Concussion Management and Rehabilitation

Recovering from a concussion can take time, and for some people, symptoms may persist for weeks or even months. Concussion rehabilitation, a specialized type of physical therapy, can help manage symptoms and support a safe recovery.

If you’ve had a concussion, your doctor may recommend physical therapy as part of your treatment plan. Concussion rehabilitation focuses on reducing symptoms, improving function and helping you return to daily activities.

What is concussion rehabilitation?

Concussion rehabilitation is a form of physical therapy designed to address the effects of a concussion. It involves exercises and techniques that target balance, coordination, vision and other areas affected by a brain injury. Therapy is tailored to each person’s needs and may help speed up recovery while reducing discomfort.

A physical therapist trained in concussion management can assess symptoms and develop a personalized plan to:

• Improve balance and coordination
• Reduce headaches and dizziness
• Address vision problems and sensitivity to light or noise
• Increase tolerance for physical and mental activity
• Manage neck pain or stiffness
• Support emotional well-being and reduce anxiety related to symptoms

How does concussion rehabilitation work?

Physical therapy for concussion rehabilitation focuses on gradual, controlled activities that help the brain and body recover. A rehabilitation program may include:

• Vestibular therapy: Exercises to improve balance and reduce dizziness or vertigo
• Oculomotor therapy: Techniques to address vision problems, eye strain or trouble focusing
• Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques to relieve muscle tension and headaches, especially in the neck and shoulders
• Exercise therapy: Controlled physical activity to improve blood flow and reduce symptoms related to exertion
• Cognitive retraining: Strategies to improve concentration, memory and processing speed
• Gradual return-to-activity guidance: A structured plan to help safely resume work, school, and exercise

Who can benefit from concussion rehabilitation?

Not everyone with a concussion needs physical therapy, but it may be recommended if:

• Symptoms persist beyond the expected recovery period
• Dizziness, balance issues or vision problems make daily activities difficult
• Returning to physical activity triggers symptoms
• Headaches or neck pain continue after the injury
• Mental fatigue or difficulty concentrating affects work or school performance

What to expect from concussion rehabilitation

Concussion rehabilitation is personalized based on symptoms and progress. A physical therapist will typically start with a thorough evaluation and then develop a step-by-step recovery plan. Treatment sessions may be scheduled regularly, with at-home exercises provided to support continued recovery.

Recovery time varies for each person, and following a structured rehabilitation program can help ensure a safe return to normal activities.

If you’ve had a concussion, talk to your doctor about whether physical therapy could be beneficial. Concussion rehabilitation can play an important role in helping you feel better and regain your usual routine.