April 15th, 2026
Physical Therapy for Concussions: What You Need to Know
A concussion can feel overwhelming. Headaches, dizziness, brain fog, and fatigue can disrupt work, school, sports, and everyday life. While rest plays an important role in early recovery, many people are surprised to learn that physical therapy for concussion is often a key part of fully restoring balance, vision, and function.
If you or someone you care about is recovering from a concussion, understanding how physical therapy supports healing can make a meaningful difference.
Your body, in good hands.
Our licensed and experienced physical therapists and chiropractors at Active PTC Group will provide you with personalized care for your specific needs. Call us today,
When to Rest vs. When to Be Active
One of the most common questions after a concussion is: Should I rest or stay active?
Early Phase (First 24–48 Hours)
Relative rest
Limit screen time
Avoid strenuous activity
After the Initial Phase
Begin light movement if symptoms allow
Avoid complete inactivity
Follow structured progression
Too much rest can delay recovery. Too much activity too soon can worsen symptoms. A physical therapist helps you find the right balance.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head or body that disrupts normal brain function. Concussions can occur from:
– Sports injuries
– Car accidents
– Falls
– Workplace incidents
– Sudden impacts during daily activities
Even if imaging tests appear normal, the brain can still be affected at a functional level—leading to a wide range of symptoms.
Common Concussion Symptoms
Every concussion is different, but common symptoms include:
Physical Symptoms
– Headaches
– Dizziness or vertigo
– Nausea
– Sensitivity to light or noise
– Fatigue
Balance & Vestibular Issues
– Feeling unsteady when walking
– Motion sensitivity
– Difficulty turning the head quickly
Visual Disturbances
– Blurred vision
– Trouble focusing
– Double vision
– Eye strain
Cognitive & Emotional Symptoms
– Brain fog
– Difficulty concentrating
– Memory challenges
– Irritability or mood changes
When symptoms persist beyond the initial few days, physical therapy can play a critical role in targeted recovery.
How Physical Therapists Assess Concussions
A physical therapist trained in concussion management performs a comprehensive evaluation to identify which systems are affected. This may include:
– Balance testing
– Vestibular (inner ear) assessment
– Oculomotor (eye movement) testing
– Cervical spine evaluation (neck involvement)
– Symptom tracking during movement
– Exercise tolerance testing
Because concussions affect multiple systems, treatment must be individualized. A one-size-fits-all approach is not effective.
How Physical Therapy Helps After a Concussion
Vestibular Rehabilitation
If dizziness or vertigo is present, vestibular therapy targets the inner ear and brain pathways responsible for balance and spatial awareness. Treatment may include:
– Gaze stabilization exercises
– Head movement retraining
– Motion sensitivity reduction techniques
– These exercises are carefully progressed to reduce dizziness without triggering setbacks.
Balance Retraining
After a concussion, the body’s balance systems may not communicate efficiently. Physical therapists use progressive balance training to:
– Improve stability
– Reduce fall risk
– Restore confidence with walking and movement
This may involve:
– Single-leg exercises
– Dynamic surface training
– Sport-specific balance drills
Ocular (Eye) Motor Therapy
– Many people don’t realize how often concussions affect eye coordination. Oculomotor therapy addresses:
– Difficulty tracking moving objects
– Convergence insufficiency (eyes not working together)
Visual fatigue
– Improving eye movement control can significantly reduce headaches, reading difficulty, and cognitive strain.
Graded Return-to-Activity Protocols
Complete rest beyond the first 24–48 hours is no longer recommended for most concussions. Instead, research supports a gradual, symptom-guided return to activity. Physical therapists guide patients through:
– Light aerobic exercise
– Controlled heart rate progression
– Structured return-to-sport stages
– Safe return-to-work or school planning
The goal is to stimulate recovery without overloading the brain.
Neck (Cervical Spine) Treatment
Whiplash-like forces often accompany concussions. Neck dysfunction can contribute to:
– Headaches
– Dizziness
– Reduced range of motion
Manual therapy, mobility work, and strengthening exercises may be used to address cervical involvement.