Concussions can be scary. One day you feel fine, and the next you’re struggling with headaches, dizziness, or memory problems. If you or your child has recently experienced a concussion, you might be wondering: How long will recovery take? What treatments work best? Can physiotherapy really help me get back to normal?

That’s where concussion rehabilitation comes in. At Westwood Physiotherapy in Ontario, our physiotherapists provide tailored treatment plans that target symptoms, speed up recovery, and help prevent long-term complications.

Understanding Concussion and Its Symptoms

Concussions are mild traumatic brain injuries that happen when your brain moves quickly inside your skull. You might experience many different symptoms that can last days, weeks, or even months after the injury occurs.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that occurs when the brain shifts rapidly inside the skull due to a blow, jolt, or fall. Even though it’s labeled “mild,” a concussion can cause serious and long-lasting symptoms.

Common causes include:

Sports injuries (hockey, football, soccer, etc.)
Car accidents
Slips, trips, and falls
Physical impacts in daily life

Unlike severe brain injuries, concussions often don’t show up on scans — which makes understanding the symptoms and recovery process even more important.

You don’t need to lose consciousness to have a concussion. Many people stay awake during the injury but still suffer brain damage.

The injury disrupts the way your brain normally functions. This affects your thinking, balance, and how you feel physically.

Common Concussion Symptoms

Concussion symptoms fall into four main groups. You might have symptoms from one or all categories.

Physical symptoms:

Headache (most common)
Nausea and vomiting
Dizziness and balance problems
Fatigue and feeling tired
Sensitivity to light and noise

Thinking problems:

Confusion and feeling foggy
Memory issues
Trouble focusing
Slow thinking

Emotional changes:

Feeling sad or angry
Being more emotional than usual
Anxiety and worry

Sleep issues:

Sleeping more or less than normal
Trouble falling asleep
Feeling tired even after rest

Symptoms can start right away or appear hours after your head injury. Some people feel fine at first, then get worse later.

How Is Concussion Rehabilitation Different from Other Brain Injury Recovery?

While concussions are considered “mild” compared to severe brain injuries, the effects can still disrupt daily life. Unlike more serious TBIs:

Concussions rarely appear on MRI or CT scans
Loss of consciousness is brief (if at all)
Symptoms are more subtle but still impactful
Most recover in weeks, but some develop post-concussion syndrome

This makes early physiotherapy for concussion essential to shorten recovery and prevent long-term complications.

The Role of Physiotherapy in Concussion Rehabilitation

At Westwood Physiotherapy, we have extensive experience in physiotherapy for concussion — using proven methods to help your brain, balance, and body heal.

1. Assessment and Initial Management

Your physiotherapist will evaluate:

Balance and coordination
Eye movements
Neck mobility and muscle tension
Dizziness and fatigue levels

From there, we create a personalized treatment plan that evolves as you recover.

2. Vestibular Rehabilitation

Many concussions affect the vestibular system (the inner ear and the brain’s balance center). Vestibular rehabilitation helps reduce dizziness and improve balance with:

Gaze stabilization → Focusing while moving your head
Habituation exercises → Reducing motion sensitivity
Adaptation training → Restoring balance reflexes

These techniques are especially effective for patients struggling with vertigo or motion-triggered symptoms.

3. Balance Exercises and Coordination Training

Improving balance is a cornerstone of recovery. Your therapist may guide you through:

Standing on foam pads
Single-leg balance challenges
Walking heel-to-toe
Catching and coordination drills

Over time, these progress into sport-specific or daily-activity exercises to restore confidence and safety.

4. Vision and Sensory Rehabilitation

Concussions often impact vision and sensory processing. Physiotherapy can address:

Eye tracking issues → Difficulty reading or following objects
Light sensitivity → Gradual exposure techniques
Double vision → Eye convergence exercises

Some patients may be referred to a vision therapist for advanced rehabilitation.

5. Emotional and Cognitive Support in Recovery

Brain injuries don’t just affect the body — they impact mood and cognition. Physiotherapists often integrate stress management, pacing strategies, and graded return-to-activity plans to help patients regain independence and confidence.

Why Choose Westwood Physiotherapy for Concussion Rehabilitation in Ontario?

Concussion recovery takes time, support, and the right care. At Westwood Physiotherapy, we offer personalized concussion rehabilitation to help you heal safely, improve brain function, and regain confidence in your daily activities.

Experienced care in physiotherapy for concussion and vestibular rehabilitation
Personalized treatment plans tailored to your symptoms and lifestyle
Local clinic in Ontario serving patients across Guelph and nearby communities
Proven track record of helping patients return to sports, work, and school safely

Book your appointment today and let us guide you on the road to recovery.

Concussion Rehabilitation: Essential Guide to Recovery & Physiotherapy