Concussion Treatment in Kanata for Athletes and Active Adults
Concussion management has changed dramatically in the last decade. The old advice, rest completely in a dark room and wait until all symptoms are gone, is no longer supported by the evidence. In many cases it actually makes recovery slower and more complicated.
What we now know is that concussions are treatable injuries, not just events you wait out. With the right assessment, the right management, and a structured return to activity protocol, most people recover fully and safely. The key is getting that management right from the beginning.
At Highlands Wellness, Dr. Steph Bonneau provides comprehensive concussion assessment and management for athletes and active adults in Kanata. Her approach is built on current evidence, tailored to your sport and your life, and focused on getting you back to full function as safely and efficiently as possible. Dr. Steph is certified in Shift Concussion Management Level 2.
Who We Help
We work with a wide range of patients dealing with concussions at our Kanata clinic:
Athletes at all levels dealing with a recent concussion who want a proper assessment and return-to-sport plan
Youth athletes whose parents want expert guidance rather than a generic wait-and-see approach
People experiencing prolonged concussion symptoms beyond the typical recovery window, sometimes called post-concussion syndrome
Hockey, soccer, rugby, and football players in Kanata and Stittsville returning to contact sport
Anyone who has been told their concussion is resolved but still does not feel like themselves
How We Assess and Manage Concussions
A concussion is not just a brain injury. It frequently involves the cervical spine, the vestibular system, the visual system, and the autonomic nervous system. A thorough assessment addresses all of these, not just symptom checklists. Dr. Steph's assessment and management includes:
Comprehensive symptom inventory and concussion history
Cognitive screening to assess processing, memory, and concentration
Vestibular and balance assessment to identify inner ear involvement
Cervical spine assessment, the neck is frequently injured alongside the brain and is a major driver of prolonged symptoms
Oculomotor screening for eye tracking and convergence issues common after concussion
Graded aerobic exercise tolerance testing to guide safe return to physical activity
Individualized return-to-sport and return-to-learn protocols following current evidence-based guidelines
Coordination with coaches, athletic therapists, teachers, and physicians as needed
What to Expect
Your first visit with Dr. Steph is a full concussion assessment. This is not a quick symptom check. It covers your neurological status, your cervical spine, your vestibular and visual systems, and a detailed history of the injury and how your symptoms have evolved since.
You leave with a clear picture of where you are in your recovery, what is driving any ongoing symptoms, and a specific plan for the next steps. For straightforward concussions in healthy adults, significant improvement typically happens within 2 to 4 weeks of proper management. More complex presentations, including those with prolonged symptoms or multiple prior concussions, take longer but are very treatable with the right approach.
Dr. Steph will be direct with you about your prognosis and realistic about your timeline. If your case requires co-management with a physician, neurologist, or other specialist, she will tell you and help coordinate that care.
Frequently asked questions.
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Most straightforward concussions in adults resolve within 2 to 4 weeks with proper management. Youth athletes typically take longer. People who rest completely and avoid all activity often recover more slowly than those who follow a guided, graduated return-to-activity protocol starting within the first 24 to 48 hours.
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Brief relative rest for the first 24 to 48 hours is appropriate, but prolonged complete rest is no longer recommended by current evidence. After the initial window, guided sub-symptom-threshold activity actually supports recovery. Dr. Steph will tell you exactly what level of activity is appropriate at each stage of your recovery.
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Yes, particularly when there is a cervical spine component, which is present in the majority of concussions. Cervical spine injuries sustained at the same time as a concussion are a major and frequently missed driver of prolonged symptoms including headaches, dizziness, and neck pain. Chiropractic assessment and treatment of the cervical spine is a core component of evidence-based concussion management.
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No. Post-concussion syndrome, defined as symptoms persisting beyond the expected recovery window, responds well to targeted treatment when the underlying drivers are properly identified. People with symptoms lasting months or even years can make significant progress with the right approach.
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Return to contact sport follows a graduated, step-by-step protocol. You must be symptom-free at rest and able to tolerate progressive levels of exertion without symptom recurrence before returning to full contact. Dr. Steph follows current international consensus guidelines and will guide you through each step of this process.
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Bring them in for a proper assessment as soon as possible. Youth athletes have longer recovery timelines than adults and should not return to contact sport without a formal return-to-sport protocol completed under clinical supervision. Dr. Steph works with youth athletes and can communicate directly with coaches, teachers, and parents throughout the process.
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Very likely yes. Post-concussion headaches are one of the most common prolonged symptoms and frequently have a cervical spine component that responds well to treatment. The vestibular system and visual system can also contribute to headaches after concussion. A thorough assessment will identify which systems are involved.
Helpful resources
Book a Concussion Assessment with Dr. Steph
A concussion is a serious injury that deserves a proper assessment, not just time and hope. Book with Dr. Steph Bonneau at Highlands Wellness in Kanata and get a clear plan for getting back to your sport, your work, and your life.