Concussion Management

A concussion can affect how you think, feel, move, and function in daily life. At Rock Valley Physical Therapy, our concussion management program is designed to help you recover safely and fully. We create therapy plans that reflect your symptoms, your goals, and the way you heal.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, jolt, or blow to the head or body that shifts the brain inside the skull. This movement disrupts normal brain function and can result in a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms.


You don’t have to lose consciousness to have a concussion. Even a seemingly minor hit can cause changes that affect your ability to think clearly or function normally. Recovery takes time, and rest alone may not be enough. That’s why structured management helps guide the healing process and reduce long-term complications.

Common Symptoms

Concussion symptoms can show up right away or develop over several hours or days. Some are physical, while others impact thinking, mood, or sleep. Common symptoms include:


  • Headaches or pressure in the head
  • Dizziness or balance problems
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fatigue or slowed thinking
  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering
  • Irritability, anxiety, or mood swings

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Who Can Benefit From Concussion Management?

Concussion management supports people of all ages, including student-athletes and adults recovering after falls, car accidents, or workplace injuries. You may benefit from care if you're dealing with symptoms like headaches, brain fog, dizziness, or difficulty focusing.


Even mild symptoms can interfere with school, work, or daily responsibilities. Early care reduces complications and helps you return to activity safely. Our therapists take the time to understand your needs and create a plan that fits your recovery goals. No referral is needed to get started, and we’re ready when you are.

What to Expect During Concussion Recovery

Every concussion is different, which means recovery should be tailored to your specific symptoms and needs. Concussion rehab may include balance training, vision exercises, gradual activity progression, and symptom tracking. We focus on helping you return to daily activities safely, without increasing symptoms.


Therapists guide each step of the process, adjusting care as your condition improves. Progress is monitored closely to avoid setbacks and build long-term results. Both recent and persistent symptoms may respond well to care that respects your pace and supports full recovery for your body and brain.

Why Choose Rock Valley Physical Therapy?

Our concussion services combine clinical knowledge, personal attention, and the latest rehab methods to help you feel better, faster. At Rock Valley, you’ll work one-on-one with a therapist who understands concussion recovery and adapts your care based on how you're progressing.


We use evidence-based tools like balance testing, vision exercises, and activity pacing to guide your care. Each session is built around your needs and symptoms, not a preset checklist. With more than 60 locations and flexible scheduling, starting your recovery is straightforward.

Experienced Therapists
Our team comprises licensed professionals with specialized training.


Convenient Locations

With over 60 clinics, we offer accessible care close to home.


No Referral Needed
Direct access to physical therapy services without a physician's referral.


Continuity of Care
Patients work with the same therapist throughout their treatment journey.

Real Stories. Real Results.

"The staff and clinicians are all very good. They answered all my questions, time spent with me was excellent and everyone showed great compassion."

"Everything is top notch! The expertise of the PTs and their caring attitude is exemplary. All the support staff are great!"

"I was very pleased with all of my care - pre op & post op. You did a wonderful job preparing me for surgery and getting me healed after."

"Excellent doesn't give the staff enough credit to how hard they work for their patient. All of the staff works very hard to give you extra help as each person needs."

Tips, Insights & Recovery Advice

Runner crouching on a park path, checking her knee after a workout.
July 22, 2026
Learn why your knees crack during squats, when joint noises are normal, and when physical therapy may help relieve discomfort.
Four people posing on a baseball field, with grass, dirt infield, and stadium signs behind them.
By Kylie Williams July 15, 2026
Rock Valley Physical has again been selected to provide sports medicine coverage for the 2026 IAHSAA Class 3A and Class 4A boys state baseball finals. The tournaments, set for Monday-Friday, July 20-24, will be held at the 5,300-seat Veterans Memorial Stadium, at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the home of the Class A Midwest League’s Cedar Rapids Kernels, the High A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. Rock Valley’s Jason Viel, Director of Athletic Training Services, MS, LAT, ATC (Pleasant Valley High School); Blake Anderson, LAT, ATC (Rockridge (Il.) High School); Tyler Beauchamp, LAT, ATC, PTA, FMT (Davenport Central High School); and Jess Rummery MS, LAT, ATC (Bettendorf High School) will be on site to cover quarterfinal, semi-final and final-round action of the tournament. “This is such a great opportunity for Rock Valley to be the premier sports medicine providers for the 3A/4A 2026 IAHSAA State Baseball Tournament,’’ said Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s Misti Thompson, LAT, ATC (Xavier High School, Cedar Rapids). “We were able to cover this event in 2024 and are excited for the opportunity to return and offer our services. With Rock Valley expanding across Iowa and even to neighboring states this allows us to amplify our mission of Making Better Lives while still being to impact traveling teams since we likely have clinics in most of the areas that teams are traveling from allowing continuity of care if needed through our direct access.’’ By: Johnny Marx, Rock Valley Storyteller

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