Conditions We Treat
Most concussions resolve in 7–14 days. When symptoms persist beyond that — dizziness, headaches, brain fog, sensitivity to screens, neck pain — physical therapy is one of the highest-yield treatments available. We address the vestibular, cervical, and visual systems that drive most prolonged symptoms.
After the acute phase has passed (typically 48–72 hours), most patients benefit from active rehabilitation rather than complete rest. Indications for PT include persistent dizziness, balance issues, headaches with neck stiffness, exercise intolerance, visual symptoms with reading or screens, and brain fog. We coordinate with your concussion physician or neurologist when appropriate.
Vestibular — the inner ear and how your brain processes head movement. Cervical — the neck almost always takes some load in a concussion, and neck dysfunction mimics and worsens concussion symptoms. Visual — eye movement, focus, and convergence often need re-training. Effective PT addresses all three, not just one.
60-minute evaluation with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. We screen vestibular function (gaze stabilization, balance, motion sensitivity), cervical mobility and strength, and oculomotor function. We measure exercise tolerance with a sub-symptom-threshold protocol. First treatment same visit. Plans typically run 8–16 visits over 6–12 weeks.
Vestibular rehabilitation (gaze stabilization, habituation, balance training), cervical manual therapy and motor control work, oculomotor and convergence exercises, graded sub-symptom-threshold aerobic exercise (the Buffalo protocol), and structured return-to-school / return-to-work / return-to-sport progressions. We're conservative with progression — slow and steady beats flare-and-restart.
Most insurance covers PT for post-concussion syndrome. Some plans require a physician referral for concussion-specific care — we verify at intake. Self-pay is $150 per session.
Same-week evaluations at Capitol Hill, Bethesda, and in-home throughout the DMV.
Book a Post-Concussion EvaluationTypically after 48–72 hours and once you've been medically cleared to begin active rehab. Older protocols of strict prolonged rest are out of date — most patients benefit from earlier active rehab.
Vestibular PT is a specific subset focused on the inner ear and balance system. Most post-concussion symptoms have a vestibular component, plus cervical and visual components — so good concussion PT addresses all three.
Done correctly, no. We use sub-symptom-threshold protocols where exercise is dosed below the level that triggers symptoms. This is one of the most evidence-supported interventions for prolonged recovery.
Varies widely. Most return to school/work within 2–4 weeks of starting PT; sport return is more graded and typically 4–12 weeks depending on sport and severity.
Often yes — many concussion headaches have a cervical component (cervicogenic headache). Treating the neck addresses a substantial portion of post-concussion headaches.
Not legally in DC, MD, or VA. Some insurance plans require one for concussion-specific care — we verify at intake.