At Active Recovery Sports Injury & Physiotherapy in Courtice, we understand how serious a concussion can be—even if it’s labeled a “mild” brain injury. Concussions and related vestibular conditions can disrupt your ability to think clearly, maintain balance, focus, sleep, or return to physical activity. Our specialized concussion and vestibular rehabilitation program is designed to help you or your loved one recover safely, steadily, and completely.
Whether your concussion stems from a fall, motor vehicle accident, workplace injury, or sports impact, early intervention by a trained rehabilitation team is key to preventing long-term complications and promoting a full return to daily activities and function.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a blow to the head or a rapid jolt that causes the brain to move inside the skull. This movement can damage brain cells and disrupt normal brain activity. Unlike other injuries, concussions don’t show up on CT scans or MRIs, which is why diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and neurological evaluation.
Common Causes of Concussion
Falls (common in children and seniors)
Sports and recreational activities (football, soccer, hockey, cycling, skiing)
Motor vehicle collisions
Workplace accidents
Playground injuries in children
Concussion Symptoms: What to Look For
Symptoms can begin immediately or appear hours—or even days—later. They fall into several categories:
🧠 Cognitive
Difficulty concentrating
Memory problems
Confusion
Feeling mentally “foggy”
😵💫 Physical
Headaches
Dizziness or balance issues
Nausea
Sensitivity to light or sound
Vision disturbances
😔 Emotional
Irritability
Anxiety or depression
Mood swings
😴 Sleep
Trouble falling or staying asleep
Sleeping more or less than usual
Fatigue during the day
Even without loss of consciousness, concussions can be serious and require medical assessment and rehabilitation.
Our Concussion & Vestibular Rehab Program
At Active Recovery in Courtice, our team of physiotherapists is trained in concussion and vestibular rehabilitation therapy. Each patient receives a personalized recovery plan based on a thorough assessment of their neurological, musculoskeletal, and vestibular systems.
👣 Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
Many concussion patients experience dizziness and balance problems due to vestibular system disruption. We address this with:
Eye movement retraining (gaze stabilization exercises)
Balance and posture retraining
Coordination and movement drills
Positioning techniques for BPPV or vertigo
Habituation exercises to reduce sensitivity to motion
💪 Graded Exercise Therapy
Rest is important initially—but too much can lead to deconditioning. We guide you through a gradual return-to-activity program, with customized neuromuscular and cardiovascular training to restore:
Physical endurance
Muscle strength
Reaction time and coordination
😌 Sleep & Symptom Management
Proper rest and sleep hygiene are critical. We educate patients on:
Reducing screen time and cognitive overload
Managing stress and sensory input
Creating consistent sleep routines
Using pacing strategies throughout the day
🏃♂️ Return to School, Work, or Sport
We develop step-by-step plans to help you return to normal life safely, based on your symptoms and performance. Whether you’re an athlete eager to get back in the game or a student managing school demands, we ensure you’re ready both physically and cognitively.
When to Seek Treatment
If you or someone you know experiences confusion, headaches, dizziness, imbalance, or fatigue after a head injury, it’s crucial to stop all physical activity and be assessed by a qualified healthcare provider.
Delaying treatment can lead to prolonged symptoms or post-concussion syndrome.
Why Choose Active Recovery in Courtice?
🧠 Specialized in Concussion & Vestibular Rehab
✅ Thorough One-on-One Evaluations
📈 Custom Recovery Plans with Gradual Progression
👨⚕️ Team of Skilled Physiotherapists and Rehab Experts
📍 Conveniently Located in Courtice with Direct Billing Available