Concussion Recovery and Rehab in Reno
A Personalized, Evidence-Based Approach to Healing
Concussions — also known as mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) — can disrupt your life in unexpected ways. Whether caused by a sports injury, car accident, fall, or work-related trauma, concussions affect more than just your brain. They often involve a complex interaction of physical, cognitive, vestibular, and emotional symptoms.
At Strength in Motion in Reno, NV, we specialize in concussion rehabilitation that goes far beyond “rest and wait.” We use a research-backed, individualized approach based on the latest research to help you recover fully — and return to work, sport, school, or life.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body that results in the brain moving rapidly within the skull. While there may be no visible injury, the effects can be wide-ranging and long-lasting without proper management.
Common Concussion Symptoms
Dizziness or balance problems
Nausea or sensitivity to light/sound
Difficulty concentrating or remembering
Fatigue or slowed thinking
Visual disturbances (blurred/double vision)
Neck pain or stiffness
Emotional changes (irritability, anxiety, depression)
Why See a Physical Therapist for a Concussion?
The JOSPT Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend early, active intervention after concussion — especially when symptoms persist beyond the first few days. Physical therapists trained in concussion rehab can address many of the impairments associated with mTBI, including:
- Vestibular dysfunction (dizziness, balance issues)
- Cervical spine dysfunction (neck pain, cervicogenic dizziness)
- Visual-motor impairments
- Postural control and gait instability
- Exertional intolerance
Concussion Rehab Is Not One-Size-Fits-All
Every concussion is unique. Some people recover in days; others experience lingering symptoms for weeks or months. Whether you’ve just had a concussion or you’re still struggling with symptoms months later, we can help.
You don’t have to tough it out or wait in the dark. With expert guidance and a personalized plan, full recovery is possible.
Our Approach to Concussion Rehab
At Strength in Motion, we tailor your rehab plan based on a comprehensive evaluation that may include balance testing, vestibular screening, neck and eye movement assessments, exertional testing, and more.
Vestibular & Balance Training
Cervical Spine Treatment
Neck injuries often accompany concussions, especially in sports and car accidents. We use manual therapy, mobilization, and exercise to reduce cervicogenic dizziness, headaches, and neck pain.
Visual-Motor Retraining
We use targeted exercises to improve coordination between eye and head movements, which are often disrupted after a concussion.
Graded Return to Exercise
Rather than prolonged rest, we guide you through a safe, progressive return to activity, using sub-threshold aerobic exercise to restore tolerance to movement and exertion.
Dual Task Training
A crucial step in recovery is retraining your brain to handle multiple demands at once — like walking while thinking, or balancing while reacting. This “dual tasking” is essential for returning to school, work, or sport safely. We use specific drills that challenge cognitive and physical skills simultaneously.
Education & Symptom Management
Start Your Recovery Today
If you or your child is dealing with a concussion, contact us today. At Strength in Motion in Reno, we combine clinical expertise with compassionate care to help you heal fully and confidently return to what you love.
References
- Reneker, J. C., Hassen, A., et al. (2020). Physical Therapist Management and Evaluation of Concussion: Clinical Practice Guidelines Linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health From the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy and the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 50(4), CPG1–CPG73.
[Provides the foundation for evaluation and rehab strategies post-concussion.] - Leddy, J. J., et al. (2016). A physiological approach to prolonged recovery from sport-related concussion. J Athl Train, 51(3), 265–272.
[Supports sub-threshold exercise as part of treatment.] - Howell, D. R., et al. (2018). Dual-task gait as a marker of persistent concussion symptoms in adolescents. Clin J Sport Med, 28(6), 513–520.
[Highlights importance of dual-task retraining in post-concussion care.]
"*" indicates required fields