Concussion Rehabilitation in
London, Ontario
If dizziness, fogginess, or imbalance is lingering after a concussion, expert in-home and virtual care can help you recover safely.
When a Concussion Won't Let You Move On
A concussion can turn everyday life upside down. Headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, trouble concentrating, even irritability or low mood can follow a blow to the head, face, neck, or body, whether it happened on the field, in a fall, or at home. Most people expect these symptoms to fade within a couple of weeks. But for some, dizziness, imbalance and other symptoms linger long after others ease, making it hard to work, drive, or even walk through a busy store without feeling overwhelmed. Without the right rehabilitation, that unsteady, foggy feeling can hold you back far longer than it should.
What Is Post-Concussion Dizziness?
Post concussion dizziness can happen for a number of reasons.
Concussion can disrupt the vestibular system and its connections in your brain, which plays a role in balance and spatial orientation. Therapy may incorporate exercises and activities to improve your balance and vestibular function.
Vertigo resulting from BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) can occur with a head impact as well. This happens when tiny calcium carbonate crystals inside the inner ear, called otoconia, become dislodged from where they normally sit and drift into one of the ear's fluid-filled canals which detect motion. Movement or changes in head position alter the fluid movement in the canals, sending confusing signals to the brain and triggering a spinning sensation. BPPV is common and treatable, but several variants exist, and each one responds to a different repositioning technique, so an accurate diagnosis matters.
Another contributor to dizziness post concussion can be a neck related injury. Changes in neck function and proprioceptive input to the brain can result in altered spatial sensation and result in dizziness. Therapy may include exercises and manual therapy techniques to address cervical spine issues. This can help reduce symptoms such as neck pain and headaches and improve proprioception.
How We Treat Post-Concussion Dizziness in London, Ontario
Denise Vandermeulen, BScPT, MS, FCAMPT, is a vestibular physiotherapist who completed her Certificate in Vestibular Rehabilitation through Duke University and the APTA at Emory University in 2022 in addition to other concussion training. After your medical evaluation clears you for rehabilitation, she builds a program to retrain balance, spatial orientation, movement and visual comfort so you can return to daily life and activity safely.
You will undergo a thorough assessment of balance, eye movements, and neck function, since concussions often affect all three
Individualized exercises will be prescribed to address issues in visual, vestibular or neck function to help you rebuild confidence in movement and visual tolerance.
Manual therapy for cervical spine dysfunction to reduce pain and headaches is provided as needed. IMS dry needling and/ or Acupuncture can also be a helpful tool in some cases.
In-home visits across London, Ontario and region are available, or virtual appointments for residents anywhere in the province
What to Expect From Concussion Rehabilitation
Here's what a typical course of care looks like, from your first assessment through to a safe return to activity.
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We review your history and complete a physical exam, including neurological screening tests, balance, eye movement, and neck assessment along with infrared video goggle testing if indicated, to understand how the concussion is affecting you.
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Denise builds a personalized program addressing your specific signs and symptoms, whether that's balance retraining, neck exercises for neck related pain and dizziness, headache and other symptom management strategies, visual exercises, and education in how to manage your specific challenges.
We’ll refer you to other professionals if needed to support you in your recovery as well.
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We track your progress and guide your gradual return to work, school, sport, or daily activities at a pace that's safe for you.
Life After Concussion Rehabilitation
Most people see steady improvement as their brain relearns how to use balance, vision, and movement together. It's common to feel discouraged when symptoms outlast the initial injury, so many people are relieved to have a clear, guided plan instead of just waiting for things to settle on their own.
Less fatigue from relying on your eyes to stay balanced
More comfort and confidence in busy, visually overwhelming spaces
A safe, structured path back to work, school, sport, or daily routines
Frequently Asked Questions About Concussion Rehabilitation
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Most concussions improve within a couple of weeks with initial rest and a gradual return to activity, but dizziness, imbalance, or visual discomfort can last longer and often need targeted rehabilitation to fully resolve.
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Ideally a medical evaluation should occur to confirm your diagnosis and rule out anything requiring more urgent care.
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The same impact that causes a concussion often affects the neck as well, and neck-related dizziness is common. We assess and treat the neck alongside your other symptoms to determine the source and treat the cause. Sometimes more than one contributes to those symptoms.
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Yes, many aspects of concussion rehabilitation can be managed virtually, though an in-person assessment is recommended initially. Hands on treatments that can be helpful for neck concerns and headaches can not be provided virtually.
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A thorough assessment helps identify whether your symptoms are coming from the vestibular system, the neck, vision, or a combination, so your treatment plan addresses the right cause or multiple causes.
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
You don't have to push through this alone. Book a free 15-minute consultation to talk through your symptoms and find out if concussion rehabilitation is the right next step for you.
References: Miranda, N. & Dorangricchia, J.P. (2022). Traumatic Brain Injury. Vestibular.org. Robertson, M.K. & McLoughlin, J. (2024). The role of the Physiotherapist in Concussion. South African Journal of Physiotherapy 80(1).