Concussion Management

Evidence supports the early provision of education, reassurance and strategy coaching to facilitate functional recovery after concussion. OT services focus on education regarding symptom management, task modification to reduce the risk of over-exertion, and gradual systematic increases in activity levels in home, community and workplace settings. OTs provide ergonomic intervention to adapt the home or workplace (e.g. lighting, noise sensitivity management), and collaboratively develop strategies to address symptoms such as poor sleep, fatigue, pain, vision and vestibular issues. Cognitive and emotional symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, slowed thinking, stress and low mood are also addressed.

Physiotherapists design and implement graded cardiovascular exercises, address concurrent cervical spine dysfunction and help manage headache, neck pain and disturbed balance through a combination of hands-on (manual therapy) and exercise-based treatment. Physiotherapists evaluate motion sensitivity, exercise tolerance, visual function, balance, gait and vestibular function to design a safe and effective program for restoration of physical abilities.

Dizziness and balance problems affect approximately 50% of all adults at some point during their lifetime. A large percentage of these cases can be attributed to problems with the inner ear and its interaction with the brain, collectively known as the vestibular system. Disease or concussion can affect the vestibular system and may result in vertigo, dizziness, spinning sensations, poor balance, nausea, headaches, motion sensitivity and other symptoms. Vestibular therapy utilizes specific exercises and mobilizations of the head to improve these symptoms and restore proper functioning of the vestibular system.

Counselling services are provided to assist clients recovering from post concussion symptoms as well as anxiety, depression, PTSD and a host of other emotional stressors that impact recovery. Through 1:1 individual treatment, services target development of effective coping strategies and resilience as clients adapt to changes in functioning and transition back to a range of pre injury activity. Counselling may include cognitive behavioural therapy, talk therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, mindfulness and acceptance-based therapy and other approaches depending on the client’s needs, preferences and assessment findings. As part of the clinical team, our counsellors work in collaboration with rehabilitation team members including OTs, PTs, kinesiologists and the client’s primary care physician. In order to provide convenient and timely access to counselling, especially during the return- to-work transition, services are provided virtually via our secure telehealth platform.