For Doctors

Research shows that rest is no longer the best approach to concussion care. Early intervention of various therapies can significantly improve recovery.

Concussion patients with persistent symptoms require a multidisciplinary care team, and frequent visits and follow-ups. Recognized Complete Concussion Management practitioners provide healthcare services to patients in collaboration with their family physicians. In short, we act as an extension of your practice, providing accessible, multidisciplinary post-concussion care that helps patients safely return to learn, work and play. We can also offer regular progress updates on your patient’s level of recovery.

Complete Concussion Management is one of the largest networks of concussion clinics, providing personalized treatment and standardized approaches to graduated return to learn, work and play. This is particularly beneficial for frequent travelers or high-level athletes. Doctors can feel confident that their patients will receive the same quality of care regardless of which clinic they go to.

The most recent international Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport defines persistent symptoms as those lasting more than 10-14 days in adults and more than 1 month in children. Research shows that starting treatment and rehabilitation as early as 5-10 days after injury may improve recovery time and decrease the risk of developing post-concussion syndrome (or PCS). We work with doctors and their patients to develop a personalized treatment plan.

Complete Concussion Management has one of the largest networks of concussion care clinics, including locations in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. Visit our Find a Clinic page to locate a clinic in your area.

Research shows that early intervention of various therapies can significantly improve recovery. Through a thorough assessment and the right treatment approach, trained healthcare practitioners can help athletes safely return to learn, work and play.

By utilizing the most current, evidence-based approaches to concussion care, recognized Complete Concussion Management practitioners are trained to provide a broad range of therapeutic interventions, which may include:

• Physiological rehabilitation (e.g., exercise therapy)
• Visual and vestibular rehabilitation
• Cervicogenic treatment (e.g., manual therapy of the neck and whiplash therapy)
• Education and reassurance
• Diet and nutritional interventions

Research shows that a concussion causes reduced blood flow to the brain in the early stages, which may persist for some time following an injury. This may be why patients feel okay when completely resting, but experience symptoms when they get up, walk around, go to work or read a book.

The good news is that there are many studies that demonstrate complete symptom resolution and improved brain flow through a specific, graded exercise program. Testing with a trained healthcare professional must be done to establish set points as well as a tailored program for each patient.

Dizziness, balance issues and visual problems are common concussion symptoms that can lead to cognitive impairments such as trouble concentrating or remembering. Research shows that symptoms such as dizziness and visual problems can resolve after a thorough assessment from a trained healthcare practitioner and the right treatment approach.

Nearly every concussion causes a neck injury (or whiplash). The signs and symptoms of whiplash are the same as concussion, including headaches, cognitive and emotional problems, balance issues, dizziness, vision dysfunction and brain blood flow abnormalities, among others; however, it’s difficult to know whether symptoms are caused by a concussion or neck injury.

Concussion symptoms generally resolve in 7-10 days, but whiplash symptoms can linger for months or even years. Whiplash and symptoms related to neck injury can be successfully treated with manual therapy.

Patients with depression or anxiety tend to have prolonged concussion symptoms, which can result in, or mimic, symptoms of concussion such as dizziness, confusion, concentration issues, sadness or more emotional, among others. These issues may be caused by the concussion, mismanagement or improper advice (e.g., being told to sit in dark room).

Research shows that education and reassurance plays a significant role in concussion recovery and mental health problems. In some cases, a patient may require support from a psychologist, psychiatrist or other mental health professional. Talk to your healthcare practitioner if you feel depressed or hopeless following a concussion.

Dietary changes such as replacing pro-inflammatory foods (e.g., red meat, refined sugars, white breads) with healthier options (e.g., lean meats, fruits, vegetables) and good fats (e.g., coconut oil, flax seed, almonds) may help to reduce inflammation and symptoms caused by concussion. Further, there is increasing support for various supplements such as Omega-3 fatty acids, creatine, curcumin, magnesium gluconate, and melatonin to support concussion recovery.

Additional research is required to fully understand the clinical application of diet and nutritional interventions for concussion recovery. Please speak with your healthcare provider prior to changing your diet or taking supplements as there can be a risk for adverse effects and/or interactions with other medications you may be taking.

Concussion treatment and rehabilitation care services are subject to the prices of each individual clinic; however, most Complete Concussion Management services are covered by extended or secondary health benefits.

Your patients can typically be seen within 24 to 48 hours after a referral has been received.