What Is a Concussion? A Physical Therapist Explains

March 13, 2026

Concussions are one of the most common types of brain injuries, especially among athletes, active adults, and people involved in falls or car accidents. Despite how common they are, many people still aren’t sure what a concussion actually is or how it should be treated.

In this first article of our Concussion Rehab Series, we’ll explain what a concussion is, the symptoms to watch for, and how physical therapy can help you recover.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that occurs when the brain experiences a sudden movement inside the skull.

This can happen after:

• A blow to the head

• A fall

• A sports injury

• A car accident

• Any sudden acceleration or deceleration of the head

Even though concussions are called “mild” brain injuries, they can still cause significant symptoms that affect daily life.

The brain temporarily has difficulty functioning normally, which can lead to problems with balance, vision, thinking, and coordination.

Common Concussion Symptoms

Symptoms of a concussion can vary from person to person and may appear immediately or hours after the injury.

Common symptoms include:

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Balance problems

• Nausea

• Sensitivity to light or noise

• Blurry vision

• Difficulty concentrating

• Neck pain

• Fatigue

Many people are surprised to learn that dizziness and balance problems are among the most common symptoms after a concussion.

Why Do Concussions Cause Dizziness and Balance Problems?

After a concussion, several systems in the body may be affected, including:

• The vestibular system (balance system in the inner ear)

• The visual system

• The neck and cervical spine

• The brain’s ability to coordinate these systems

When these systems are not working together properly, people may experience symptoms like dizziness, motion sensitivity, and difficulty maintaining balance.

These problems are often very treatable with the right type of rehabilitation.

How Physical Therapy Helps Treat Concussions

Many people don’t realize that physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for concussion symptoms, especially when dizziness, balance problems, or neck pain are involved.

A physical therapist trained in concussion rehabilitation can evaluate several important areas:

• Balance

• Eye movements

• Vestibular (inner ear) function

• Neck mobility and muscle tension

• Movement tolerance

Treatment may include:

• Vestibular rehabilitation exercises

• Balance training

• Eye coordination exercises

• Gradual return-to-activity programs

• Neck treatment to address cervical issues

These treatments help the brain and body recover and return to normal activity safely.

You can learn more about our approach to concussion treatment at Gordon Physical Therapy here: Concussion Treatment & Whiplash – Spokane Valley, WA

When Should You Seek Treatment for a Concussion?

Many concussions improve within a couple of weeks, but some symptoms may persist longer.

You may benefit from concussion rehabilitation if you are experiencing:

• Ongoing dizziness

• Persistent headaches

• Balance problems

• Difficulty focusing your vision

• Symptoms that worsen with activity

Early treatment can often help speed recovery and prevent symptoms from becoming chronic.

Concussion Treatment in Spokane Valley, WA

At Gordon Physical Therapy, we help patients recover from concussions by addressing the underlying causes of symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and balance problems.

Our physical therapists are trained in vestibular rehabilitation and concussion management, allowing us to create individualized treatment plans to help patients safely return to work, sports, and daily activities.

Concussion Rehab Series

This article is the first post in our Concussion Rehab Series. In future articles, we’ll explore common concussion symptoms and treatments in more detail, including:

• Dizziness after a concussion

• Balance problems after a concussion

• Vision problems after a concussion

• Neck pain after a concussion

• When athletes can safely return to sports

Schedule a Concussion Evaluation

If you or a family member are experiencing symptoms after a concussion, the team at Gordon Physical Therapy can help!

Call our clinic today to schedule a concussion evaluation and start your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Concussions

What is the difference between a concussion and a traumatic brain injury?

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). It occurs when a sudden force causes the brain to move inside the skull, temporarily affecting brain function. While concussions are considered mild compared to other brain injuries, they can still cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.

What are the most common symptoms of a concussion?

Common concussion symptoms include:

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Balance problems

• Nausea

• Sensitivity to light or noise

• Blurred vision

• Difficulty concentrating

• Fatigue

• Neck pain

Some symptoms appear immediately after the injury, while others may develop hours or even days later.

How long does it take to recover from a concussion?

Many people recover from a concussion within 2 to 4 weeks, but recovery times vary depending on the individual and the severity of symptoms. Some people may experience symptoms for longer, especially if dizziness, balance problems, or neck pain are involved.

When symptoms persist, concussion rehabilitation with a physical therapist can help speed recovery.

Can physical therapy help treat a concussion?

Yes. Physical therapy can be very helpful for people experiencing symptoms such as:

• Dizziness

• Balance problems

• Neck pain

• Motion sensitivity

• Headaches triggered by movement

Physical therapists trained in concussion rehabilitation can provide vestibular therapy, balance training, and neck treatment to address these symptoms.

When should I see a physical therapist after a concussion?

You may benefit from seeing a physical therapist if you experience:

• Persistent dizziness

• Difficulty with balance

• Headaches that worsen with activity

• Trouble focusing your vision

• Symptoms lasting more than a couple of weeks

Early evaluation can help identify the causes of symptoms and guide an appropriate recovery plan.

Can a concussion cause vertigo?

Yes. Some people develop vertigo or dizziness after a concussion. In some cases, the concussion may even trigger BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), a common inner ear condition that causes brief episodes of spinning when changing head positions.

A physical therapist trained in vestibular rehabilitation can help determine the cause of dizziness and provide appropriate treatment.

Call or text us today if you’d like to get started with concussion treatment!