Expert Physiotherapy for Concussion Recovery

Expert Physiotherapy for Concussion Recovery

Physiotherapy for Concussion Recovery

Concussion Recovery in Newmarket: What Actually Works

That moment of impact – maybe it was a hockey collision at the Ray Twinney Complex, a tumble off your bike on the Tom Taylor Trail, or even a slip on icy Newmarket sidewalks. At first you shook it off, but now the headaches won’t quit, your brain feels foggy, and suddenly the fluorescent lights at Upper Canada Mall are painfully bright. Concussions are sneaky. Unlike a broken bone that shows up on an X-ray, these brain injuries hide in plain sight. But here’s what many people in Newmarket don’t realize: Physiotherapy in Newmarket can be a game-changer for concussion recovery.

Here’s what I tell every concussion patient who walks into our Newmarket clinic: “What you’re feeling is real, and more importantly – it’s treatable.” As someone who’s helped dozens of local athletes, students, and active adults through concussion recovery, I can tell you the old “just rest in a dark room” advice often does more harm than good.

The First Few Days: What We Wish Every Newmarket Resident Knew

Remember when your minor hockey coach told you to “shake it off” after taking an elbow to the head? We’ve come a long way since then. Here’s what proper early care really looks like:

  1. The 48-Hour Rule
    • First two days: Actual brain rest (yes, this means putting your phone away)
    • After that: Light movement is better than bed rest
  2. Red Flags We Watch For
    • One pupil larger than the other
    • Increasing confusion
    • Vomiting more than twice
      If you see these, we’ll direct you straight to Southlake’s ER
  3. Start a Symptom Diary
    Jot down in your phone:
    • When headaches spike (mornings? after screens?)
    • What makes dizziness worse (turning your head? standing up?)
    • How sleep is affecting you

We provide all our patients with a simple tracking sheet because patterns matter more than individual symptoms.

Why Waiting It Out Can Backfire

I had a patient last month – a teacher at Huron Heights – who waited six weeks before seeking help. By then, her concussion symptoms had snowballed into chronic headaches and crippling light sensitivity. This is why the “just give it time” approach is fading fast in the medical community.

The New Gold Standard: Active Rehabilitation

This isn’t about pushing through pain. It’s a carefully guided program that:

  • Starts with gentle neck exercises (nearly all our concussion patients have neck issues contributing to symptoms)
  • Progresses to balance work (we use techniques adapted from hockey goalie training)
  • Eventually includes controlled cardio to rebuild tolerance

The difference? Patients who do active rehab typically recover in 3-4 weeks versus 2-3 months with just rest.

When Vision Therapy Makes All the Difference

Take 16-year-old soccer player we treated last season. After her concussion, she couldn’t track the ball during games. Through:

  • Eye-tracking exercises (think following a pen without moving your head)
  • Balance board drills
  • Sport-specific head movement patterns

We had her safely back on the field in half the expected time.

Concussion Myths We Hear Daily in Newmarket

Myth: “I didn’t black out, so it’s not serious.”
Truth: Most concussions don’t involve loss of consciousness.

Myth: “My helmet protected me.”
Truth: Helmets prevent skull fractures, but your brain still sloshes around inside.

Myth: “I’ll know if it’s serious.”
Truth: Symptoms often peak 48-72 hours after injury.

When to Seek Professional Physiotherapy in Newmarket

You should come see us if:
✓ Symptoms last more than a week
✓ You’re making mistakes at work or school
✓ Headaches worsen when you try to exercise
✓ You’ve had previous concussions

At PhysioChiroWellness, our concussion protocol is tailored for Newmarket’s active community:

  1. Detailed symptom mapping (we’ll ask about things you wouldn’t think matter)
  2. Neck assessment (tight muscles often mimic concussion symptoms)
  3. Balance and vision testing
  4. Custom return-to-activity plan

What Recovery Really Looks Like

Here’s a snapshot of how we progress patients:

First Two Weeks:

  • Gentle neck mobility work
  • Basic balance exercises
  • Light cognitive challenges

Weeks 3-4:

  • Progressive cardio (starting with walking, building to sport-specific drills)
  • Vision training
  • Simulated work/school tasks

Beyond:

  • Sport-specific rehab for athletes
  • Workplace accommodations planning
  • Prevention strategies

We’ve used this approach with Newmarket construction workers, office professionals, and students prepping for exams at Newmarket High.

Why Local Matters in Concussion Care

  1. We speak athlete – From the Newmarket Redbirds to weekend warriors
  2. No generic plans – Your treatment fits your life
  3. We collaborate – With your doctor, coach, or employer when needed
  4. Convenient care – Centrally located with plenty of parking

Your Next Step? Turn To Physiotherapy in Newmarket Today

Concussions don’t have to mean months of suffering. With proper guidance from professional Physiotherapy in Newmarket, most people make full recoveries.

Call us at (905) 836-0571 or click here to book your assessment.

Whether you’re trying to get back to coaching at the Magna Centre or just want to read a book without headaches, we can help. That first step is often the hardest – but it’s the one that matters most.

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