Certified Clinic

CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT

Envision Physio is a proud to offer the Complete Concussions Program at our clinic.  We have a team of 4 therapists with special training in the management of concussions.

 

We are a certified Complete Concussions location we provide a full evidence-based concussion management program including everything from pre-season baseline testing to concussion treatment and rehabilitation, helping our patients and athletes safely return to learn, work and play.

CONCUSSION

A concussion is a brain injury that can happen with or without a blow to the head. It typically results in immediate but short term symptoms that resolve within a few weeks. However, some people develop persistent symptoms such as headache, dizziness, feeling “foggy”, and/or nausea. It has been shown that physiotherapy rehabilitation can improve recovery from a concussion, both in the early and late stages.

 

The aim of a concussion assessment is to identify which issues are causing symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses these symptoms. These symptoms may stem from visual or vestibular (balance) disturbances, motion sensitivity, cognitive strain, exercise intolerance, sleep issues, and neck dysfunction. Depending on an individual’s presentation, we often work with other health care practitioners to target all areas affected by a concussion. The ultimate aim of concussion treatment is to provide the tools and education to guide a safe and full return to activities, whether it be work, sports or leisure.

 

Envision Physiotherapy has also developed a Sport Concussion Baseline Testing program for those engaged in sport.  To learn more about this, click here.  Our physiotherapists, Suzanne Calli, Taylor DiBrita and Erin Gibb have all completed post graduate training specializing in concussion rehabilitation. 

TREATMENT

Following a concussion injury, it is recommended that you seek the care of a healthcare professional with training and experience in concussion as soon as possible. In fact, recent studies have concluded that one of the best predictors of concussion recovery was how fast you were assessed at a concussion clinic.

 

Generally, a period of relative "symptom-limited" physical and cognitive rest is recommended for the first 24-48 hours after injury. After this rest period, a gradual increase in mental and physical activity is recommended. For optimal recovery, this process should be directed and supervised by a licensed healthcare practitioner trained in concussion management.

If symptoms of a concussion are still present after 7 to 10 days, an individualized treatment and rehabilitation program should be initiated.

 

The scientific evidence indicates that concussion is best treated with early application of specific cardio exercise programs, rehabilitation for the visual and vestibular systems, treatment aimed at the neck and associated whiplash, dietary and supplement recommendations, as well as patient education.

 

As part of our Complete Concussions program, we offer a full-suite of evidence-based concussion treatment services & strategies including:

 

Balance Rehab

Nutritional Recommendations

Vision Rehab

Cognitive Testing

Integrated Manual Therapy

Exercise Rehab

Return to School, Work and Sport

Pre-season Baseline Testing 

CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT PHYSIOTHERAPISTS

Suzanne Calli
Suzanne Calli
Suzanne Calli
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Click on Name for Bio
Taylor DiBrita
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Click on Name for Bio
Erin Gibb

*Contact us if you have any more questions regarding Physiotherapy for Concussion.

Suzanne Calli - MScPT

Suzanne obtained her Masters of Physical Therapy from UBC in 2016, after completing her Bachelor of Science (Honors) from Queen’s University. While completing her undergraduate degree she specialized in Neuroscience. Her interest in neurology grew through her continued education, while her interest in rehabilitation was a result of her love of sports and growing up playing volleyball. This passion continues in her practice as a physiotherapist, working with BC Rugby and with local Rugby clubs.

 

Suzanne is currently pursuing her Diploma of Advanced Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Therapy. She has also taken multiple post graduate courses for dry needling, and the treatment of concussions and vestibular disorders. This includes Vestibular Rehabilitation from Emory University. Suzanne is Shift Concussion Management Level 2 provider as well.

 

She has experience treating people of varying ages and injuries from young athletes to those with neurological conditions. Her approach includes a combination of manual therapy, dry needling and exercise, depending on the individual person.

 

In her free time Suzanne enjoys the outdoors whether it be exploring the local mountains, running, cycling or swimming.

Erin Gibb - MScPT, BScPHPY, IMS

Erin completed a Bachelors degree in Physiology and Pharmacology and a Masters degree in Physiotherapy in her hometown at the University of Saskatchewan. She holds further certification in IMS dry needling, concussion and vestibular rehabilitation, and clinical Pilates.

 

Erin has an appreciation for all sports and has worked as a physiotherapist with various sports teams at both amateur and Olympic levels, including soccer, football, and snowboarding.  Erin is passionate about helping people understand their bodies and getting people back to doing the things they love. She has a special interest in ACL rehabilitation, running injuries, and working with the adolescent population. When not treating patients, you can find Erin outdoors biking, running, hiking, snowboarding, doing triathlons or travelling.

Taylor DiBrita - MPT, BHKin, IMS

After receiving his Kinesiology degree from Western University, Taylor completed the
Master of Science in Physical Therapy program at the University of Toronto. Since
graduating, Taylor has worked diligently on refining his practice through continuing
education. This includes the completion of up to Level 3 of the Advanced Integrated
Musculoskeletal (AIM) Physiotherapy Program and becoming certified to perform
intramuscular stimulation (IMS).

 

As a patient-centred physiotherapist, Taylor works closely with each of his patients to
provide an individualized approach that will assist them in reaching their goals, whatever
they may be. He incorporates a combination of exercise, patient education, manual
therapy, and IMS into his treatment approach depending on what is best suited for the
person in front of him.

 

From a young age, Taylor loved playing a variety of sports, his primary sport being
basketball, and he has maintained an active lifestyle ever since. His continuous
engagement with sport and movement throughout his life has shown him firsthand the
immense benefit that physical activity has to offer for both physical and mental well-being.
Along the way, he’s also experienced how pain and injury can negatively impact these
things as well. This experience has made Taylor passionate about helping people of all
levels of physical ability be able to participate in the activities that are meaningful to their
own well-being.

 

Outside of the clinic, you might find him outside enjoying nature, playing sports such as
basketball and squash, or just relaxing at home with a good book.