Understanding Concussions: What You Need to Know 

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow or jolt to the head. While “mild” might make it sound harmless, anyone who’s experienced a concussion knows it can be anything but. Symptoms can range from confusion and nausea to balance problems and brain fog. 

You might not even lose consciousness, which is why some people don’t realize they’ve had a concussion until symptoms show up hours or days later. And while rest is essential in the early stages, movement—under the right guidance—becomes just as important later on. 

That’s where physical therapy steps in. 

Why Physical Therapy Helps After a Concussion 

Concussions affect more than just your brain—they can also impact your vision, coordination, neck, and balance. Physical therapy for concussions focuses on helping all those systems recover safely. A trained physical therapist evaluates your symptoms and tailors a plan to help you regain stability, strength, and confidence. 

Here are some key goals of physical therapy after a concussion: 

• Reduce dizziness and balance problems 
• Decrease headaches caused by neck or visual strain 
• Improve focus, coordination, and body awareness 
• Help you safely return to school, work, or sports 

And the best part? You don’t have to push through discomfort. These exercises are designed to support your recovery without making symptoms worse. 

Physical Therapy Exercises for Concussion Recovery 

Let’s walk through some gentle, therapist-approved physical therapy exercises for concussion recovery. Keep in mind: everyone’s healing timeline is different. Always check with your physical therapist before starting a new exercise, especially after a head injury. 

1. Neck Range of Motion Exercises

After a concussion, neck tension is common—especially if the injury involved whiplash. These simple movements can relieve tightness and improve mobility. 

How to do it: 

• Sit or stand comfortably. 
• Slowly turn your head to the right, hold for 5 seconds. 
• Return to center, then turn to the left. 
• Repeat looking up and down. 
• Do 5–10 reps in each direction, moving gently and stopping if symptoms worsen. 

This is one of the easiest physical therapy exercises for concussion that you can try early on (with approval). 

2. Gaze Stabilization (VOR) Exercises

If you feel dizzy when moving your head, your vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR)—the system that keeps your vision steady as your head moves—might need a tune-up. 

How to do it: 

• Hold a small object (like a business card) with a letter or dot in front of you, at eye level. 
• Keep your eyes focused on the object while slowly turning your head side to side. 
• Start with 10–15 seconds at a time. Gradually build up as tolerated. 

This is one of the most important physical therapy exercises for concussion when dizziness or blurred vision is a concern. 

3. Balance Training

Balance can be affected after a concussion, but you can retrain it with simple daily practice. 

Try this: 

• Stand near a countertop or sturdy chair. 

• Start with your feet together and eyes open. Hold for 30 seconds. 
• Progress to eyes closed, or stand on one foot. 
• Once comfortable, try using a foam pad or soft surface to increase the challenge. 

Balance exercises are safe and effective physical therapy exercises for concussion—especially when they’re part of a therapist-led plan. 

4. Light Cardiovascular Activity

Once your symptoms are stable, light aerobic exercise may actually speed up your recovery.

How to get started: 

• Begin with walking at a slow pace. 
• Track your heart rate and symptoms. If you feel okay, gradually increase your pace and time. 
• Avoid high-intensity workouts until cleared by your provider. 

Movement helps regulate blood flow to the brain and improves mood—two big wins during concussion recovery. 

5. Cognitive + Physical Dual Tasks

This is more advanced, but crucial for returning to work or sports. 

Sample exercises: 

• Walk in a straight line while counting backward. 
• Bounce a ball while naming animals. 
• Balance on one foot while spelling words aloud. 

These types of physical therapy exercises for concussion help your brain multitask again—an important step before going back to school or work. 

 Remember: Only perform these exercises under direct supervision from a physical therapist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Concussion and Physical Therapy 

How soon should I start physical therapy after a concussion?

You should rest for the first 24–48 hours. After that, a physical therapist can help assess your symptoms and guide you toward gentle activity. In most cases, earlier intervention leads to a faster, safer recovery. 

Will physical therapy make my symptoms worse?

A good physical therapist will work within your comfort zone. Some symptoms may increase briefly during exercises, but your therapist will monitor closely to ensure they don’t escalate. 

How long does recovery take?

It varies. Some people feel better in a few weeks. Others take longer. The important thing is not to rush—your brain needs time to heal. Physical therapy helps support that process safely. 

Can kids and teens benefit from physical therapy exercises for concussion?

Yes. Young athletes are especially vulnerable to concussion, and physical therapy can be a valuable part of their recovery plan. At Core 3, we create age-appropriate programs to support growing bodies and brains. 

What to Expect from a Physical Therapy Appointment at Core 3 

At Core 3 Physical Therapy, we take concussions seriously—and personally. If you or your loved one is dealing with the lingering effects of a head injury, we’re here to help. 

Your first visit will include: 

• A full evaluation of your symptoms 
• A discussion about your goals and challenges 
• A personalized treatment plan that evolves as you improve 

We understand how frustrating it is to feel “off.” That’s why our team is focused on helping you feel like yourself again—step by step, at your own pace. 

Ready to Start Your Recovery? 

You don’t have to go through concussion recovery alone. With the right guidance, support, and expert care, you can feel better—and get back to doing what you love. 

If you’re looking for a caring team that knows how to guide you through safe, effective physical therapy exercises for concussion, we’re ready to help. 

Reach out to Core 3 Physical Therapy today to schedule your first visit. Our experienced team will walk with you from day one through full recovery—with compassion, encouragement, and personalized care every step of the way.