Concussion Physiotherapy Vancouver

Expert Concussion Care in Vancouver

Concussions disrupt normal brain function and most often happen during sports, car accidents, falls, or workplace incidents. Most people recover within a few weeks, but some develop symptoms that linger and need specialized care to resolve.

At VanCity Physio, our Vancouver physiotherapists assess and treat concussion symptoms, including persistent post-concussion symptoms. We look at how your brain, inner ear, neck, and eyes are working together, then target the systems that need help, using vestibular rehabilitation, manual therapy for the neck, and graded exercise as part of your physiotherapy plan.

Our concussion physio services support:

Athletes returning to sport
Motor vehicle accident
claimants (ICBC)
WorkSafeBC clients with
workplace head injuries
Anyone experiencing prolonged concussion symptoms

Common Concussion Symptoms We Treat

Concussion symptoms vary from person to person and can show up hours or days after the injury. We group them by the system affected, since that's how we target treatment.

Headache and neck

Headaches or pressure in the head
Neck pain and stiffness, often with whiplash
Pain that worsens with screens or concentration

Dizziness and balance

Dizziness or a spinning sensation
Feeling unsteady or off balance
Symptoms in busy places like stores

Learn about vestibular physiotherapy

Vision

Blurred or double vision
Trouble focusing or tracking when reading
Sensitivity to light or screens

Thinking and energy

Brain fog and trouble concentrating
Memory problems
Fatigue, especially by the end of the day

Sleep and mood

Sleeping more or less than usual
Irritability or feeling more emotional
Anxiety or low mood

Sensitivity

Sensitivity to noise
Nausea
Feeling overwhelmed by busy environments

Physiotherapy focuses on headache, neck, dizziness, balance, vision, and exercise tolerance. If sleep, mood, or memory symptoms persist, we'll work alongside your doctor and refer you to other providers where needed.

When to get emergency care: a headache that gets worse, repeated vomiting, a seizure, increasing confusion or drowsiness, weakness or numbness, slurred speech, double vision, or severe neck pain after a head injury needs urgent medical attention. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.

Vestibular Rehabilitation After a Concussion

Dizziness, balance problems, and trouble keeping your vision steady are some of the most common reasons concussion symptoms linger. They often come from the inner ear and the brain's balance centres not working together the way they should.

Vestibular rehabilitation uses targeted exercises to retrain that system. Depending on your assessment, that may include gaze stability exercises to keep your vision clear when you move your head, balance training, and gradual exposure to the movements and environments that set off your symptoms. We also check for BPPV, a common and very treatable cause of vertigo that can follow a head injury.

Learn about vestibular physiotherapy

What to Expect During Concussion Physio Treatment

Initial Assessment

60 minutes

We conduct a thorough evaluation including:

Detailed injury history and symptom timeline
Cervical spine assessment
Vestibular and balance testing
Visual tracking and convergence examination
Cognitive load tolerance screening

This comprehensive assessment identifies which systems are impaired and guides
your treatment plan.

Treatment Sessions

60 minutes

Each session builds on your progress with appropriate challenges. We
monitor symptoms closely and adjust intensity to avoid setbacks
while promoting healing.

Duration

Recovery timelines vary. Some clients see significant improvement in 4-6 weeks, while
complex cases may require 3-6 months of progressive rehabilitation.

ICBC Concussion Physiotherapy

Pre-approved care after a crash

If you were concussed in a car crash in BC, ICBC's Enhanced Care coverage pre-approves up to 25 physiotherapy treatments within the first 12 weeks after your accident. You don't need a doctor's referral or approval from ICBC to start. Just bring your ICBC claim number and Personal Health Number to your first visit.

Concussions from car crashes often come with whiplash, so we assess your neck as well as your concussion symptoms and treat both together.

If recovery takes longer

Some concussion symptoms take more than 12 weeks to settle. If you need care beyond that, our team can work with your ICBC recovery specialist to request additional treatment.

ICBC also pre-approves treatments with a kinesiologist. Our kinesiology team can help rebuild your exercise tolerance and strength as you recover.

WorkSafeBC Concussion Rehabilitation

After a workplace head injury

If you hit your head at work, report the injury to your employer and to WorkSafeBC as soon as you can. Once your claim has been accepted, talk to your case manager about concussion physiotherapy and get approval before your first session, since treatment that starts before a claim is accepted may not be reimbursed.

We coordinate directly with your case manager and keep them updated on your progress.

Built around your job

Your rehabilitation plan is shaped by what your work actually involves, whether that's long hours at a screen, a busy and noisy environment, or physical, safety-sensitive tasks. The goal is a safe, gradual return to work that holds, without setbacks.

For physically demanding roles, our active rehabilitation program can rebuild the strength and stamina your job requires.

Returning to Sport After a Concussion

We follow the graduated return to sport strategy from the international concussion consensus, also used in BC's concussion guidelines. Each step takes at least 24 hours, and we only move forward when your symptoms allow.

Daily activitiesRelative rest for the first 24 to 48 hours, then normal daily activities that don't more than mildly worsen symptoms.
Light aerobic exerciseWalking or a stationary bike, gradually increasing pace and duration.
Sport-specific exerciseRunning, skating, or individual drills with no risk of head impact.
Non-contact trainingHarder training drills and resistance training, once symptoms have resolved and you've been medically cleared.
Full contact practiceNormal training with your team.
Return to sportBack to competition.

If symptoms worsen more than mildly during steps 1 to 3, we pause and try again the next day. If symptoms return during steps 4 to 6, we step back to step 3. Students should be fully back at school before returning to contact sport. Explore our sports physiotherapy services.

Returning to Work After a Concussion

Start gradually

Most people return to work in stages, often beginning with shorter days, lighter duties, or remote work, then building up as symptoms allow.

Adjust your workday

Regular breaks, reduced screen time, and a quieter workspace can help you manage symptoms while you build tolerance.

Clear safety-sensitive tasks

Jobs involving driving, heights, or machinery need extra care. We'll help you, your doctor, and your employer decide when those tasks are safe again.

How to Prepare for
Concussion Physio

Early rest is critical, but prolonged
isolation can hinder recovery. Your
physiotherapist will help you find the
right balance.

Before your injury assessment:

Track your symptoms (frequency, severity, triggers)
Note which activities worsen or improve symptoms
Bring any imaging results or physician reports
For ICBC claims: obtain treatment pre-approval from your adjuster

Immediately post-injury:

Rest your brain. Limit screen time, reading, and stimulating environment
Avoid alcohol and minimize caffeine
Stay well-hydrated
Get adequate sleep in a dark, quiet room
Avoid activities that risk re-injury

testimonials

Results that speak for themselves

Concussion Physiotherapy Vancouver: Patient Success Stories

VanCity Physio has played a pivotal role in my journey to healing my back after a car accident in 2017. Their positive attitude and ability to build instant rapport with each of his clients constantly amazes me.

Their dedication to solving the mystery behind my injury and constant support in advocating for my health has been a necessary component to the success I've had treating this injury.

I trust VanCity Physio fully with this injury and I will undoubtedly be visiting any time I need to see a physiotherapist in the future. Do yourself a favour and book in now!

— Gabrielle D

I attribute my personal physical success to VanCity Physio's knowledge, personality, and example.

Not only did VanCity Physio help me to reach my personal physical goals, but they also empowered me with the knowledge of a healthier lifestyle which has allowed me to greatly surpass those goals.

— Matt S

I wanted to take a moment to write you a note of gratitude for your time and efforts during my recovery.

Your attitude, depth of knowledge, and commitment really helped me through one of the roughest times in my life.

— M. Goddard

Frequently Asked Questions About Concussion Physiotherapy in Vancouver

Can physiotherapy help with concussion?

Yes. Physiotherapy helps with many of the symptoms that keep people from recovering, including headaches, neck pain, dizziness, balance problems, and trouble tolerating exercise. Your physiotherapist assesses which systems are affected and builds a step by step plan to get you back to normal activity.

When should I start physiotherapy after a concussion?

You can start soon after your injury. If you haven't been assessed by a doctor yet, see one first. After 24 to 48 hours of relative rest, gentle activity is encouraged, and physiotherapy can guide that safely. If symptoms are lasting longer than a couple of weeks, it's a good time to book a concussion assessment.

Should I rest in a dark room after a concussion?

No. Current guidance recommends relative rest for the first 24 to 48 hours, meaning light daily activities that don't worsen your symptoms much. Staying in a dark room for days isn't recommended and can slow recovery. After the first couple of days, gentle activity like walking is encouraged.

How long does concussion recovery take?

Most people recover within a few weeks. Some develop persistent symptoms that last longer. With physiotherapy, many patients see significant improvement in 4 to 6 weeks, while more complex cases may need 3 to 6 months of progressive rehabilitation.

Does ICBC cover concussion physiotherapy?

Yes. If you were concussed in a car crash in BC, ICBC's Enhanced Care coverage pre-approves up to 25 physiotherapy treatments within the first 12 weeks after your accident, with no referral or ICBC approval needed. Bring your claim number and Personal Health Number. If you need care beyond 12 weeks, we can work with your ICBC recovery specialist to request more treatment.

Does WorkSafeBC cover concussion rehabilitation?

WorkSafeBC may cover physiotherapy for a workplace concussion once your claim has been accepted. Speak with your case manager and get approval before your first session. We coordinate directly with your case manager and build your plan around a safe, gradual return to work.

What is vestibular rehabilitation for concussion?

Vestibular rehabilitation is exercise-based treatment for dizziness, balance problems, and blurred vision when you move your head, which are common after a concussion. It retrains how your inner ear, eyes, and brain work together. Learn more about our vestibular physiotherapy.

When can I return to sport after a concussion?

Return to sport follows a six step plan, with each step taking at least 24 hours. You progress from daily activities to light exercise, sport-specific drills, non-contact training, full contact practice, and finally competition. You should be symptom free and medically cleared before contact training, and students should be fully back at school first.

Expert Concussion Care in Vancouver

Common Concussion Symptoms We Treat

Headache and neck

Dizziness and balance

Vision

Thinking and energy

Sleep and mood

Sensitivity

Vestibular Rehabilitation After a Concussion

What to Expect During Concussion Physio Treatment

Initial Assessment

Treatment Sessions

Duration

ICBC Concussion Physiotherapy

Pre-approved care after a crash

If recovery takes longer

WorkSafeBC Concussion Rehabilitation

After a workplace head injury

Built around your job

Returning to Sport After a Concussion

Returning to Work After a Concussion

Start gradually

Adjust your workday

Clear safety-sensitive tasks

How to Prepare for
Concussion Physio

Before your injury assessment:

Immediately post-injury:

Home Exercise & Symptom Management

After each appointment, you'll receive:

Accessing Concussion Physio

How to book:

Fees:

Results that speak for themselves

Frequently Asked Questions About Concussion Physiotherapy in Vancouver

Start Your Concussion
Recovery with an Expert Assessment

Concussion Physiotherapy Vancouver

Expert Concussion Care in Vancouver

Common Concussion Symptoms We Treat

Headache and neck

Dizziness and balance

Vision

Thinking and energy

Sleep and mood

Sensitivity

Vestibular Rehabilitation After a Concussion

What to Expect During Concussion Physio Treatment

Initial Assessment

Treatment Sessions

Duration

ICBC Concussion Physiotherapy

Pre-approved care after a crash

If recovery takes longer

WorkSafeBC Concussion Rehabilitation

After a workplace head injury

Built around your job

Returning to Sport After a Concussion

Returning to Work After a Concussion

Start gradually

Adjust your workday

Clear safety-sensitive tasks

How to Prepare forConcussion Physio

Before your injury assessment:

Immediately post-injury:

Home Exercise & Symptom Management

After each appointment, you'll receive:

Accessing Concussion Physio

How to book:

Fees:

Results that speak for themselves

Frequently Asked Questions About Concussion Physiotherapy in Vancouver

Start Your Concussion Recovery with an Expert Assessment

How to Prepare for
Concussion Physio

Start Your Concussion
Recovery with an Expert Assessment