West Coast Kinetics

 

A concussion can make everyday life feel unfamiliar. Headaches, dizziness, trouble concentrating and fatigue can linger longer than expected, and it’s not always clear what you should be doing to get better. Should you rest? Should you move? Who should you see?

The good news is that concussion care has changed a lot in the past decade, and the current approach is far more active and hopeful than it used to be. This guide walks through what concussion rehabilitation looks like, stage by stage, so you know what to expect and when to ask for help.

 

What Is Concussion Rehabilitation?

Concussion rehabilitation is a structured, gradual process that helps your brain and body recover after a concussion. Rather than waiting for symptoms to disappear on their own, rehab uses carefully progressed activity to rebuild tolerance for movement, work, screens and daily life.

A good rehab plan is individual. Two people with the same injury can have very different symptoms, so the plan is built around what you’re experiencing: headaches, neck pain, balance problems, visual strain or fatigue.

 

Why Rest Alone Is No Longer the Answer

For years, the standard advice was to rest in a dark room until every symptom was gone. Research has since shown that long periods of strict rest can actually slow recovery.

The current international consensus recommends a short period of relative rest, about 24 to 48 hours, followed by a gradual return to light activity. Light aerobic exercise, like walking or stationary cycling, is now considered part of recovery. It’s fine if symptoms go up slightly and briefly during activity, as long as they settle within about an hour.

That doesn’t mean pushing through. It means doing the right amount at the right time, with guidance.

 

 

The Stages of Concussion Recovery

Everyone moves at their own pace, but most concussion rehabilitation follows a similar path. Guidelines generally recommend spending at least 24 hours at each stage before moving on.

 

Stage 1: Relative Rest (First 24 to 48 Hours)

In the first day or two, keep things quiet but not completely still. Gentle activities of daily living, like short walks around the house, light chores and conversation, are generally fine. It helps to limit screen time and anything that clearly makes symptoms worse.

 

Stage 2: Light Aerobic Activity

Once the initial period has passed, light activity comes back in. Walking and stationary cycling at an easy pace help increase blood flow and are a key part of recovery. The goal is to raise your heart rate gently without triggering a significant jump in symptoms.

 

Stage 3: Targeted Rehabilitation

This is where rehab becomes more specific to you. Depending on your symptoms, your program may include:

• Neck work. The neck often takes a hit alongside the head, and neck dysfunction can contribute to headaches and dizziness. Our post on neck exercises that may help reduce concussion symptoms covers a few examples.
• Balance training. Many people feel unsteady after a concussion. Progressive balance exercises help retrain the systems that keep you upright.
• Eye and head coordination. Gaze stabilization and similar exercises help when moving your head or eyes brings on dizziness or visual strain.

You can find step-by-step instructions for several of these in our guide to effective exercises for concussion recovery.

 

Stage 4: Building Back to Full Activity

As symptoms settle, intensity increases. Strength training, sport-specific drills and more demanding activity are layered in gradually. If you play a contact sport, medical clearance is required before returning to activities that involve contact or a risk of falling.

If symptoms flare significantly at any stage, stop, rest for the day, and pick up at the same stage the next day. Setbacks are common and don’t mean you’ve undone your progress.

 

 

Who Helps With Concussion Rehabilitation?

Concussion rehab often involves more than one professional, and each plays a different role.

Your doctor confirms the diagnosis, rules out more serious injury and provides medical clearance when needed.

A physiotherapist assesses and treats specific issues like neck dysfunction, dizziness and headaches, often using hands-on techniques alongside exercise. At West Coast Kinetics, our physiotherapy team can help with this part of recovery.

A kinesiologist designs and guides the graded exercise program that rebuilds your tolerance for activity. This is where our one-on-one kinesiology sessions come in: your kinesiologist tracks your symptoms, adjusts your program as you improve and helps you return to the activities you care about safely.

 

When to Seek Help Right Away

Some symptoms after a head injury need emergency care, not rehab. According to Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention organization, call an ambulance right away if someone has:

• Neck pain or tenderness
• Double vision
• Weakness or tingling in the arms or legs
• A severe or increasing headache
• A seizure or convulsion
• Loss of consciousness or a worsening level of consciousness
• Vomiting more than once
• Increasing restlessness, agitation or confusion

It’s also worth seeing a health professional if your symptoms aren’t improving, are getting worse, or are lingering for more than a few weeks.

 

 

Concussion Rehab After a Car Accident

Concussions are a common result of motor vehicle accidents, sometimes alongside whiplash. If you’ve been in a car accident in BC, you may be eligible for active rehabilitation through ICBC. West Coast Kinetics offers ICBC active rehabilitation with direct billing, so you can focus on recovering.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does concussion rehabilitation take?
It varies. Many people improve within a few weeks, while others take longer, especially when neck, balance or vision problems are involved. A structured rehab program helps you progress steadily and gives you a clear picture of where you are.

Should I rest completely after a concussion?
No. Current guidelines recommend about 24 to 48 hours of relative rest, then a gradual return to light activity. Long periods of strict rest can slow recovery.

Can exercise make a concussion worse?
Too much, too soon can make symptoms flare. Light, symptom-guided activity is considered helpful. A brief, mild increase in symptoms that settles within about an hour is generally acceptable. Anything more is a sign to scale back.

Do I need a referral for concussion rehab?
You don’t need a referral to book with a kinesiologist or physiotherapist at West Coast Kinetics. If you’re unsure whether you’ve had a concussion, see a doctor first for an assessment.

Where can I get concussion rehabilitation in Vancouver?
West Coast Kinetics is located at 3754 West 10th Avenue in Point Grey, Vancouver. We offer one-on-one kinesiology, physiotherapy and ICBC active rehabilitation.

 

Get Support With Your Recovery

Recovering from a concussion is rarely a straight line, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team can build a plan around your symptoms and help you get back to feeling like yourself.

Book a session at West Coast Kinetics

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you think you’ve had a concussion, see a doctor.