Concussion Therapy
At Highmark Physical Therapy, we use evidence-based techniques to address the physical, sensory, and cognitive effects that can occur after a concussion.
What is a Concussion and Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS)?
A concussion is a temporary brain cell dysfunction caused by shear forces and stretching of brain cells typically caused by a collision of the head or body. While most people recover within a few weeks, some experience lingering symptoms - a condition known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS).
Common symptoms may include:
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Headaches or neck pain
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Dizziness or imbalance
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Blurred vision or eye strain
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Fatigue or difficulty tolerating activity
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Trouble concentrating, remembering, or processing information
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Increased sensitivity to light or noise
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Feeling “foggy” or slowed down
These ongoing symptoms can interfere with daily life, work, and physical activity. The good news is that targeted rehabilitation can help the brain and body recover.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Physical therapy plays an important role in recovery from post-concussion syndrome. At Highmark Physical Therapy, our therapists use evidence-based techniques to address the physical, sensory, and cognitive effects that can occur after a concussion.
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A comprehensive evaluation helps us identify which systems are affected - such as the vestibular system (balance and spatial orientation), the oculomotor system (eye movement and visual focus), the cervical spine (neck alignment and muscle function), and the cognitive system (attention, memory, and processing).
What to Expect
Your therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific symptoms and recovery goals.
Treatment may include:
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Vestibular rehabilitation to reduce dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance
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Oculomotor and visual exercises to improve focus, coordination, and reduce eye strain
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Cervical spine treatment to address neck pain, stiffness, and related headaches
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Graded aerobic exercise to safely reintroduce physical activity and improve tolerance
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Cognitive rehabilitation strategies to address challenges with concentration, memory, and multitasking - often combining movement and thinking tasks to help restore the brain-body connection
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Education on pacing and symptom management to support recovery in daily activities
The overall goal of rehabilitation is to promote healing across all affected systems, physical, sensory, and cognitive - to restore normal function and improve tolerance for everyday activities. Treatment is individualized and progresses at a pace guided by your symptoms and response to activity.
