Physiotherapy
Concussion and Post-Concussion Symptoms
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that can affect how a child or youth feels, thinks, and moves. Symptoms may appear immediately after an injury or develop over the following days. At On The Ball Pediatric, our physiotherapists support children and youth through safe, guided recovery following a concussion.
Our team works with families to monitor symptoms, support healing, and gradually reintroduce movement and daily activities. The goal is to help children return to school, sports, and play safely while minimizing the risk of ongoing symptoms.
Supporting a Safe Return to School and Activity
Recovery from a concussion often requires a gradual return to normal activities. Physiotherapy can help guide this process by monitoring symptoms and introducing movement in a safe and structured way.
1. Detailed Clinical Assessment
We begin by looking at your child's unique pattern of symptoms, including:
- Vestibular function: how the inner ear and brain work together for balance.
- Oculomotor screening: how the eyes track and focus, a common source of headaches.
- Cervical spine: neck tension or whiplash that can mimic concussion symptoms.
- Exercise tolerance: the safe heart rate zone where your child can stay active without triggering symptoms.
2. Personalized Treatment
- Balance and coordination exercises to steady walking and reduce dizziness
- Vestibular rehabilitation for dizziness
- Visual rehabilitation to reduce strain during reading or screen time
- Neck and posture treatment
- Sub-symptom exercise and a gradual return to physical activity
- Education for families about recovery and symptom management
3. A Collaborative Circle of Care
Concussions are complex, so we coordinate with family physicians and pediatricians, neuropsychologists, and your child's teachers and coaches. Keeping everyone on the same page helps your child feel supported at every stage of recovery.
If your child has had a head injury and still has headaches, light sensitivity, brain fog or irritability, it's time for an assessment. Contact our Kanata or Orleans clinic to start your child's guided recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
In a nutshell
Common Post Concussion Symptoms
Children may experience a range of symptoms following a concussion. These symptoms can vary from person to person and may change throughout recovery.
Common symptoms may include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness or balance difficulties
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Fatigue or low energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Changes in mood or sleep patterns
Our physiotherapists carefully assess these symptoms and develop a treatment plan tailored to each child’s recovery.
