Concussion & Post-Concussion Syndrome
A Clear Path Forward After Concussion
A concussion is more than just a "knock to the head"—it's a brain injury that can disrupt your life in profound ways. Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, brain fog, and fatigue can persist for weeks or even months, making it difficult to return to work, school, or sport. Navigating recovery can feel isolating and confusing.
Effective concussion management requires a comprehensive and active approach that addresses all aspects of the injury. At Velca, our integrated team of physiotherapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists provides a coordinated recovery plan to safely guide you through every stage, from acute rest to a full return to your life.
Understanding Concussion
A concussion is a functional injury to the brain caused by a direct or indirect blow. This jolt can affect your brain's communication pathways and impact multiple systems, leading to a range of symptoms:
Physical: Headaches (often neck-related), dizziness, nausea, balance problems, light/sound sensitivity.
Cognitive: "Brain fog," difficulty concentrating, memory issues, feeling slowed down.
Emotional: Irritability, anxiety, sadness.
Sleep: Drowsiness, or difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Our Integrated Approach to Concussion Recovery
Early and appropriate intervention is key to preventing prolonged symptoms. Our collaborative team addresses the injury from multiple angles to ensure a complete recovery.
Physiotherapy: Guiding Your Active Recovery The old advice of "total rest in a dark room" is outdated. Our physiotherapists are experienced and will:
Assess and treat the neck. Almost every concussion involves a whiplash component, and treating neck stiffness and pain is crucial for resolving headaches.
Provide vestibular rehabilitation to treat dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems.
Design a sub-symptom threshold exercise program to help your brain heal.
Create a structured and safe Graded Return-to-Learn/Work/Sport plan to prevent symptom flare-ups.
Chiropractic: Focusing on a Clear Connection The impact that causes a concussion often affects the alignment and function of the upper neck (cervical spine). Our chiropractors use gentle and precise techniques to:
Assess the upper cervical spine for restrictions that can contribute to headaches, dizziness, and brain fog.
Use low-force adjustments to restore proper movement and function, improving the flow of information between your brain and body.
Help calm the nervous system and restore its optimal function after the trauma.
Massage Therapy: Managing Secondary Symptoms The physical and emotional stress of a concussion leads to significant muscle tension. Our massage therapists support your recovery by:
Releasing tension in the neck, shoulders, and scalp to provide significant relief from post-traumatic headaches.
Promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which can help improve sleep quality—a vital component of brain healing.
Providing a calming therapy that can help manage the anxiety and irritability associated with concussion.