Concussion Management in Calgary — How Physiotherapy Can Support Your Recovery
- Colin Bouma, PT, FCAMPT
- Nov 9
- 3 min read
A concussion is more than just a “bump to the head.” It’s a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)
that can impact your ability to think, move, balance, and focus.
At our Calgary physiotherapy clinic on MacLeod Trail, we specialize in treating concussion-
related symptoms to help you return safely to school, work, or sport.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion occurs when the brain is shaken inside the skull—usually from a fall, sports injury,
or motor vehicle accident (McCrory et al., 2017). This can result in changes in:
Brain chemistry
Blood flow
Neural communication
Concussions don’t always involve loss of consciousness and often have delayed symptoms.
Common Post-Concussion Symptoms
Headaches
Dizziness or vertigo
Neck pain
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to light or noise
Trouble concentrating or remembering
Fatigue or sleep disturbance
These symptoms can last from days to weeks—or longer if left untreated.
When to See a Physiotherapist for Concussion
If symptoms persist beyond a few days, physiotherapy can help address:
Vestibular dysfunction (dizziness, imbalance)
Cervicogenic headaches or neck pain
Visual motor disturbances
Exercise intolerance
Early, guided rehab is associated with faster recovery and return to activity (Leddy et al., 2012).
How We Help With Concussion Recovery in Calgary
1. Thorough Assessment
We evaluate:
Neck and upper spine mobility
Balance and vestibular function
Oculomotor (eye) control
Tolerance to movement or exertion
2. Cervical Spine Treatment
Whiplash-type injuries often accompany concussions. Addressing neck stiffness or trigger points
reduces headache and dizziness.
3. Vestibular Rehabilitation
We guide eye-head movement drills, balance exercises, and habituation techniques for dizziness
and motion sensitivity (Alsalaheen et al., 2010).
4. Graduated Exercise Therapy
Using the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test, we determine safe exertion levels and help build
tolerance without symptom flare-ups.
5. Visual & Cognitive Retraining
If needed, we work alongside optometrists and neurologists to treat visual tracking or cognitive
loading issues.
6. Education & Pacing Strategies
We teach you how to:
Monitor symptom thresholds
Modify daily routines
Prevent relapse during return to activity
How Long Does Concussion Recovery Take?
Most people recover in 7–14 days, but 10–20% experience persistent symptoms (Silverberg &
Iverson, 2011). Early rehab improves outcomes.
Support for Athletes & Students
Whether you’re managing return-to-play or return-to-learn, our clinic offers clear protocols and
communication with coaches, schools, and families.
Why Choose Our Concussion Physiotherapy Team?
Our clinic at 8989 MacLeod Trail SW offers a collaborative, evidence-based approach to
concussion care. We proudly serve South Calgary neighbourhoods including Haysboro,
Kingsland, Fairview, and Acadia.
Book a Concussion Assessment Today
If you’re experiencing symptoms after a head injury—don’t wait. Early treatment can make all
the difference.
Bibliography
Alsalaheen, B. A., Mucha, A., Morris, L. O., Whitney, S. L., Furman, J. M., Camiolo-
Reddy, C. E., Collins, M. W., & Lovell, M. R. (2010). Vestibular rehabilitation for
dizziness and balance disorders after concussion. Journal of Neurologic Physical
Therapy, 34(2), 87–93. https://doi.org/10.1097/NPT.0b013e3181dde568
Leddy, J. J., Kozlowski, K., Donnelly, J. P., Pendergast, D. R., Epstein, L. H., & Willer,
B. (2012). A preliminary study of subsymptom threshold exercise training for refractory
post-concussion syndrome. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 20(1), 21–27.
McCrory, P., Meeuwisse, W., Dvořák, J., Aubry, M., Bailes, J., Broglio, S., … & Vos, P.
E. (2017). Consensus statement on concussion in sport—the 5th international conference
on concussion in sport held in Berlin, October 2016. British Journal of Sports Medicine,
51(11), 838–847. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-097699
Silverberg, N. D., & Iverson, G. L. (2011). Is rest after concussion “the best medicine?”:
Recommendations for activity resumption following concussion in athletes, civilians, and
military service members. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 28(4), 250–259.
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