Post Concussion Syndrome Treatment and Recovery in Burnaby

When Should You Consider Treatment for Post Concussion Symptoms?

Research shows that early intervention significantly improves outcomes for concussion patients experiencing post-concussion symptoms beyond the typical recovery window. If you've sustained a head injury and symptoms haven't resolved within 2-3 weeks, specialized physical therapy can prevent the development of chronic complications and reduce your risk of prolonged disability. Many patients wait months before seeking help, but evidence-based treatment in the first 4-8 weeks post-injury yields the best results for brain recovery.

You should consider specialized PCS treatment if you're experiencing:

Treatment is particularly beneficial for individuals who've experienced multiple concussions, as the risk of developing persistent post-concussive syndrome increases with each subsequent brain injury. Athletes, active professionals, and parents managing both recovery and daily responsibilities often benefit significantly from structured therapy that addresses their specific functional goals. Our recovery guide integrates with medical management to provide comprehensive care throughout your recovery journey.

How Does Post Concussion Syndrome Treatment Work?

The science behind PCS treatment centers on addressing the multiple systems affected by mild TBI, including the vestibular system, visual system, cervical spine, and autonomic nervous system. Research demonstrates that targeted rehabilitation can promote neuroplasticity and help the brain compensate for injury-related changes. Although an MRI is not used at our clinic, our evidence-based approach combines manual therapy to address cervical spine dysfunction, vestibular rehabilitation to restore balance and reduce dizziness, and graduated exercise protocols to safely increase activity tolerance without triggering symptom flare-ups.

Your treatment plan incorporates specific techniques tailored to your presenting symptoms and functional limitations. Vestibular rehabilitation exercises target dizziness and balance problems through gaze stabilization and habituation protocols. Cervical spine treatment addresses neck pain and headaches using joint mobilization and soft tissue therapy. Cognitive rehabilitation strategies help manage brain fog and concentration difficulties, while graded aerobic exercise gradually rebuilds your cardiovascular fitness and brain blood flow without exacerbating symptoms.

Treatment progresses through distinct phases, beginning with a comprehensive assessment of your concussion symptoms, injury history, and functional goals. The initial phase focuses on symptom management and education about activity pacing, typically spanning 2-4 weeks with twice-weekly sessions. The active rehabilitation phase introduces progressive exercises and functional training over 4-8 weeks, gradually increasing intensity based on your symptom response. The final integration phase prepares you for full return to work, sports, or other activities through sport-specific training and cognitive loading.

Most patients notice improvements in specific symptoms within 2-3 weeks of starting treatment, with measurable gains in balance, cognitive function, and exercise tolerance. Significant functional recovery typically occurs within 6-12 weeks of consistent therapy, though timelines vary based on injury severity and individual factors. Studies show that structured PCS treatment can reduce symptom duration by 40-60% compared to rest alone, helping you return to normal activities months earlier than without intervention.