Concussion Recovery Is Harder Than It Looks
A concussion is more than a bump on the head. In the days and weeks after, you might be dealing with persistent headaches, difficulty concentrating, light sensitivity, sleep disruption, or a frustrating inability to keep up with the demands of your work, school, or sport.
A lot of people are told to simply rest and wait it out. But without the right support, symptoms can linger far longer than they should. You might feel like you're getting better, then push too hard and end up back at square one.
The uncertainty is exhausting. You want to feel like yourself again, but you're not sure what's safe, what's too much, or who to trust with something this important.
What Does Concussion Physiotherapy Actually Treat?
A concussion affects multiple systems in your body at once: the cervical spine, the vestibular system (your balance and inner ear), the visual system, and your cardiovascular response to exertion. Physiotherapy is one of the few disciplines that can assess and treat all of these areas together.
Research consistently shows that people who receive active, guided rehabilitation after a concussion recover faster and more completely than those who simply rest. The goal is to identify which systems are driving your symptoms and build a structured plan to address them safely.
A Team Built Around Concussion Recovery
At Ignite Physiotherapy in Windermere, all three of our physiotherapists have training and clinical experience in concussion rehabilitation. This is rare, and it matters: it means you're never waiting for the one person who "does concussions."
Jill Saban, MScPT, BPE, holds certifications in concussion testing and return-to-sport rehab, alongside her SFMA and Kinetacore dry needling training. Peter Yee, MScPT, MSc(Kin), brings a neuromuscular physiology background from his graduate research at the University of Saskatchewan and extensive experience with sport-related injuries. Alyda Bauhuis, MScPT, BSc(Kin), spent years as an athletic trainer across competitive sports before completing her physiotherapy degree, giving her a sharp eye for how athletes move through recovery and return to performance.
Our approach combines cervical spine assessment, vestibular and balance retraining, graded exertion testing, and education, tailored to where you are in your recovery right now.
What to Expect at Your First Concussion Assessment
Step 1: Thorough Assessment
Step 2: Your Recovery Plan
Step 3: Return to Life and Sport
What Recovery Can Look Like
Patients who work through concussion rehab with our team typically experience:
- Fewer headaches and a clearer head, often within the first few weeks of targeted treatment
- Better balance, sharper focus, and improved sleep as vestibular and cervical symptoms are addressed
- A structured, supervised return to sport or full activity, with the confidence that you're ready
Physiotherapy
Experience personalized physiotherapy treatments designed to address your unique needs and goals. Our expert therapists utilize hands-on techniques like joint mobilization, dry needling, and soft tissue manipulation to alleviate pain and restore mobility. Tailored exercise programs enhance strength, flexibility, and balance, as well aid in pain relief and tissue healing. Empower yourself with education on proper body mechanics and self-management strategies for long-term wellness. Book your session now to embark on a journey towards improved mobility and overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions About Concussion Physiotherapy
After the first 24 to 72 hours of rest, it's worth getting assessed. Early, guided rehabilitation is associated with faster and more complete recovery. You don't need to wait until symptoms are severe or prolonged.
No. Alberta residents can access physiotherapy directly without a physician's referral. You can book your assessment online at any time.
Not if it's done correctly. We work within your symptom tolerance at every session. Your plan is adjusted in real time based on how you're responding, so you're never pushed beyond what's appropriate for your stage of recovery.
This varies significantly depending on the nature of your injury and which systems are affected. Some patients see major improvement in four to six sessions. Others with more complex presentations take longer. Your physiotherapist will give you a realistic picture at your initial assessment.
Yes. Our team follows a progressive return-to-sport protocol and will work closely with you, and with coaches or other providers as needed, to make sure your reintegration is safe and well-supported.
Ready to Start Your Concussion Recovery?
Our team at Ignite Physiotherapy in Windermere, Edmonton is here to help you understand what's happening and move through recovery with a clear plan. Book your assessment online and take the first step toward feeling like yourself again.
