Quick answer
A concussion is a mild brain injury from a blow or violent shake of the head. Active, individualized rehabilitation — starting within days — is now the standard of care and shortens recovery compared to resting in a dark room. Physiotherapy is a proven, first-line treatment for concussion.
What Is Concussion?
Concussion temporarily changes how the brain works: headache, dizziness, fogginess, neck pain and exercise intolerance are the most common features. It is a functional injury, so most imaging is normal — but symptoms are very real and very treatable.
We provide dedicated concussion therapy covering vestibular, cervical and exertion-based rehab.
Common Symptoms of Concussion
Symptoms vary from person to person, but concussion most often shows up as:
- Headache or head pressure
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Brain fog, slow thinking or poor concentration
- Nausea and motion sensitivity
- Fatigue and disturbed sleep
- Irritability, anxiety or low mood
What Causes Concussion?
Common causes and risk factors include:
- Sports collisions and falls
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Workplace impacts
- Any impact that snaps the head suddenly
- A history of previous concussions
- Continuing to play through symptoms
How Physiotherapy Treats Concussion
Your plan is tailored to your assessment findings, but most treatment plans combine:
- Early symptom-guided aerobic exercise — the best-evidenced recovery tool
- Vestibular rehabilitation for dizziness and motion sensitivity
- Neck (cervical) treatment for headache and stiffness
- Graded return-to-learn and return-to-sport protocols
- Visual and balance retraining
- Coordination with your physician for persistent symptoms
At Dynamic Balance Physiotherapy & Vestibular Rehab Clinic in Clayton, Cloverdale, Surrey & Langley, BC, every plan is one-on-one, evidence-based and built around your goals — no two treatment plans are alike.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first appointment is a 45-minute one-on-one assessment. Your physiotherapist reviews your health history, tests the movement, strength and joints involved in your concussion, explains what is actually driving your symptoms, and usually starts treatment the same day. You leave with a clear diagnosis, a personalized plan and realistic milestones — no doctor’s referral needed.
Concussion FAQs
Do I need a referral to physiotherapy for Concussion?
No. In BC, physiotherapists are primary-care practitioners, so you can book directly with us. If your symptoms ever need a physician’s eyes, we will tell you and point you in the right direction.
Should you rest completely after a concussion?
No — that advice is outdated. Relative rest for the first 24–48 hours is followed by gradual, symptom-guided activity, which research shows speeds recovery and lowers the risk of persisting symptoms. Prolonged dark-room rest actually slows the brain’s recovery.
How many sessions will my Concussion need?
Most patients notice meaningful improvement within 4–8 visits, though recovery varies with severity and how long symptoms have been present. Your physiotherapist gives you a personalized estimate after the first assessment.
Get Concussion Relief in Surrey & Langley
If concussion is limiting your day, the team at Dynamic Balance Physiotherapy & Vestibular Rehab Clinic is ready to help. Book online or call — same-week appointments are usually available, and we direct bill ICBC, WorkSafeBC and most extended-health plans.