Understanding Concussion Recovery
Concussions are a form of mild traumatic brain injury that can disrupt the way the brain processes information, regulates movement, and manages sensory input. Symptoms may appear immediately or develop over hours to days and can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, visual disturbances, brain fog, fatigue, sensitivity to light or sound, mood changes, and difficulty with concentration or memory.
While many concussions resolve within a few weeks, others persist longer and can interfere with work, school, exercise, and daily life. Recovery is not simply about “resting until symptoms go away.” It requires the right balance of protection, movement, and progressive stimulation to help the nervous system recalibrate and heal.
A concussion does not usually involve structural damage visible on imaging, but it does alter brain metabolism, blood flow regulation, and communication between neural networks. This is why symptoms can feel widespread and unpredictable. Common systems affected include:
Neurological regulation – headaches, brain fog, emotional changes
Vestibular system – dizziness, balance issues, motion sensitivity
Visual system – eye strain, blurred vision, difficulty tracking or focusing
Cervical spine – neck pain, stiffness, headache referral
Autonomic nervous system – fatigue, sleep disruption, exercise intolerance
Effective recovery requires identifying which systems are involved and addressing them in a coordinated way rather than relying on rest alone or pushing through symptoms.
Our Approach to Concussion Recovery
At ONE80 Health, concussion recovery is guided by structured assessment, education, and individualized progression. We focus on helping the brain and body tolerate and adapt to increasing demands safely, rather than avoiding all activity or returning too quickly.
Our approach emphasizes:
Thorough assessment of neurological, vestibular, visual, and cervical contributions to symptoms
Symptom-guided progression, ensuring activities challenge recovery without provoking setbacks
Education and reassurance, helping patients understand what is happening and what is safe
Active rehabilitation, rather than prolonged inactivity
Ongoing monitoring, adjusting care as recovery evolves
Each plan is tailored to the individual, whether symptoms are recent or lingering weeks to months after injury.
What to Expect During Concussion Recovery
Concussion recovery is rarely linear, and temporary symptom fluctuations are common and do not necessarily indicate harm or regression. Effective care focuses on gradually reducing symptom intensity and frequency, improving tolerance to cognitive and physical activity, restoring balance, coordination, and visual stability, and addressing contributing factors such as the neck and upper spine. Recovery is guided by functional improvement rather than arbitrary timelines, with progression carefully matched to the individual’s capacity. Without appropriate guidance, people may either over-restrict activity or push too hard too soon, prolonging symptoms. Structured, guided concussion care helps prevent persistent post-concussion symptoms, reduces fear and uncertainty around activity, identifies overlooked contributors such as vestibular or cervical involvement, and supports a safe, confident return to work, school, exercise, and daily routines.
Treatments That May Help with Concussion Recovery
Concussion recovery often benefits from a coordinated approach that may include the following treatment options: