The old prescription for concussion — dark room, no phone, no reading, wait it out — has been replaced by an active recovery model. Complete rest beyond 24-48 hours actually prolongs recovery for most people. What works better is graded exertion, symptom monitoring, and targeted therapy for the systems that got shaken.
What a concussion actually is
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury from a direct or indirect blow that causes the brain to move within the skull. You don't need to hit your head or lose consciousness. A whiplash, a hard fall, a check into the boards — any of these can cause one.
The three systems that need attention
Cervical spine — most concussions involve neck injury, and untreated neck dysfunction drives ongoing headaches, dizziness, and brain fog that get misattributed to "the concussion" long after the brain has healed.
Vestibular / balance system — the inner ear and its brain connections often need retraining. Positional dizziness, motion sensitivity, and balance issues respond well to specific rehab drills.
Visual system — convergence, tracking, and accommodation dysfunction show up in a huge percentage of concussions and drive symptoms like eye strain, headaches, and reading fatigue.
The Buffalo protocol and sub-symptom aerobic exercise
Guided aerobic exercise below the symptom threshold — starting with walking or a stationary bike — has strong evidence for speeding recovery. We test tolerance and prescribe intensity based on what your body handles that day.
When to seek care
Any time symptoms last more than 7-10 days. Especially if you have persistent headache, dizziness, brain fog, or exercise intolerance. Persistent post-concussion symptoms respond much better to structured multidisciplinary care than to waiting.
We work alongside physicians, physiotherapists, and vestibular therapists as needed. Come in early — the goal is to get you back to work, school, and sport safely.