Concussion & Post-Concussion Care in Milton
Headaches, neck pain, dizziness or brain fog after a fall, sports collision or car accident? Dr. Rachel Calabrese brings particular experience in concussion care — working alongside your doctor to help you get back to daily life, work, school and sport.
Recovery isn't just about the brain.
The same force that causes a concussion often strains the neck too. Neck injuries can cause headaches, dizziness and pain that look a lot like concussion symptoms — and can keep you feeling unwell for longer if they aren't addressed.
Once your doctor or nurse practitioner has assessed you, Dr. Calabrese looks at your neck and upper back, treats what she finds, and helps you return to activity step by step. When something needs a different kind of care, she'll point you to the right professional.
Common Symptoms After a Concussion
Care That Fits Where You Are in Recovery
Every concussion is different. Your plan is built around your symptoms and adjusted as you improve.
Chiropractic Care
- A careful history and assessment of your neck and upper back
- Treatment for neck pain, whiplash and neck-related headaches
- Joint mobilization, soft tissue therapy and adjustments when appropriate
- Targeted exercises to rebuild neck strength and control
- A gradual return-to-activity plan for daily life, work, school and sport
Massage Therapy
- Gentle treatment for neck, shoulder and jaw tension
- Pressure and session length adjusted to your symptoms
- A calm, private treatment room
- Relaxation-focused care to support rest and recovery
- Receipts for extended health plan coverage
Meet Your Care Team
Headaches after a concussion? See our headache & neck pain care.
Get emergency care first
If you have just hit your head, see a doctor before booking with us. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if you or someone you're with has any of these after a head injury:
- Loss of consciousness, a seizure, or getting more drowsy or harder to wake
- A headache that is severe or getting worse
- Repeated vomiting
- Weakness, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, or severe neck pain
- Double vision, slurred speech, confusion, or unusual agitation
In Ontario, a concussion should be diagnosed by a physician or nurse practitioner. Under Rowan's Law, athletes in organized sport also need medical clearance before returning to full training or play. We're happy to work alongside your doctor.
Questions We Often Hear
Can a chiropractor help after a concussion?
Chiropractic care may help with the neck-related problems that often come with a concussion, such as neck pain, whiplash and headaches that start in the neck, and can guide a gradual return to activity. It works alongside medical care: a concussion should be diagnosed by a physician or nurse practitioner.
When can I start treatment after a concussion?
Start by getting assessed by a doctor or nurse practitioner. Current guidelines generally recommend a short period of relative rest for the first day or two, followed by a gradual increase in light activity as symptoms allow. Your chiropractor will tailor care to where you are in your recovery.
What if my symptoms have lasted for weeks or months?
Lingering symptoms are common. Because neck problems can cause headaches, dizziness and pain that overlap with concussion symptoms, a neck assessment can be a useful next step. If another type of care would help, such as vision or vestibular therapy, we will point you in the right direction.
Can you help me return to sport?
Yes, we can help you build strength and work through a gradual return-to-activity plan. In Ontario, Rowan's Law requires athletes in organized sport to be cleared by a physician or nurse practitioner before returning to full training or competition.
Is massage safe after a concussion?
Gentle massage of the neck and shoulders is often well tolerated once you have been medically assessed. Let your RMT know about your concussion so pressure, positioning and session length can be adjusted to your symptoms.
Is concussion care covered by insurance?
Most extended health plans cover chiropractic care and massage therapy by an RMT. OHIP does not cover chiropractic care. If your injury happened in a car accident, your auto insurance may cover treatment, so contact us and we can talk through your options.
Insurance & Coverage
Most extended health plans cover massage therapy and chiropractic care. We offer direct billing depending on your provider's policy — just bring your insurance information to your first appointment. For clients without direct billing, we provide receipts you can submit for reimbursement.
Get Support for Your Recovery
Book with Dr. Calabrese, or start with a free 15-minute discovery visit.
350 Main Street E, Unit 2A, Milton ON · 416-909-3356