Concussion Treatment

Tailored Concussion Rehabilitation

Concussion Treatment at Optimize Ottawa

At Optimize, we are passionate about providing an evidence-based approach to concussion rehabilitation for individuals with acute and chronic post-concussion symptoms.

Our team will complete a comprehensive assessment to get to the root cause of your concussion symptoms and develop a personalized concussion care plan to facilitate the recovery process.

Signs of a Concussion

Common Concussion Symptoms

Recognizing the signs of a concussion is essential for early intervention. Here are the most common symptoms to watch for after a head injury.

Headache

A persistent or worsening headache is one of the most common symptoms following a concussion.

Nausea or Vomiting

Feeling nauseous or experiencing vomiting often occurs soon after the injury.

Dizziness

A sense of being unsteady or lightheaded is typical as your brain struggles to recover.

Fatigue

Unusual tiredness, even after adequate rest, can be a sign that your brain is working harder to recover.

Sensitivity to Light

Bright or flickering lights may feel overwhelming, making it difficult to be in well-lit environments.

Difficulty Concentrating

Simple tasks like reading or focusing on conversations may become more challenging.

Brain Fog

A feeling of mental confusion or sluggishness is common as the brain heals.

Visual Problems

Blurred vision, double vision, or difficulty tracking objects can occur after a concussion.

Balance Issues

You may experience difficulty walking or staying steady, a common effect of brain injury.

Sleeping More/Less Than Usual

Disruptions in your sleep cycle, including oversleeping or insomnia, are often associated with concussions.

Sensitivity to Noise

Everyday sounds may seem unusually loud or irritating, causing discomfort or headaches.

Trouble Falling Asleep

Difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep can be a lingering symptom post-concussion.

What Can I Expect?

Given that no two concussions are the same, concussion care will often involve a variety of treatments. Depending on the results of your initial evaluation and the body systems that may be affected, your concussion treatment may include a combination of the following:

Cervical spine rehabilitation (functional dry needling, manual therapy, strengthening and stretching exercises)
Sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise
Oculomotor (visual) training
Vestibular and balance rehabilitation
Advice, education and strategies to help you better understand and manage your concussion symptoms
Return-to-learn and return-to-work programs

Concussion FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about concussion treatment and recovery. If you have more questions, contact us!

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury caused by acceleration or deceleration of the brain following a direct or indirect impact to the head or upper body. This impact causes a temporary disturbance in how the brain functions, resulting in a temporary energy deficit within the brain. Recovery from concussion is a complex and dynamic process. Symptoms of a concussion often start to improve within 10-14 days. However, in some cases, it can take weeks or months to fully heal.

Concussions are not visible from the outside and cannot be seen on routine X-rays, CT scans or MRIs. Therefore, healthcare providers must complete a thorough examination to look for signs and symptoms of abnormal brain function to make a diagnosis and ensure proper management.

How Soon After Injury Should Concussion Rehab Begin?

Seeking out concussion therapy early can help reduce the recovery time of post-concussion symptoms and facilitate a faster return to your regular daily activities.

If you suspect a concussion, you should seek out medical attention as soon as possible.

What Are Common Concussion Symptoms?

Concussions can present a variety of symptoms that may appear immediately or develop over time. Below are the most common signs to look out for after a head injury.

Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness
Fatigue
Sensitivity to light and/or noise
Difficulty concentrating
Brain fog
Visual problems
Balance issues
Sleeping more or less than usual
Trouble falling asleep

Concussion Recovery & Rehab

Concussion Treatment

Tailored Concussion Rehabilitation