Concussion Management
If you or someone you know has suffered a concussion, also known as a traumatic brain injury, the lingering effects can be frustratingly stubborn. At the Ivy Rehab Network, our physical therapists will design an individualized program to treat your post-concussion symptoms safely, so you can return to your normal life as soon as possible.
How concussion management works.
If you or someone you know has suffered a concussion, the lingering effects can be frustratingly stubborn. Lack of balance and coordination, headaches, and dizziness may remain, even after the traditional waiting period of 24 hours has passed. Post-concussion syndrome treatment is especially important to prevent long-term ill effects and to return more quickly to normal activities. At the Ivy Rehab Network, our physical therapists will design an individualized program to treat your post-concussion symptoms safely, so you can return to your normal life as soon as possible.
Symptoms of a concussion to look out for:
Symptoms of a concussion appear in moments following the injury and may linger for days or months. Prompt post-concussion syndrome treatment helps speed recovery. The immediate symptoms may include amnesia surrounding the event, a dazed look, confusion or mental fogginess, slurred speech or delay in responses, difficulty with concentration, dizziness, and a tired feeling. Nausea or vomiting, ringing in the ears, and headache may also indicate a concussion. It’s important to have a medical evaluation as soon as possible if you suspect that you or your child has received a concussion. With Direct Access, you can receive the care you need right away.
Assessment of a concussion
Identifying symptoms of a concussion include testing the following:
Cardiovascular Response: Post-concussion individuals often experience an elevated heart rate. A treadmill test, also known as a Balke Test, is performed to determine safe exercise parameters.
- Oculomotor Functions: Testing coordinated eye movements, tracking, and focusing
- Vestibular Evaluation: Assessment of dizziness and balance deficits
- Musculoskeletal Assessment: Evaluation of muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination
Types of Concussion Therapy and How They Can Help You
At Ivy Rehab, our approach to concussion management goes beyond rest—we offer specialized concussion rehabilitation services tailored to each individual’s symptoms and progress. Our programs are developed by expert physical therapists and supported by healthcare professionals who understand the complex impact of a traumatic brain injury on both the brain and body.
Vestibular Therapy
Vestibular therapy of concussion treatment focuses on restoring balance and reducing dizziness, a common and lingering symptom. By retraining the vestibular system through movement-based activities, this therapy can improve postural stability and coordination.
Vision & Oculomotor Therapy
For patients experiencing blurred vision, eye strain, or trouble tracking objects, this therapy uses targeted eye exercises to strengthen oculomotor functions. This is particularly helpful for athletes or students who rely heavily on visual focus and processing.
Cervical and Musculoskeletal Therapy
Concussions often come with neck pain or tightness in the upper body. Physical therapy for the head and neck involves gentle manual therapy, stretching, and strengthening to reduce muscular tension and address headaches or mobility limitations.
Sub-Symptom Threshold Training
Using tools like the Balke Treadmill Test, we identify each patient’s exertion threshold and create a personalized exercise plan that avoids symptom flare-ups. This supports cardiovascular recovery while improving overall health and endurance.
Cognitive & Behavioral Support
Some patients face difficulty with concentration, memory, or emotional regulation after a brain injury. Cognitive therapy and behavioral strategies can be integrated into your plan to help with daily task management and emotional well-being.Whether you’re dealing with persistent symptoms or a recent injury, our goal is to help you recover safely and return to your routine with confidence. We recommend starting your concussion rehabilitation as soon as symptoms are identified. Our rehab professionals are here to guide you every step of the way.
FAQs
How is concussion therapy different from traditional rest?
Concussion therapy at Ivy Rehab goes beyond just resting. It focuses on specific rehabilitation techniques such as vestibular therapy, vision and oculomotor therapy, and cervical and musculoskeletal therapy. These treatments help address symptoms like dizziness, balance issues, neck pain, and difficulty with visual focus. Additionally, sub-symptom threshold training is used to gradually reintroduce physical activity without aggravating symptoms.
How long does it take to recover from a concussion?
Recovery from a concussion varies from person to person and depends on factors such as the severity of the injury, individual health, and how quickly treatment is sought. With proper concussion management and rehabilitation, most people begin to see improvement within a few weeks. However, some may experience lingering symptoms for a longer period. Early intervention and following a customized rehabilitation plan can speed up recovery and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
What are the common symptoms of a concussion?
The symptoms of a concussion can vary but typically include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and sensitivity to light or sound. In some cases, symptoms may also include balance issues, blurred vision, and fatigue. If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms following a blow to the head or a sudden impact, it is important to seek immediate medical evaluation to ensure proper care.
Speed up your recovery.
Schedule an appointment with an Ivy Rehab clinic near you.
