From youth leagues to elite competition, athletes face the risk of concussions through contact, collisions, or sudden head movements. sports physiotherapy Edmonton At Next Step Physiotherapy , we offer comprehensive concussion management grounded in the latest evidence and a personalized approach to healing.
Understanding Concussions
While it doesn’t always involve loss of consciousness, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms affecting physical, cognitive, and emotional health.
Common Concussion Symptoms:
Headaches
Dizziness and balance issues
Nausea
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to light or sound
Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
Fatigue
Mood changes
Because symptoms can vary and evolve over time, professional assessment and guidance are essential.
The Physiotherapist’s Role in Concussion Recovery
Physiotherapists trained in concussion rehabilitation play a key role in helping athletes recover safely and effectively. At Next Step Physiotherapy, our concussion management approach includes:
Baseline and Post-Injury Assessments
We begin by evaluating neurological function, balance, coordination, and visual tracking to determine the impact of the injury. For athletes in high-risk sports, baseline testing (pre-season) is also available to help guide post-injury care.
Symptom Management
Our team addresses a variety of symptoms with specific treatments:
Vestibular rehabilitation for dizziness or balance disturbances
Manual therapy for neck pain or stiffness often associated with whiplash
Visual-motor exercises to improve eye tracking and coordination
Graded activity plans to reintroduce movement without aggravating symptoms
Return-to-Play Protocols
One of the most critical aspects of concussion management is determining when an athlete is ready to return to sport. Our physiotherapists follow evidence-based, stepwise return-to-play guidelines, ensuring that each phase—from light aerobic activity to full-contact practice—is only entered when symptoms are fully resolved.
Collaborative and Athlete-Centered Care
At Next Step Physiotherapy, we believe concussion recovery requires a multidisciplinary approach. We work closely with physicians, coaches, and parents to ensure athletes receive the right support at every stage of healing. Education is also a major focus—we help athletes and their families understand the importance of rest, proper nutrition, and avoiding premature return to play.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Delaying care after a concussion can increase the risk of prolonged symptoms and second impact syndrome, which is potentially life-threatening. Seeking early physiotherapy intervention helps reduce symptom duration, restores function, and supports a faster, safer return to sport.
Support You Can Trust in Edmonton
If you or your child has sustained a concussion during sport, trust the experienced team at Next Step Physiotherapy in Edmonton. Our individualized concussion treatment programs help athletes of all levels recover confidently and completely. Contact us today to book an assessment and take the first step toward safe recovery.
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