Concussion Rehabilitation
Return to School. Return to Sport. Return to Life.
A concussion is more than just a bump to the head. It can affect balance, vision, concentration, memory, sleep, and your ability to participate in school, work, sports, and everyday activities.
Located in Presque Isle, Foundation Physical Therapy provides specialized concussion rehabilitation for patients across Northern Maine. Every evaluation is performed one-on-one by a licensed physical therapist, and every treatment plan is individualized to your symptoms, goals, and stage of recovery. In many cases, patients can begin physical therapy without first obtaining a physician referral.
Schedule Your Concussion Evaluation Today
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a direct blow to the head or a force transmitted through the body that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. Because of this movement, depending on severity of impact, this causes cells in the brain to fire off at once. This results in depleted energy sources, chemical imbalances, and disrupted pathways.
Although many people recover within a few weeks, others continue to experience symptoms that interfere with daily life. Early evaluation and appropriate rehabilitation can help identify the systems contributing to your symptoms and guide a safe return to normal activities based on the latest guidelines.
Common Symptoms We Evaluate
Concussion symptoms vary from person to person and may include:
Headache
Blurred or double vision
Light sensitivity
Noise sensitivity
Difficulty concentrating
Memory problems
Brain fog
Fatigue
Nausea
Neck pain
Motion sensitivity
Difficulty reading
Difficulty with screens or computer work
Irritability or mood changes
Sleep disturbances
Who We Treat
Foundation Physical Therapy provides concussion rehabilitation for:
Children
Student-athletes
Youth athletes
Adult recreational athletes
Individuals injured in falls
Motor vehicle collision patients
Workplace injuries
Anyone experiencing persistent symptoms following a concussion
When Should You Be Evaluated?
Many people recover from a concussion within a few weeks. However, persistent symptoms or difficulty returning to normal activities may indicate the need for a comprehensive evaluation.
You should consider a concussion evaluation if you are experiencing:
Symptoms that continue beyond a few days or are not improving as expected
Persistent dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems
Difficulty reading, using a computer, or tolerating screen time
Headaches that worsen with physical or cognitive activity
Neck pain following your injury
Difficulty concentrating, remembering information, or experiencing "brain fog"
Increased sensitivity to light, noise, or visually busy environments
Difficulty returning to school, work, athletics, or your normal daily routine
Symptoms that interfere with your quality of life
Early evaluation can help identify the body systems contributing to your symptoms and guide an individualized rehabilitation program designed to support a safe, confident recovery.
Your Comprehensive Evaluation
No two concussions are exactly alike. Symptoms may originate from multiple body systems, making a thorough evaluation essential.
Your concussion evaluation may include:
Detailed injury history
Symptom assessment
Balance testing
Walking and gait evaluation
Vestibular examination
Eye movement assessment
Vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) testing
Cervical spine screening
Functional movement assessment
Return-to-school or return-to-work considerations
Development of an individualized rehabilitation plan
Our goal is to identify which systems are contributing to your symptoms so treatment is directed toward the underlying impairments—not simply the diagnosis of "concussion."
Treatment May Include
Depending on your symptoms, rehabilitation may include:
Balance training
Vision and eye movement exercises
Gaze stabilization training
Cervical spine treatment
Manual therapy
Gradual exertion training
Exercise progression
Symptom management education
Return-to-school guidance
Return-to-work planning
Return-to-sport progression
Home exercise program
Every rehabilitation program is individualized and progresses based on your symptoms and recovery.
Return to Sport
Returning to sports too soon can increase the risk of prolonged recovery or additional injury.
Foundation Physical Therapy follows evidence-informed return-to-sport principles, helping athletes safely progress through increasing levels of physical activity while monitoring symptoms and functional performance.
Communication with physicians, athletic trainers, coaches, schools, and families can be incorporated when appropriate to support a safe return to participation.
Return to School & Daily Activities
Many patients struggle with school, work, reading, computer use, or busy environments after a concussion.
Rehabilitation may include strategies to improve tolerance for cognitive activity, visual tasks, and daily responsibilities while gradually increasing activity levels as recovery progresses.
Why Choose Foundation Physical Therapy?
At Foundation Physical Therapy, concussion rehabilitation goes beyond symptom checklists. Rather than treating every concussion the same way, we identify the specific body systems contributing to your symptoms and develop a rehabilitation program tailored to your individual needs. Because concussion symptoms can involve the vestibular system, vision, neck, balance, and physical conditioning, a comprehensive evaluation helps guide an individualized treatment plan.
When you choose Foundation, you can expect:
One-on-one care with a licensed physical therapist
Comprehensive concussion evaluation
Individualized rehabilitation based on your specific symptoms
Evidence-informed treatment
Clear communication throughout your recovery
A focus on returning you safely to school, work, sports, and everyday life
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral?
Many patients can begin physical therapy without a referral. Some insurance plans have their own requirements, and we'll help you determine what applies to your situation.
When should I start physical therapy after a concussion?
Every concussion is different. Many patients benefit from an evaluation within the first few days after injury, while others seek treatment weeks or months later for persistent symptoms.
Is complete rest still recommended?
Current concussion management generally supports a brief period of relative rest followed by a gradual return to activity as tolerated. Your rehabilitation program will be tailored to your individual recovery and current clinical recommendations.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery varies considerably. Some patients recover within a few weeks, while others require a longer rehabilitation program depending on symptom severity and the body systems involved.
Ready to Begin Your Recovery?
If you or your child is experiencing persistent symptoms after a concussion, early evaluation can help identify the factors contributing to recovery and develop an individualized treatment plan.
Whether your goal is returning to school, work, athletics, or simply feeling like yourself again, Foundation Physical Therapy is here to help.