How physiotherapy can help treat a concussion
After a thorough concussion assessment that includes several concussion tests, a physiotherapist can differentiate the various causes of symptoms. Implementation of your treatment plan for concussion management would then follow, with specialized focus on different symptom areas.
Cervical spine issues after a concussion
If the neck or spine has been affected by the concussion an injury, a physiotherapist can help with:
- Strengthening neck muscles
- Manual therapy to ensure the joints are moving well
- Myofascial release techniques to ensure good mobility of the surrounding soft tissue
Vestibular issues after a concussion
Vestibular problems involving dizziness or imbalance can be helped with:
- Balance training
- Canalith repositioning maneuver (a head maneuver to move the ear crystals to an area of your inner ear that eases dizziness)
Visual disturbances after concussion
If vision is affected after a concussion, ocular reflex training can prescribed to improve visual motor control to reduce visual disturbances.
Exertion issues after a concussion
If exertion is a problem, exercise prescriptions should be part of a concussion management plan, with incremental progression of individually tailored exercises.
For more information, or to find a concussion specialist near you: www.lifemark.ca/services/concussion-care
