BALANCED HEALTH 
Wellness Center

Understanding Concussion and Post-Concussion Syndrome
Recovering from a concussion requires more than just rest — it needs guided care tailored to each stage of healing. Concussion recovery sessions focus on reducing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and brain fog, while supporting safe return to daily life and activity. Utilizing the Concussion Recovery Protocol designed by Craig Mattimoe, with a combination of gentle therapy, movement guidance, and education, you’ll feel supported in every step of recovery. This approach helps you regain focus, energy, and confidence, while protecting long-term brain health.
 

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that disrupts normal brain function. While often called "mild," the symptoms—like headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound, and brain fog—can be severe and lingering, a condition known as Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS).

The injury isn't just in your brain; it's in your entire head and neck. The impact jars the skull and violently wrenches the delicate structures of the neck (cervical spine), leading to many of the physical symptoms you experience.

How Can Therapy Help Concussion Recovery?

Our concussion therapy is not a standard massage. It is a protocol-driven, gentle approach focused on calming the nervous system and addressing the secondary physical injuries that cause pain and dysfunction.
 

We aim to:

• Reduce Headache Frequency & Intensity: By releasing tension in the neck, jaw, and cranial muscles that are a primary source of post-concussion headaches.

• Alleviate Neck Pain & Stiffness: Addressing the common "whiplash" component of the injury.

• Improve Balance & Reduce Dizziness: By working with the connective tissues linked to your vestibular (balance) system.

• Calm the Nervous System: Using gentle techniques to shift your body out of the stressed "fight-or-flight" state, promoting rest and healing.

• Decrease Sensory Overload: Helping to reduce sensitivity to light and sound by reducing overall neurological irritation.

Our Gentle, Specialized Approaches

Our therapists are trained in specific modalities that are safe and effective for the concussed brain:

• Craniosacral Therapy (CST): Uses feather-light touches to release tensions deep within the skull and central nervous system, helping to optimize the environment for healing.

• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): Gentle, rhythmic strokes to reduce inflammation and swelling in the head and neck, which can alleviate pressure and headaches.

• Myofascial Release for the Neck & Head: Gently releases tight connective tissue that restricts movement and contributes to pain.

• Vestibular System Support: Gentle work to address dizziness and balance issues connected to the tissues of the head and neck.

What to Expect in Your Session

Your safety and comfort are our absolute priority. We move at a pace that respects your brain's need for calm.

1. In-Depth, Low-Stimulus Consultation: We discuss your history and symptoms in a calm, quiet environment, minimizing sensory input.

2. Gentle Assessment: We perform a subtle physical assessment of your neck, posture, and cranial rhythm.

3. The Treatment: You will lie fully clothed on a comfortable table. The therapist will use extremely light, non-invasive touches on your head, neck, and back. The pressure is subtle, often described as "the weight of a nickel."

4. Integration & Aftercare: The session is slow and restful. We will provide guidance on hydration and rest to help your body integrate the work.
    

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is it safe to get massage after a concussion?
A: Yes, when performed by a therapist specifically trained in concussion protocols. We use only gentle, non-manipulative techniques. We require clearance from your primary care physician or neurologist before beginning treatment to ensure your safety.

Q: How soon after a concussion can I start therapy?
A: While the acute rest phase (first 24-48 hours) is critical, gentle therapy can often be beneficial soon after, once your physician has cleared you for treatment. We can also be highly effective for long-standing Post-Concussion Syndrome.

Q: I'm very sensitive to touch, sound, and light. Can you accommodate this?
A: Absolutely. This is our specialty. Sessions are conducted in a quiet, dimly lit room. We use minimal touch and check in frequently to ensure you are comfortable. Your sensory needs will guide our every step.

Q: What if I'm still experiencing symptoms months or years later?
A: Our therapy is highly effective for Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS). Even if your injury was in the past, the lingering tension in your neck and cranial system can often be addressed, leading to significant symptom relief.

Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: This is highly individual. Some feel a shift after one session, while others with more complex symptoms require a longer care plan. We will discuss a realistic timeline based on your initial assessment.