Concussions are one of the most common yet misunderstood injuries. While often associated with sports, concussions can occur from falls, car accidents, workplace injuries, or any impact that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull.
For many people, symptoms resolve within a few weeks. However, up to 30% of individuals experience persistent symptoms, known as post-concussion syndrome, that can last months without proper treatment.
The good news is that physiotherapy plays a critical role in concussion recovery, helping patients safely return to work, sport, and daily activities.
At NEXT Clinic in West Kelowna, our physiotherapist Tyler Kent, MScPT, has completed Advanced Concussion Assessment and Rehabilitation training through Concussion Rehab Works, allowing him to provide evidence-informed concussion care tailored to each patient.
If you are experiencing persistent concussion symptoms in West Kelowna or the surrounding Okanagan region, specialized physiotherapy assessment and rehabilitation can significantly improve recovery.
Why Physiotherapy Is Important After a Concussion
For many years, concussion treatment focused primarily on rest and waiting for symptoms to resolve. Research now shows that active rehabilitation is often necessary, particularly when symptoms persist.
Physiotherapy can address several systems commonly affected by concussion:
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Vestibular system (balance and dizziness)
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Visual tracking and eye coordination
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Neck and cervical spine dysfunction
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Exercise tolerance and autonomic regulation
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Return-to-sport and return-to-work progression
A physiotherapist trained in concussion management can identify the underlying drivers of symptoms and develop a targeted rehabilitation plan.
Patients seeking concussion physiotherapy in West Kelowna often present with persistent symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, brain fog, or difficulty returning to exercise.
Physiotherapy Assessment for Concussion
A comprehensive concussion assessment goes far beyond a standard physical exam.
During your initial visit at NEXT Clinic in West Kelowna, our physiotherapist will evaluate:
Symptom history
Understanding the mechanism of injury, symptom progression, and triggers.
Vestibular and balance testing
Assessing the inner ear and balance systems, which are frequently disrupted after concussion.
Oculomotor and visual testing
Evaluating how the eyes track and focus during movement.
Cervical spine assessment
Neck injuries often accompany concussions and can contribute to headaches, dizziness, and visual disturbances.
Exercise tolerance testing
Determining how your body responds to exertion and identifying safe thresholds for activity.
This detailed assessment helps guide an individualized concussion rehabilitation program.
Concussion Physiotherapy Treatment
Modern concussion rehabilitation is active, individualized, and progressive.
Physiotherapy treatment may include:
Vestibular rehabilitation
Exercises that retrain the balance system to reduce dizziness and motion sensitivity.
Visual and oculomotor therapy
Targeted exercises to improve eye tracking, focus, and coordination.
Cervical spine therapy
Manual therapy and corrective exercises to address neck dysfunction contributing to headaches and dizziness.
Sub-symptom aerobic exercise
Carefully monitored cardiovascular exercise that improves recovery by regulating brain blood flow and autonomic function.
Return-to-sport and return-to-work planning
Gradual progression protocols to safely resume activity without symptom flare-ups.
Each program is customized based on clinical findings and symptom response.
Concussion Care at NEXT Clinic in West Kelowna
At NEXT Clinic, we provide advanced physiotherapy for concussion treatment in West Kelowna.
Our physiotherapist Tyler Kent, MScPT has completed Advanced Concussion Assessment and Rehabilitation training through Concussion Rehab Works, ensuring patients receive current, evidence-based concussion care.
Because NEXT Clinic is a multidisciplinary wellness clinic, concussion patients may also benefit from collaborative care including:
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Chiropractic care
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Massage therapy
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Active rehabilitation
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Exercise programming
This integrated approach allows us to address all contributing factors to persistent concussion symptoms.
Book a Concussion Physiotherapy Assessment in West Kelowna
If you are experiencing persistent symptoms after a concussion, specialized physiotherapy can help guide your recovery.
At NEXT Clinic in West Kelowna, we provide advanced concussion assessment and rehabilitation designed to help patients safely return to work, sport, and everyday activities.
Early assessment and treatment can significantly reduce recovery time and help prevent long-term symptoms.
To book a concussion physiotherapy assessment in West Kelowna, contact our clinic today.
NEXT Clinic | West Kelowna
778-699-2622
www.nextclinic.ca
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Dr. Cara Curtis
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