Welcome to Strive Physiotherapy & Performance, your Kitchener-based concussion treatment centre. Our experienced team offers personalized care to aid your concussion recovery journey. We understand the complexities of brain injuries, hence, we use a holistic, multidisciplinary approach for complete recovery.

Understanding Concussions

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.

Because concussions affect people differently, it is crucial to seek professional advice if a concussion is suspected.

Symptoms To Watch Out For

Symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not appear immediately. 

  • Cognitive Difficulties: Trouble concentrating, memory problems, and feeling “in a fog.”
  • Physical Symptoms: Headache, blurry vision, nausea, dizziness, and sensitivity to light or noise.
  • Emotional Changes: Irritability, sadness, more emotional, or nervousness.
  • Sleep Disturbances: Sleeping more or less than usual, trouble falling asleep.

Causes of Concussions

Concussions can result from:

  • Sports Injuries: Especially in contact sports like football, hockey, and soccer.
  • Falls: Particularly in children and the elderly.
  • Vehicle-related Collisions: Including cars, bicycles, and pedestrians.
  • Physical Assaults: Including being shaken, punched, or shot in the head.
  • Accidents at Home or Work: Such as hitting your head on low ceilings, tripping, or falling objects.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Concussions

Our concussion treatment in Kitchener leverages physiotherapy to address and alleviate the symptoms of concussions. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in concussion recovery by addressing the symptoms that accompany a concussion, such as balance issues, dizziness, headaches, and visual disturbances. 

Through a personalized treatment plan, physiotherapists can help you improve balance and reduce dizziness, enhance focus and coordination, and alleviate neck pain and headaches. 

Comprehensive Assessment

The first step in our treatment plan includes a comprehensive physiotherapy assessment focusing on identifying specific physical symptoms such as balance issues, coordination problems, and headaches. This assessment allows us to create a personalized rehabilitation plan.

Tailored Physiotherapy Interventions

Depending on the outcomes of the assessment, your treatment may include:

  • Visual Motor and Coordination Training: Exercises designed to improve visual tracking and coordination, reducing visual disturbances and enhancing focus.
  • Manual Therapy: Techniques such as soft tissue massage and gentle mobilization to relieve headaches and neck discomfort associated with concussions.
  • Exercise Therapy: Graduated exercise programs to safely increase physical activity levels without exacerbating symptoms, improving overall stamina and reducing fatigue.

Ongoing Support and Rehabilitation

Understanding that recovery from a concussion is a gradual process, we provide ongoing support through:

  • Regular Monitoring and Adjustments: Continuously assessing your progress and adjusting your treatment plan as necessary to ensure optimal recovery.
  • Education and Guidance: Offering advice on activity modification, symptom management, and strategies to prevent future concussions.

Other Services We Offer

Explore the full range of services offered by Strive Physiotherapy & Performance, designed to promote recovery and well-being beyond concussion treatment.

Choose Strive Physiotherapy & Performance for Effective Concussion Care

Selecting Strive Physiotherapy & Performance in Kitchener for concussion treatment means partnering with a dedicated team focused on your recovery:

  • Expert Team: Our healthcare providers are trained in the latest concussion management techniques, offering you the highest standard of care.
  • Personalized Care Plans: We understand each concussion is unique, providing tailored treatment plans aimed at your specific symptoms and recovery goals.
  • Innovative Treatments: Utilizing the latest research and therapies, we ensure the best possible outcomes.
  • Comprehensive Support: From initial assessment through to full recovery, we’re with you every step of the way, offering education and support to prevent future concussions.

Begin Your Recovery Journey Today

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a concussion, don’t wait. Contact Strive Physiotherapy & Performance in Kitchener today to start on the path to recovery. Our compassionate and knowledgeable team is here to support you through each stage of recovery, helping you return to your daily life with confidence and strength.

Effective Treatment for a Variety of Sports Injuries

  • Meniscal Injury Treatment
  • Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
  • Shin Splints Treatment
  • ACL Tears Treatment
  • Hamstring Strain Treatment
  • Groin Pull Treatment
  • Concussion Treatment (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury)

Concussion Treatment Kitchener FAQs

How Can I Support My Recovery From a Concussion at Home?

Supporting your recovery from a concussion at home involves following your physiotherapist’s recommendations, which may include performing prescribed exercises, engaging in gradual physical activity, and utilizing relaxation techniques to manage stress. It’s important to maintain a regular sleep schedule to help your brain recover and to eat a balanced diet that supports brain health. Avoid activities that risk further head injury, and gradually increase cognitive tasks to avoid overstimulation. Listening to your body and resting when needed is crucial, as is staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol. Regular follow-ups with your physiotherapist will help adjust your home program as you progress.

How Long Before I Can Return to Work or School After a Concussion?

The timeline for returning to work or school after a concussion varies significantly from person to person, depending on the severity of the injury and the individual’s specific symptoms. Many people can start to reintroduce cognitive activities within a few days to a week, following a graduated return-to-activity protocol designed to avoid exacerbating symptoms. It’s crucial to begin with light, non-strenuous tasks and gradually increase the workload, closely monitoring for any recurrence of symptoms. Communication with healthcare providers, employers, and educators is key to adapting work or school responsibilities during recovery.

Is It Safe to Drive After Suffering a Concussion?

Deciding when it’s safe to drive after suffering a concussion is a critical consideration that should be made on an individual basis, in consultation with your healthcare provider. Driving requires complex cognitive functions, including attention, reaction time, and visual processing, which can be impaired after a concussion. Generally, it’s advised to avoid driving until significant symptoms have resolved and you’ve been cleared by a professional who has assessed your cognitive and physical capabilities to safely operate a vehicle.

Can Exercise Worsen My Concussion Symptoms?

In the initial stages following a concussion, certain exercises, especially those that are high-impact or increase blood pressure, can indeed worsen symptoms. However, guided, gradual exercise is an essential component of concussion recovery, known to improve symptoms over time. Starting with light, low-impact activities as recommended by your healthcare provider, and gradually increasing intensity, can help facilitate recovery. It’s essential to monitor symptoms and progress slowly to avoid overexertion, which could set back recovery.

Strive Physiotherapy & Performance
260 Doon S Dr Unit 8, Kitchener, ON N2P 2L8, Canada
(519) 895-2020

Hours:

Monday to Thursday: 8 AM – 9 PM
Friday: 8 AM – 5 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed