A big mistake with many athletes, active individuals, or anyone else after a concussion is they often go into complete rest. After their symptoms begin to improve, they jump right back into their sport, school, or occupation. This reproduces their symptoms and causes further anxiety and stress, which forces patients back into further isolation.

Physiotherapy takes an evidence-based approach to your concussion. It is best to come in for an appointment 24-28 hours after your head injury. The therapist will complete an evaluation and will begin a concussion program customized to your injury. Your plan may involve balance training, cervical strengthening, vision therapy, and more. Concussion rehab aims to provide a progressive and graded exposure to ensure the brain heals optimally and side effects are avoided or minimized.

We now know that the old theory of COMPLETE rest until you feel better is not only ineffective but will impair your recovery. Ottawa's ground-breaking study showed that children who rest too long are more likely to have persistent symptoms. A medically guided rehabilitation program that encourages movement to tolerance will allow you to get better faster and return to your sport or occupation.