A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a direct or indirect force to the head that disrupts normal brain function. Symptoms are wide-ranging and can include headache, dizziness, nausea, memory difficulty, concentration problems, sensitivity to light or noise, sleep disturbance, and mood changes. At Elite Sports Injury Clinics in Winnipeg, physiotherapists trained in concussion assessment use validated tools — including the SCAT and Sport Concussion Assessment Protocol — to evaluate each patient individually and guide a safe, graduated return to school, work, and sport. Early, properly managed rehabilitation leads to faster and more complete recovery.
What to watch for
Common symptoms
- Headache or pressure in the head following a head impact or whiplash event
- Dizziness, balance difficulties, or a feeling of unsteadiness
- Difficulty concentrating, memory gaps, or mental fogginess (brain fog)
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia) or sensitivity to noise (phonophobia)
- Nausea or visual disturbances such as blurred or double vision
- Emotional changes — increased irritability, anxiety, or low mood — following a head injury
Who this care is for
Who we help
- Hockey, football, rugby, soccer, and combat sport athletes in Winnipeg who have sustained a head impact
- Children and youth athletes requiring school accommodation letters or sport return-to-play clearance
- Adults experiencing prolonged post-concussion syndrome (PCS) — symptoms lasting beyond two to four weeks
- Workers who sustained a head injury at the workplace and require WCB-approved rehabilitation
- Patients referred by a physician, emergency department, or school for formal concussion management
Individualized rehabilitation
Our treatment approach
Concussion rehabilitation at Elite Sports Injury follows the Concussion in Sport Group (CISG) graduated return-to-activity protocol. Following an initial assessment, your physiotherapist will place you at the appropriate stage of the protocol — from complete rest through to full return to contact sport. Vestibular rehabilitation, cervical spine treatment, and exercise-based concussion therapy may be incorporated based on your symptom profile. Patients with persistent symptoms (post-concussion syndrome) receive extended management addressing specific symptom domains such as vestibular dysfunction, cervicogenic headache, and exercise intolerance.
Progress with purpose
Return to activity
Most concussions in otherwise healthy individuals resolve within two to four weeks with appropriate management. Youth athletes and individuals with a history of multiple concussions may experience longer recovery timelines. Post-concussion syndrome — defined as symptoms persisting beyond four weeks — affects a subset of patients and benefits from targeted physiotherapy addressing the underlying symptom drivers. At Elite Sports Injury Clinics in Winnipeg, your return to sport or work is cleared based on symptom resolution and objective assessment — not a fixed calendar.
Important: Recovery timelines vary. Your physiotherapist will base progression on your assessment, symptoms, function, and activity goals.
Experienced local care
Why Winnipeg patients choose Elite Sports Injury
- Validated concussion assessment tools used at every appointment (SCAT, vestibular screening)
- Graduated return-to-activity protocols aligned with CISG and Manitoba sport organization guidelines
- Cervical spine and vestibular physiotherapy available for persistent or complex concussion presentations
- School accommodation and return-to-sport documentation provided for youth athletes
- No referral required — book directly at any of our five Winnipeg locations
Clear answers
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about treatment, timelines, insurance, and booking in Winnipeg.
Where can I get concussion assessment and rehabilitation in Winnipeg?
Elite Sports Injury Clinics offers concussion assessment and rehabilitation at all five Winnipeg locations — Downtown, St. James, St. Vital, Bridgwater, and Transcona. Our physiotherapists use validated assessment tools and graduated return-to-activity protocols to evaluate concussion severity and guide safe recovery. No referral is required to book. Contact any of our Winnipeg locations to arrange a concussion assessment appointment.
How long does concussion rehabilitation take in Winnipeg?
Most uncomplicated concussions resolve within two to four weeks with properly managed rest and graduated return-to-activity. More complex presentations — including post-concussion syndrome, persistent vestibular symptoms, or cervicogenic headache — may require six to twelve weeks of targeted physiotherapy. At Elite Sports Injury, your physiotherapist will monitor your progress at each stage and adjust your program based on your symptom response, rather than applying a fixed timeline.
Can physiotherapy help with post-concussion syndrome in Winnipeg?
Yes — physiotherapy is one of the most effective interventions for post-concussion syndrome (PCS). At Elite Sports Injury Clinics in Winnipeg, treatment for PCS may include vestibular rehabilitation for dizziness and balance problems, cervical spine physiotherapy for headaches arising from the neck, and graded aerobic exercise therapy to address exercise intolerance. Your physiotherapist will assess which symptom domains are most prominent and target treatment accordingly.
Does Elite Sports Injury provide concussion documentation for schools and sport organizations in Winnipeg?
Yes — Elite Sports Injury physiotherapists can provide documentation for school accommodations (such as reduced workload or screen time) and return-to-sport clearance letters for sport organizations and coaches. This is particularly important for youth athletes in Winnipeg who require formal clearance before returning to contact practice or competition. Ask your physiotherapist about documentation at the time of your appointment.
No referral required
Start with an assessment.
Choose the Elite Sports Injury location and appointment time that works best for you.