Concussion Management in Ottawa
Safe, Supportive Recovery After a Concussion
If you’ve been diagnosed with a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), our experienced physiotherapists at New Life Physio and Health Clinic can help you recover safely and confidently. We conduct a thorough assessment to identify your specific symptoms and then design a personalized plan that supports your return to work, school, or sports.
Our comprehensive concussion assessment includes evaluation of neck function, vestibular and balance issues, vision and eye movement (oculomotor), and autonomic dysfunction such as exercise intolerance. We use this detailed picture to guide your treatment and progress, minimizing the risk of lingering symptoms.
Symptoms Managed & Benefits of Concussion Management
Related Services
Concussion Management is often combined with Physiotherapy to support safe return to daily activities and sport, and with Vestibular Rehabilitation to address dizziness, balance, and motion‑sensitivity. For patients with neck or headache symptoms, Manual Therapy, Massage Therapy, Dry Needling & Acupuncture or Chiropractic may also be helpful.
Ready to move forward? Book your concussion management appointment today at New Life Physio and Health Clinic and take the first step toward a safer, more confident return to your daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is concussion management?
Concussion management is a specialized rehabilitation approach for people who have experienced a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
At New Life Physio, we provide concussion rehabilitation for children, adolescents, and adults. Treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment to identify the symptoms and functional difficulties you are experiencing. Your rehabilitation program is then tailored to your age, symptoms, activity level, and individual needs.
What are common symptoms of a concussion?
Concussion symptoms can vary from person to person. Common symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, balance problems, blurred or sensitive vision, sensitivity to light or noise, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, sleep disturbances, and reduced tolerance to physical or mental activity.
Children and adolescents may also experience changes in school performance, difficulty concentrating in class, increased fatigue, or difficulty participating in their usual activities.
You do not need to have all of these symptoms to have a concussion.
What happens during a concussion assessment?
Your physiotherapist will take a detailed history of your injury and symptoms and perform a comprehensive assessment.
Depending on your symptoms, the assessment may include balance testing, eye movement and visual testing, vestibular assessment, coordination, gait, exercise tolerance, and functional activities.
The assessment helps identify the areas affected by the concussion and guides the development of your individualized rehabilitation plan.
Can physiotherapy help with concussion symptoms?
Yes. Physiotherapy can help address many physical symptoms associated with concussion in children, adolescents, and adults, including dizziness, balance problems, headaches, neck pain, visual or vestibular symptoms, and reduced tolerance to physical activity.
Treatment will depend on the individual’s assessment findings and may include vestibular rehabilitation, therapeutic exercises, balance training, visual exercises, neck treatment, and a gradual return to physical activity, school, work, and sports.
Do I need to completely rest after a concussion?
Complete prolonged rest is not necessarily appropriate for everyone. After the initial period following a concussion, a gradual and individualized return to physical and cognitive activities is often an important part of recovery.
Your physiotherapist can guide you through a progressive rehabilitation program based on your symptoms and tolerance.
Can you help my child return to school or sports after a concussion?
Yes. We provide concussion rehabilitation for children and adolescents, including guidance for a gradual return to school, physical activities, and sports.
Your physiotherapist can help determine appropriate activity levels and recommend modifications or accommodations when necessary. The return to activities is progressed gradually based on symptoms, tolerance, and recovery.
Can I exercise while recovering from a concussion?
In many cases, appropriately prescribed exercise can be an important part of concussion recovery. However, the type and intensity of exercise should be based on your symptoms, assessment findings, and current tolerance.
Your physiotherapist can develop a gradual and supervised exercise program and progress it as your tolerance improves.
How long does it take to recover from a concussion?
Recovery time varies considerably between individuals. Many people improve within a relatively short period, while others may experience persistent symptoms that require a longer rehabilitation program.
Your recovery depends on factors such as your symptoms, their severity, your activity tolerance, and your response to rehabilitation. Your physiotherapist will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Do I need a doctor's referral for concussion physiotherapy?
No. A doctor’s referral is not required to book a physiotherapy assessment for concussion-related symptoms at New Life Physio.
However, a concussion diagnosis requires a medical assessment by a physician or nurse practitioner. Our physiotherapists assess and treat the physical symptoms and impairments associated with concussion, such as dizziness, balance problems, headaches, neck pain, visual or vestibular symptoms, and reduced exercise tolerance.
If you have not yet been medically assessed following your injury, we may recommend that you see a physician or nurse practitioner for appropriate medical assessment and diagnosis before or alongside your physiotherapy rehabilitation.
Is concussion physiotherapy covered by insurance?
Concussion management is provided as part of physiotherapy treatment. Coverage generally depends on whether your insurance plan includes physiotherapy benefits.
We recommend checking your individual insurance policy to confirm your physiotherapy coverage, including the amount covered per visit and your annual or maximum benefit.
Do you offer direct billing for concussion physiotherapy?
We offer direct billing to many insurance providers. Direct-billing eligibility and coverage depend on your individual insurance plan.
Patients are responsible for checking with their insurance provider to confirm their physiotherapy coverage, including the amount covered per visit and their annual or maximum benefit.
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