Understanding Concussion
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 The old advice of "rest in a dark room until you feel better" has been replaced by a more active, monitored approach that gets you back to school, work, and sport safely and significantly faster.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
The Dynamic Approach: A Multi-Faceted Strategy for Brain Health
The Dynamic Approach: Concussion Management
- Concussion Management in Okotoks: A comprehensive baseline and symptom assessment to understand where you are in your recovery and identify which systems are most affected.
- Cervical Physiotherapy in Okotoks: Most concussions involve a secondary neck injury. We assess and treat the cervical spine alongside the brain injury — neck dysfunction is one of the most common reasons concussion recovery stalls.
- IMS Dry Needling in Okotoks: Releasing the suboccipital muscles that contribute to post-concussion headaches and cervicogenic dizziness.
- Visual-Ocular Rehabilitation: Retraining the eyes to track, focus, and move without triggering symptoms — essential for students and screen workers.
- Graduated Return-to-Activity Protocol: A safe, heart-rate-monitored progression back to exercise, school, work, or sport — guided by your symptom response at each stage.
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.
Don't Rush Your Recovery — Guide It
A concussion managed well is a concussion that doesn't become a chronic problem. Our concussion-certified team has the expertise to get you back to full function — safely and confidently.
