The Role Active Rehabilitation Plays in Post-Concussion Recovery

Concussions are more than just a bump on the head – they’re a form of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that can significantly impact your physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being.

Whether caused by a sports injury, car accident, or fall, concussions require thoughtful and effective care to ensure full recovery. At Legacies Health Centre, we believe in a modern, evidence-based approach to healing: active rehabilitation.

What Is Active Rehabilitation?

Active rehabilitation is a structured, progressive recovery plan that incorporates physical and cognitive activity under the guidance of trained professionals. Unlike the outdated “cocooning” method (where patients are told to rest in a dark room until symptoms disappear) active rehab encourages safe, monitored movement and mental engagement early in the recovery process.

This approach is supported by recent research and clinical guidelines, which show that prolonged inactivity can actually delay healing and increase the risk of long-term symptoms, such as post-concussion syndrome.

Why Active Rehabilitation Works

The brain, like any other part of the body, benefits from gentle stimulation and guided exercise during recovery. Here’s how active rehabilitation helps:

• Improves blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, which supports healing.
• Reduces the risk of persistent symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
• Supports mental health by preventing isolation and promoting engagement.
• Helps restore balance, coordination, and cognitive function through targeted therapies.

Studies have shown that patients who begin light aerobic activity under professional supervision within days of their concussion recover faster and more completely than those who rely solely on rest. 

What to Expect at Legacies Health Centre

At Legacies Health Centre, we offer comprehensive concussion care across our clinics in Burnaby, North Vancouver, and Surrey. Our multidisciplinary team includes physiotherapists, chiropractors, and other rehabilitation specialists who work together to create a personalized recovery plan for each patient. 

Your active rehabilitation program may include:

• Initial assessment to understand your symptoms, history, and goals.
• Gentle aerobic exercises like walking or stationary cycling.
• Balance and coordination training to address vestibular issues.
• Cognitive exercises to improve memory, attention, and processing speed.
• Manual therapy for neck pain or other musculoskeletal symptoms.
• Gradual return-to-work or return-to-sport planning.

Safety First: Guided Recovery

Active rehabilitation doesn’t mean pushing through pain or ignoring symptoms. It’s about finding the right level of activity that promotes healing without causing setbacks. Our team monitors your progress closely and adjusts your plan as needed to ensure a safe and effective recovery.

Who Can Benefit?

If you live in the Lower Mainland and have recently suffered a concussion, active rehabilitation may be the key to getting back to your life faster and stronger. Whether you’re a student, athlete, professional, or retiree, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Don’t wait for symptoms to linger. Book your concussion assessment today at Legacies Health Centre and discover how active rehabilitation can help you recover with confidence. Our clinics are trusted by professional athletes and everyday patients alike, and we’re ready to help you, too. We serve patients in Burnaby, North Vancouver, Surrey Nordel and Surrey Southpoint.

Meghna completed her Bachelor’s in Physiotherapy in 2011 and Masters in Musculoskeletal in 2013 from India. She has lived in New Zealand for 10 years and moved to Canada in 2022. She comes with a vast variety of experience of having worked in government and private healthcare sectors treating a diverse range of patients including Sports injuries, Motor vehicle accidents, Neuro Rehab, Pre and Post-Operative rehab , Musculoskeletal conditions including Back, Neck, Shoulder and Joint pain (acute and chronic conditions) and Geriatric population.

Book online with Meghna Parmar in Southpoint here