Concussion Treatment in Downtown Toronto

Treatment of Concussion and Post-Concussion Syndrome is offered at our downtown Toronto multidisciplinary clinics. Our team of dedicated practitioners includes therapists that have spent their career with special interest in the study and rehabilitation of concussion injuries. We have an in-depth understanding the complexity of concussion and integrate the latest research and technologies to help you recover faster.

You will receive individualized and goal orientated care focused on restoring function to your vision, balance, and exercise tolerance. Our hands-on approach and education will give you the guidance and structured exercise program you need to return to your version of work, life and play. Best of all our team will work collaboratively together and with your doctor to help guide you on the road to recovery from this complex injury.

What is a Concussion?

A Concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury is among the most commonly occurring sport, motor vehicle, and recreation injuries and is estimated to affect 150,000 Ontarian’s per year[1]. A concussion is caused by a hit to the head or to the body resulting in a reversible disruption of normal brain function.

What are Symptoms of Concussions?

Concussion injuries cause symptoms including headaches, dizziness, nausea, irritability, fatigue, light & noise sensitivity, cognitive challenges including memory, focus, and concentration, and mood changes ². Following concussion, people experience a range of functional issues that disrupt their regular lives. Common issues include exercise intolerance, balance problems, intolerance to head/eye movements and visual problems.

Concussion symptoms are treatable and resolve through treatment with an experienced health professional with specialized training in concussion including physiotherapists, chiropractors and physicians.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Concussion?

Full recovery often occurs in approximately 4-12 weeks after injury, however many people experience persistent symptoms that require physiotherapy or other interventions to resolve^2,3. In fact, The Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation and leading concussion researchers estimate that 15-30% of people have persistent symptoms requiring treatment⁴. This is called Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) and can persist long after the concussion has occurred.

International guidelines now provide a best practice framework for concussion management, assessment and treatment^4,5,6.

After an initial 24- 48 hours of rest following injury, it is safe and recommended to resume a gradual reintroduction of activities. In fact, long periods of rest may prolong your symptoms and slow your recovery. Active rehabilitation and gradual reintroduction of your activities is important to guide your recovery⁷.

For acute concussion (within 7-30 days of injury): Your physiotherapist will guide you through the return to play protocol that includes 6 stages to help you return to your sport safely and quickly. Athletes will be progressively challenged with balance, motor control, vision and cognitive activities specific to their sport to restore function and build confidence in returning to high performance.

For post-concussion syndrome, treatment will be based on the assessment findings and tailored towards your specific problems.

What is involved in a Physiotherapy-Based Concussion Assessment?

A concussion is often complex and results in physical, emotional and cognitive symptoms. The areas of function most commonly affected include:

1. 1. Visual System, our eyes
   2. Vestibular System, our inner ear that impacts balance
   3. Autonomic Nervous System, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing etc.
   4. Neck and spine, which can be the cause of headaches, dizziness and pain

A comprehensive concussion assessment screens these systems through testing of eye movements, balance, exercise tolerance and a cervical spine exam⁸.

The findings of the assessment will be discussed with you along with the individualized management plan for your goals & lifestyle. Your physiotherapist may also recommend involving other members of the Sports Medicine team at Rebalance or discuss reasons for follow up with your doctor.

What is the Treatment for a Concussion?

Treatment with an experienced Physiotherapist or Chiropractor helps you recover faster from concussion symptoms so that you can return to your sport, work and get back to your pre-injury lifestyle.

Treatment may include the following⁹:

1. 1. • Education and management strategies for your symptoms
      • Vision and Balance training
      • Vestibular rehabilitation
      • Guidance on exercise with heart rate parameters to guide exercise intensity for return to activity
      • Cervical spine treatment including manual therapy, strength training and proprioceptive exercises
      • Sport and movement specific coordination and reaction time exercises
      • Use of innovative and dynamic mobile technologies
      • Return to play management

Treatment goals will be discussed and reviewed often to track the progress you are making towards achieving your goals.

In some cases, it is possible that a comprehensive initial assessment may aggravate symptoms of a concussion. This is normal and typically settles within 24 hours. We recommend that you arrange to have someone with you to ensure your safe transportation home.

Alternatively, starting your initial consult through our virtual care is another great option to get you on the road to recovery if you know the stimulation of travel will aggravate your symptoms.

Contact us today to schedule your concussion treatment session or to receive more information about our concussion treatment services.