, anxiety, low mood, feeling "not yourself"
- Sleep: Sleeping more or less than usual, difficulty falling asleep
Experiencing dizziness or spinning alongside your concussion symptoms? These may have a vestibular component — learn more about our Vestibular Rehabilitation in Okotoks.
Clinical Red Flags: When to Go to Emergency
Most concussions are managed conservatively, but certain symptoms require immediate emergency care:
- Deteriorating consciousness or repeated vomiting after impact
- Seizures or convulsions
- One pupil larger than the other
- Worsening headache that does not respond to rest
- Slurred speech, weakness, or numbness in the limbs
- Loss of consciousness lasting more than a minute
Exercises for Concussion & Vestibular Rehab
- The Relief Position (Palming): Cup your hands gently over your closed eyes for 2 minutes to give the visual system a complete rest. Use this when screens or bright environments have triggered symptoms.
- The Mobility Drill (Gentle Chin Tucks): Slowly draw your chin straight back to decompress the upper cervical joints and reduce headache driven by neck tension.
- The Stability Focus (Controlled Walking): A 10–20 minute walk at a comfortable pace in a low-stimulus environment. Monitor your symptoms — this is your baseline aerobic gauge for where your recovery is at.
Please Note: Concussion rehabilitation must be individually guided. The above are general starting points only. Your physiotherapist will create a customized concussion rehabilitation program based on your specific symptom profile and stage of recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions: Concussion
Most uncomplicated concussions resolve within 10–14 days with proper management. However, when symptoms persist beyond one month — known as Post-Concussion Syndrome — specialized rehabilitation becomes essential. The sooner you begin guided treatment, the better your outcome.
Concussion is a functional injury, not a structural one — meaning it typically won't show up on a CT or MRI. Imaging is reserved for ruling out more serious injuries like bleeds or fractures. Your physiotherapist will assess your functional recovery, which imaging cannot capture.
Return to sport follows a graduated protocol — you should never return to full contact until you are completely symptom-free both at rest and during exertion. We guide you through each stage to ensure your return is safe and reduces the risk of re-injury.
Rest helps in the first 24–48 hours, but guided rehab retrains your brain and balance systems to fully restore function. Passive rest alone doesn't address the vestibular, visual, and cervical components that often drive lingering symptoms.
Current evidence has moved away from prolonged isolation and rest. While reducing stimulation early on is appropriate, extended "cocooning" can actually slow recovery. Modern concussion rehab involves a guided, active approach that gradually reintroduces movement, light, and activity based on your symptom response.
Ready to Stop Guessing and Start Recovering?
Understanding your concussion is the first step. The next one is getting an assessment that tells you exactly where you are in your recovery — and what it will take to get back to full function.
At Dynamic Physiotherapy in Okotoks, we assess the specific systems affected by your concussion and build a recovery plan around you — not a generic protocol.
