Concussion Rehabilitation in Eugene: What Recovery Should Look Like

By Michael Duffy, DPT

A concussion can be unsettling — not just because of the initial injury, but because of the uncertainty that follows. Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, brain fog, sensitivity to light, or feeling "off" can linger longer than expected, especially if recovery isn't guided properly.

At Zenith Performance & Wellness in Eugene, concussion rehabilitation focuses on active, individualized recovery, not prolonged rest or guesswork. Here's what that actually means — and what you should expect from evidence-based concussion care.

What Is a Concussion, Really?

A concussion is a functional injury to the brain, not a structural one. That's an important distinction. Most concussions don't show up on imaging like MRIs or CT scans — yet symptoms are very real. They often stem from temporary disruptions to:

• brain signaling

• balance and vestibular systems

• eye movement and visual processing

• neck and cervical spine function

• autonomic regulation (heart rate, exertion tolerance)

  
  

This is why simply "waiting it out" doesn't always work.

Why Concussion Symptoms Sometimes Linger

Most people expect concussion symptoms to resolve in a week or two. When they don't, it's often because specific systems weren't assessed or retrained.

Common reasons symptoms persist:

• unresolved neck dysfunction after the injury

• vestibular (balance) system deficits

• visual tracking or eye coordination issues

• poor tolerance to physical or cognitive exertion

• Staying inactive too long

  
  

Effective concussion rehab identifies which systems are involved — not just how intense symptoms feel.

What Evidence-Based Concussion Rehab Looks Like

Modern concussion rehabilitation has shifted away from strict rest and toward guided, progressive activity. At Zenith, recovery typically includes:

1. Comprehensive Concussion Assessment

We evaluate:

• symptom patterns

• eye movement and visual coordination

• balance and vestibular function

• cervical spine mobility and control

• exertion tolerance and nervous system response

  
  

This helps us determine why symptoms are present — and what to address first.

2. Targeted Vestibular & Visual Rehab

Dizziness, nausea, and difficulty focusing often come from vestibular or visual system disruptions.

Rehab may include:

• gaze stabilization drills

• balance retraining

• eye-head coordination work

• graded visual exposure

The goal isn't to avoid symptoms — it's to safely retrain tolerance and control.

3. Cervical Spine & Head-Neck Control

The neck plays a huge role in post-concussion symptoms, especially headaches and dizziness.

Treatment often includes:

• manual therapy

• deep neck muscle retraining

• postural and movement integration

This is a frequently overlooked piece of recovery.

4. Gradual Return to Exercise & Activity

Research shows that appropriate aerobic exercise is one of the most effective interventions for concussion recovery — when applied correctly and at the right intensity.

We guide:

• heart-rate controlled aerobic progressions

• symptom-monitored exertion

• return-to-sport or return-to-work pathways

The goal is confidence, clarity, and resilience — not fear of symptoms.

Concussion Rehab in Eugene: Why Local, Specialized Care Matters

Concussions affect students, athletes, professionals, and active adults throughout Eugene and the surrounding community. Whether your concussion came from:

• sport or recreation

• a fall

• a bike crash

• a car accident

  
  

…recovery should be individualized and active — not generic or rushed.

At Zenith, concussion rehabilitation is integrated with movement, strength, and performance so people don't just "feel better," but return to life with confidence.

When Should You Seek Concussion Physical Therapy?

Concussions are especially common among Eugene's endurance and outdoor athletes:

• Trail runners who take a fall on technical terrain (Ridgeline, Spencer Butte)

• Mountain bikers dealing with crashes or head impacts

• Road cyclists involved in accidents on local routes

• Soccer, basketball, or contact sport athletes with impact injuries

  
  

Consider concussion rehab if you're experiencing:

• symptoms lasting longer than 10–14 days

• dizziness or balance issues

• headaches tied to movement or screens

• difficulty exercising or concentrating

• fear or uncertainty about returning to activity

  
  

You don't need to wait until things get worse to get clarity.

Quick Self-Assessment: Should I See a Concussion Specialist?

Check the statements that apply to you:

✓ My symptoms started after a head injury, fall, or impact

✓ I feel worse when I move my head or eyes quickly

✓ I get dizzy standing up or turning my head

✓ Bright lights or screens make my symptoms worse

✓ I can't exercise at my normal intensity without feeling "off"

✓ My neck feels tight, stiff, or painful

✓ I'm having trouble concentrating or staying focused

✓ My symptoms haven't improved in 2+ weeks

If you checked 3 or more: A concussion assessment can help identify which systems need attention and create a clear recovery plan.

If you checked 1-2: You may still benefit from guidance, especially if symptoms are affecting work, school, or activity.

This isn't about having "bad enough" symptoms — it's about getting answers so you can move forward with confidence.

Final Thought

Concussion recovery isn't about pushing through symptoms — and it's not about doing nothing either. It's about guided exposure, system-specific rehab, and restoring confidence in your body and brain.

If you're dealing with lingering concussion symptoms in Eugene, working with a physical therapist trained in concussion rehabilitation can make the difference between stalled recovery and real progress.

📞 Ready to get answers? Start with a free 15-minute phone consult to assess if concussion physical therapy is right for you. Call or text (541) 250-0195 or book online