How Physical Therapy Helps Concussion Recovery: A Comprehensive Guide

Feb 13

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can cause persistent symptoms like headaches, dizziness, balance issues, and difficulty concentrating. While rest was once the standard treatment, research now shows that active rehabilitation, including physical therapy, can play a crucial role in concussion recovery.

A systematic review highlighted that early aerobic exercise and multimodal physical therapy interventions are beneficial for adolescent and young adult athletes post-concussion, leading to quicker symptom resolution and a faster return to sport than traditional rest approaches. A study from Oregon Health & Science University found that individuals who began physical therapy within two months of their injury experienced fewer symptoms, improved balance, and quicker reaction times compared to those who delayed therapy. These findings suggest that for athletes and non-athletes early engagement in physical therapy can significantly improve recovery trajectories for concussion patients.

If you’ve been struggling with ongoing symptoms, you may be wondering: How can physical therapy help after a concussion? In this guide, we’ll explore how targeted exercises and therapy can support brain healing and improve daily function.

Why Physical Therapy Is Important for Concussion Recovery

Many concussion symptoms stem from dysfunction in the vestibular, ocular, and autonomic nervous systems. Physical therapy helps address these issues through:

Vestibular rehabilitation to improve balance, dizziness, and spatial awareness.
Oculomotor therapy to address vision problems like difficulty focusing or dizziness when reading.
Autonomic nervous system regulation to help with heart rate, blood pressure, and exercise tolerance.
Cervical spine treatment to relieve headaches, neck pain, and tension.

When tailored to your specific symptoms, physical therapy can help restore normal function and reduce post-concussion symptoms more effectively than rest alone.

If you’re dealing with lingering symptoms, you don’t have to navigate recovery alone. The Concussion Solution offers expert guidance and structured rehabilitation strategies to help you heal.

Key Areas of Physical Therapy for Concussion

1. Vestibular Therapy for Dizziness and Balance Issues

The vestibular system plays a key role in balance and spatial orientation. A concussion can disrupt this system, leading to symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, and unsteadiness. Vestibular therapy includes:

Gaze stabilization exercises
Balance retraining
Motion sensitivity desensitization

These exercises help retrain the brain to process movement and spatial awareness more effectively.

2. Oculomotor Therapy for Vision and Focus

Many people with concussions experience blurred vision, difficulty reading, and eye strain. Oculomotor therapy involves:

Eye-tracking exercises
Convergence and divergence training
Visual motion sensitivity exercises

By improving how the eyes work together, patients often notice reduced headaches and improved focus during daily tasks.

3. Cervical Spine Therapy for Neck Pain and Headaches

The neck and brain are closely connected. Neck injuries are common with concussions, contributing to headaches, dizziness, and stiffness. A concussion-trained physical therapist can use:

Manual therapy for neck mobility
Postural retraining
Strengthening exercises

Targeting the cervical spine can help relieve tension headaches, reduce dizziness, and improve posture.

4. Autonomic Regulation for Exercise Intolerance

A dysregulated autonomic nervous system can lead to symptoms like lightheadedness, fatigue, and difficulty exercising. Physical therapy helps with:

Graded exercise therapy
Heart rate monitoring
Breath control training

Research shows that structured aerobic exercise can improve recovery outcomes by restoring normal autonomic function.

Physical therapy is an essential part of active concussion rehabilitation, helping people restore balance, vision, and exercise tolerance. If you’re experiencing lingering symptoms, following a structured recovery program can significantly improve your quality of life. If you’re looking for expert guidance, The Concussion Solution provides step-by-step strategies to help you heal and regain control of your recovery journey.

When to See a Physical Therapist for Concussion Recovery

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms beyond a few days post-concussion, physical therapy may help:

Persistent dizziness or vertigo
Balance and coordination problems
Headaches or neck pain
Vision issues or difficulty reading
Fatigue or difficulty tolerating exercise

Seeking care from a concussion-trained physical therapist ensures that your treatment is tailored to your specific symptoms.

How to Get Started with Concussion Rehabilitation

Find a Specialist: Look for a physical therapist with experience in post-concussion rehabilitation.
Start an Evidence-Based Program: Programs like The Concussion Solution offer structured, research-backed guidance to support your recovery from home.
Track Progress: Recovery takes time, but with the right approach, most people see improvement in symptoms and function.

Concussion symptoms don’t have to control your life. With the right rehabilitation strategies, you can get back to doing what you love.

Physical therapy is an essential part of active concussion rehabilitation, helping patients restore balance, vision, and exercise tolerance. If you’re experiencing lingering symptoms, working with a trained physical therapist or following a structured recovery program can significantly improve your quality of life.

If you’re looking for expert guidance, The Concussion Solution provides step-by-step strategies to help you heal and regain control of your recovery journey.