What Is Concussion Rehabilitation?

Concussion rehabilitation is physiotherapy-led care for the range of symptoms and functional deficits that follow a head injury. A concussion disrupts normal brain function, and while many people recover within a few weeks, others experience symptoms that persist for months, including headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, light and noise sensitivity, and problems with sleep and balance.

Post-concussion physiotherapy addresses the underlying causes of these symptoms, including cervical spine involvement, vestibular dysfunction, and oculomotor impairment. Treatment is tailored to the individual: a soccer player recovering from a game-related collision has different goals and timelines than someone managing symptoms six months after a motor vehicle accident.

West 4th Physiotherapy sees concussions across the full spectrum, from sideline assessment and early management through to post-concussion syndrome and return-to-work or return-to-sport clearance.

How We Approach Concussion Rehabilitation at West 4th Physiotherapy

West 4th Physiotherapy has four physiotherapists with advanced post-graduate concussion training.

Marj Belot, BSc Physiotherapy (Queen's, 1986), MSc Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology (SFU), FCAMPT, SHIFT Concussion Management Practitioner Level 2, ImPACT certified, and UBC MPT whiplash instructor for over a decade. Marj brings 38 years of clinical experience with particular depth in MVA and whiplash-related concussions.

Suzanne Calli, MPT (UBC), BSc Hons Neuroscience (Queen's), SHIFT Concussion Management Level 2, with vestibular rehabilitation training from Emory University in Atlanta. Suzanne works with BC Rugby athletes and is experienced in sports concussion management.

Iain Cumberland, MPT (University of Western Ontario), Advanced Vestibular Management and Concussion Management certified, with neurological rehabilitation and Bobath training. Iain also offers video physiotherapy for patients who cannot attend in person.

Julia Hochstein, Advanced Practice Physiotherapist with 8+ years of experience across Ontario, BC, and New Zealand, specializing in orthopaedic and sports injuries including concussion in hockey, rugby, and lacrosse.

Each initial assessment is conducted one-on-one in a private treatment room, with no open-gym environment.

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What to Expect from Your Concussion Assessment at West 4th Physiotherapy

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Step 1: Assessment

Your physiotherapist will complete a comprehensive history covering the mechanism and timing of your injury, your current symptoms, and how they affect daily activity, work, and sport. Assessment includes cervical spine screening, vestibular and oculomotor testing, and baseline balance evaluation to identify which systems are contributing to your symptoms.
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Step 2: Treatment

Treatment is guided by your assessment findings. It may include cervical manual therapy and exercise, vestibular rehabilitation, gaze stabilization, and graded return-to-activity progressions. For ICBC-related concussions, please book through the ICBC tab. Due to limited hours, to book with Marj Belot, please call the clinic directly at 604-730-9478.
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Step 3: Return to Activity

Your physiotherapist will develop a structured return-to-work or return-to-sport plan based on current evidence and your specific goals. This includes monitoring symptom response during exertion and coordinating with other treating practitioners or adjusters as needed.

What Concussion Rehabilitation Can Help You Achieve

Symptom Resolution
Most patients with uncomplicated concussions see significant improvement within a few weeks with guided physiotherapy. Post-concussion syndrome, where symptoms persist beyond three months, typically requires a longer, more structured rehabilitation program, but responds well to targeted physiotherapy.

Return to Sport or Work
West 4th Physiotherapy uses evidence-based return-to-activity progressions to bring athletes and workers back safely, with documentation and coordination support for ICBC and WorkSafeBC claims where applicable.

Improved Balance and Cognitive Clarity
Vestibular and oculomotor rehabilitation can significantly reduce dizziness, visual disturbance, and difficulty concentrating, which are among the most disruptive and persistent post-concussion symptoms.

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Concussion recovery

At West 4th Physio we treat concussions from every angle; from the front- line on the field assessment to helping athletes return to sport, to post-concussion syndrome and the complexities of post MVA. If your concussion is ICBC related please use the ICBC tab. Due to limited hours, to book with Marj Belot, please phone the clinic at 6047309478



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Iain Cumberland

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Julia Hochstein

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Marj Belot

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Suzanne Calli

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Frequently Asked Questions about Concussion Rehabilitation

If you are experiencing symptoms more than 10 days after your concussion, including headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, sensitivity to light or noise, or problems with balance and sleep, physiotherapy assessment is appropriate. You do not need a referral to book. Earlier assessment generally leads to faster recovery.
SHIFT is a post-graduate certification program for clinicians who assess and manage concussions, covering treatment protocols, return-to-sport progressions, and documentation. Two of our concussion physiotherapists, Marj Belot and Suzanne Calli, hold SHIFT Concussion Management Level 2 certification, which is the advanced clinical level.
Yes. Post-concussion syndrome, where symptoms persist beyond three months, often involves cervical spine dysfunction and vestibular impairment that responds directly to physiotherapy. Assessment identifies which systems are involved and treatment is targeted accordingly.
Yes. West 4th Physiotherapy accepts ICBC and WorkSafeBC claims and handles all billing and paperwork in-house. For ICBC concussion clients, please use the ICBC tab when booking. An approved claim number is required.
We see concussions from motor vehicle accidents, workplace incidents, and a broad range of sports including soccer, hockey, rugby, lacrosse, basketball, and falls. Our practitioners have experience working with recreational athletes, competitive athletes, and non-sport concussion presentations.

Book Your Concussion Assessment in Vancouver

Take the first step, book your appointment today at West 4th Physiotherapy Clinic.

West 4th Physiotherapy has been serving Kitsilano since 1994. Marj Belot, Suzanne Calli, Iain Cumberland, and Julia Hochstein are accepting new concussion patients at our West 4th Avenue clinic. Book online or call 604-730-9478 to get started. For ICBC-related concussions, please use the ICBC tab.

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West 4th Physiotherapy Clinic

2211 West 4th Avenue, Suite 216
Vancouver, BC
V6K 4S2

6047309478

info@w4pt.com

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