When it comes to concussion, you don't want to be treated by just anyone.
Concussion is a complex injury that affects many systems in the body.
At HIDEF Physical Therapy, we have providers specifically trained in sports concussion management and have gone through extensive training to become field-leading experts in this area.
Sports Concussion Specialists
A concussion is more than just a “bump on the head.” It’s a complex injury that affects how your brain processes information, balance, and movement. At HIDEF Physical Therapy, our concussion specialists take an active, evidence-based approach to recovery—focusing on restoring your brain-body connection, not just waiting for symptoms to fade.
We help athletes safely return to school, work, and sport through individualized, progressive rehab that addresses the full system: vestibular, visual, cognitive, and physical. Every concussion is different, which means your rehab plan should be too.
What is a concussion?
Why Choose HIDEF for Concussion Rehabilitation
At HIDEF, concussion care is more than rest and observation—it’s an active recovery model. We combine clinical expertise with advanced assessment and sport-specific training to help you recover fully and confidently.
Our approach integrates:
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Vestibular and oculomotor training – to restore balance, vision, and coordination.
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Graded aerobic exercise – to improve blood flow, reduce symptoms, and rebuild tolerance safely.
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Cervical spine and neck treatment – to address post-traumatic neck issues that mimic or worsen concussion symptoms.
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Cognitive and visual load progressions – tailored to your sport and position demands.
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Return-to-learn and return-to-play programming – following international concussion management guidelines (e.g., Berlin Consensus, 6-Step RTP protocol).
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Our therapists are trained in concussion management and sports performance, ensuring that every step of your recovery keeps the end goal in mind—getting you back to your sport stronger and safer.
What to Expect During Your Recovery
Your recovery starts with a comprehensive evaluation that includes:
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Symptom review and medical history
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Vestibular and balance testing
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Visual tracking and coordination screening
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Strength, mobility, and cervical assessment
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Exercise tolerance testing (Buffalo Concussion Treadmill or bike protocol)
From there, we build a personalized plan that evolves as you recover. Each phase has clear milestones—from early stabilization and symptom control to advanced sport-specific drills and cognitive re-integration.
We communicate directly with physicians, athletic trainers, and coaches to coordinate your safe return to school, training, and competition.
FAQ
Q1: What is a concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head or body that disrupts normal brain function. It can affect balance, vision, focus, reaction time, and overall brain-body coordination.
Q2: How do I know if I have a concussion?
Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, blurred vision, light or noise sensitivity, and difficulty concentrating. Symptoms can appear immediately or develop hours later, so it’s important to be evaluated even if you feel “mostly fine.”
Q3: Should I rest completely after a concussion?
Complete rest used to be the standard, but research now shows that guided, symptom-limited activity leads to faster and more complete recovery. We progress you safely through light movement, aerobic exercise, and sport-specific drills based on your tolerance.
Q4: How long does concussion recovery take?
Most athletes recover within 2–4 weeks with proper management. Some take longer depending on injury severity, prior concussion history, and factors like sleep and stress. We individualize your plan to your symptoms and progress.
Q5: When should I see a physical therapist for a concussion?
Ideally within the first few days after injury. Early physical therapy helps manage dizziness, balance issues, neck pain, and exercise tolerance. The sooner you start guided rehab, the lower your risk of prolonged symptoms.
Q6: What happens during concussion rehabilitation at HIDEF?
Your plan may include vestibular and visual training, cervical spine treatment, aerobic exercise progression, and coordination drills. We use objective testing (like Buffalo Concussion protocols) to track readiness for each recovery phase.
Q7: How do you decide when I’m ready to return to sport?
Q8: Can physical therapy help with post-concussion syndrome?
We follow a criteria-based return-to-play model using symptom scoring, exertional testing, cognitive checks, and movement performance metrics. You’ll only advance once you meet each milestone symptom-free.
Yes. Persistent symptoms beyond a few weeks often relate to unresolved vestibular, visual, or neck dysfunction. Our therapists address these systems directly to reduce lingering headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
Q9: Is concussion rehab only for athletes?
No. We treat active adults, students, and workers recovering from falls or car accidents as well. The principles of safe, progressive brain-body rehab apply to everyone.