After a Concussion, "Just Rest" Isn't Always the Answer
You've been told to rest in a dark room, avoid screens, and wait it out. But days have passed and you still have headaches, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or sensitivity to light. Maybe it's been weeks. Maybe months. The symptoms haven't gone away on their own, and nobody has given you a clear plan for what comes next.
The science on concussion recovery has changed. Prolonged complete rest is no longer considered best practice. Early, guided rehabilitation under the right clinical supervision leads to faster, more complete recovery. The key word is guided: the wrong activity at the wrong time can set you back, while the right progressive approach accelerates healing.
If you or someone you care for is struggling after a concussion, whether from a sports injury, a fall, a car accident, or a workplace incident, physiotherapy-led concussion rehabilitation is one of the most effective paths to recovery available.
What Is Concussion Physiotherapy?
Concussion physiotherapy is a specialized form of rehabilitation that addresses the physical symptoms and functional limitations that follow a concussion. These can include headaches, dizziness, balance problems, neck pain, visual disturbances, and cognitive fatigue, all of which respond to evidence-based physiotherapy interventions.
At Sportmed Max, concussion rehabilitation may involve:
- Cervicogenic (neck-related) assessment and treatment: many post-concussion symptoms originate in the cervical spine, not the brain itself
- Vestibular rehabilitation: for dizziness, balance issues, and visual disturbances caused by inner ear disruption
- Graded return-to-activity programming: a structured, stage-by-stage plan aligned with current return-to-sport and return-to-learn protocols
- Concussion-specific exercise therapy: carefully progressed cardiovascular and strengthening work to support neurological recovery without triggering symptom flare-ups
- Post-concussion syndrome management: for patients whose symptoms persist beyond the typical recovery window
Greater Moncton's Concussion Physiotherapy Team
Renee Leger PT leads concussion rehabilitation at Sportmed Max. With a Master of Science in Physiotherapy from the University of Ottawa (2011) and a BSc in Kinesiology from the Université de Moncton (2007), Renee has been practicing in the Greater Moncton area since 2012 and brings 14+ years of clinical experience to every patient she sees.
Renee's concussion experience spans high school football, university hockey, and university soccer team coverage; she understands what athletes need to return safely, and what parents need to know when their child has been hurt. Her postgraduate training in concussion rehabilitation means she applies current best-practice protocols, not guesswork.
Renee is supported by a team with broad concussion experience across disciplines:
- Danielle Johnstone Allen PT: Certified Sports Physiotherapist with concussion rehab experience and a background working with Soccer NB
- Gabriel Doucet PT: trained in concussion treatment and return-to-activity protocols (MSc, Université de Montréal)
- Nazaf Parekh PT: experienced with concussion as part of complex MVA and WorkSafe NB case management
What to Expect at Your Concussion Assessment
Step 1: Book directly
Step 2: Comprehensive initial assessment
Step 3: Structured, progressive recovery plan
What Recovery Looks Like on the Other Side
Patients who pursue concussion physiotherapy at Sportmed Max work toward:
- Symptom resolution: targeted treatment for headaches, dizziness, neck pain, and brain fog rather than waiting and hoping
- Faster, safer return to sport or school: structured return-to-activity programming aligned with current concussion protocols so you don't go back too soon or stay out longer than necessary
- Confidence in your recovery: a clear plan, regular reassessment, and a clinical team who understands the full picture of post-concussion recovery
Frequently Asked Questions About Concussion Treatment
No. In New Brunswick, you can access physiotherapy directly without a doctor's referral. If you've been assessed by a physician or nurse practitioner and have a concussion diagnosis, bring any documentation you have, but you don't need to wait for a referral to begin rehabilitation.
As soon as your symptoms allow an assessment. Current best-practice guidelines support early physiotherapy evaluation, within the first week or two post-injury, rather than extended complete rest. Early assessment helps identify the specific drivers of your symptoms and gets you on a structured recovery path sooner.
Yes. Post-concussion syndrome, meaning persistent symptoms beyond the typical 4-week recovery window, is something we see and treat regularly. The cervical spine, vestibular system, and cardiovascular system all respond to physiotherapy intervention even in chronic presentations. It's not too late to seek assessment.
A concussion is the initial brain injury. Most people recover fully within 2 to 4 weeks with appropriate management. Post-concussion syndrome refers to symptoms that persist beyond that window: headaches, cognitive difficulties, dizziness, mood changes, and often requires more targeted rehabilitation to resolve.
Yes. Renee Leger PT has extensive experience with youth athletes and understands the specific return-to-learn and return-to-sport protocols that apply to school-aged patients. Recovery timelines and protocols differ for children and adolescents, and our team applies age-appropriate guidelines.
Our concussion team has covered high school football, university hockey, university soccer, and a range of recreational sport. We treat concussions from sports, falls, motor vehicle accidents, and workplace incidents.
Ready to Start Your Concussion Recovery in Dieppe?
The Sportmed Max concussion team in Dieppe is ready to assess, guide, and support your recovery from day one. Serving Dieppe, Moncton, Riverview, Shediac, and the broader Greater Moncton area from our clinic at 18 Champlain Street, Unit 4.
Sportmed Max Physiotherapy Champlain
18 rue Champlain St, Unit(é) 4Dieppe, NB
E1A 1N3 View Staff & Treatments
