Concussion & Whiplash Rehab

What we do (sport & MVA)

We assess the three common drivers after concussion and whiplash—neck, vestibular/ocular, and exercise tolerance—then build a simple plan you can follow. Our approach helps reduce headaches, dizziness, and brain fog, and guides you back to class, work, and the ice/field safely.

One-on-one assessment and clear diagnosis summary
Hands-on cervical care + vestibular/ocular therapy
Graded sub-symptom aerobic progression (Buffalo protocol)
Stepwise “return to learn/work/sport” with milestones

Hockey & sport focus

SCAT6-informed symptom monitoring
Skate/ice and non-contact progression before full contact
Communication with coaches/trainers and parents

First 48–72 hours

Relative rest: light daily activity is OK if symptoms stay mild
Limit heavy screen time; normalize sleep/wake and hydration
Short, easy walks can help—avoid risk of re-injury

Red flags (seek urgent care)

Worsening severe headache, repeated vomiting, seizures
Weakness/numbness, slurred speech, unusual behavior
Neck pain with neurologic signs or loss of consciousness

Your assessment

Symptoms & Screens

Symptom checklist & cognitive screen
Balance tests and graded exertion screen
Return-to-learn/work planning

Neck & Vest./Ocular

Cervical joint & muscle testing; whiplash patterns
VOR/OKN, saccades, visual motion sensitivity
Head-eye coordination drills as indicated

Exercise Tolerance

Baseline sub-symptom heart-rate threshold
Buffalo Concussion Treadmill (or bike) progression
Weekly progression targets

Treatment plan

Cervical manual therapy + motor control
Vestibular/ocular therapy (VOR, gaze stability, habituation)
Graded aerobic exercise below symptom threshold
Headache and sleep strategies; pacing/return-to-routine

Typical ranges

Acute sport concussion: 3–6 visits over 3–5 weeks.

MVA concussion/whiplash: 6–10+ visits over 6–10 weeks.

We reassess every session and adjust based on objective progress.

Return to learn, work, and sport

Return to Learn

Short study blocks at home → partial days at school
Increase cognitive load and reduce breaks as tolerated
Full day, then regular workload and tests

Return to Work

Graduated hours and light duties
Screen breaks, task rotation, noise/light strategies
Progress to full duties and hours

Return to Hockey/Sport

Light aerobic → sport-specific drills (no contact)
Non-contact practice → full contact practice
Game play after full practice tolerated symptom-free

Important: Progress one step per 24 hours when symptom-free at the current step and off symptom-masking meds.

Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA)

MVA-related concussion often co-exists with whiplash and neck dysfunction. We blend cervical treatment, graded exertion, and vestibular/ocular therapy to reduce headaches, neck pain, and dizziness, and we coordinate with your insurer on approved treatment plans.

What we handle

Insurer communication and forms
Objective measures for progress reports
Work accommodation guidance

Insurance & Direct Billing

WorkplaceNL

We coordinate claims and required forms with WorkplaceNL.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

We help set up approved treatment plans and communicate with your insurer.

Private Plans & VAC

Direct Billing available to many insurers; VAC K-number clients may be eligible for pre-approved sessions.

In NL you can book directly with a physiotherapist; some plans may request a physician’s referral for reimbursement.

FAQ

Do I need to rest completely?

No—after 24–48 hours of relative rest, gradual activity is usually better than strict rest. We’ll guide the pace.

Will exercise make it worse?

We use sub-symptom aerobic training (Buffalo protocol). Done correctly, this improves recovery and tolerance.

How long until I can skate or practice?

Many athletes start light aerobic work within a few days and progress steps as symptoms resolve. Full contact only after non-contact practice is symptom-free.

What if symptoms linger?

We screen for persistent drivers (neck, vestibular/ocular, exertion intolerance) and adjust care. We’ll liaise with your physician if needed.

Do you treat the neck (manual therapy) after concussion?

Yes. When appropriate, we use gentle cervical manual therapy to reduce headache and stiffness and to improve the results of vestibular/ocular rehab and graded exercise. Techniques are comfort-based and always paired with specific neck control exercises.

Concussion & Whiplash Clinic