Medical assessment

Assessment with a sports physician to diagnose a concussion. The sports physician carries out checks and signs off on an athlete returning to training and competitions. The sports physician is also involved in every step of the patient (athlete) treatment process.

Cervical assessment

A sports physiotherapist assesses the neck region to see if the neck has been injured as a result of the impact to the head. Symptoms of concussion can be perpetuated by neck problems. Following the assessment, the sports physiotherapist will perform the required treatments, including manual therapy, soft tissue techniques, dry needling, and will prescribe modified exercises to ensure optimal recovery.

Vestibular assessment

Following the physiotherapy assessment, the physiotherapist will determine if any impairment to the vestibular system has occurred following the concussion. If this is the case, the patient (athlete) will be referred to a physiotherapist who specializes in vestibular rehabilitation for further assessment and treatment.

Balance assessment (on Biodex)

Balance is often affected after a concussion. The Biodex device provides an objective evaluation of any balance disorders. It also functions as an intervention tool to improve balance by providing visual feedback and a training environment on a stable or non-stable platform.

Autonomic nervous system assessment (kinesiology in post-concussion rehabilitation)

For several years now, physical reactivation has been recognized as playing an essential part in the rehabilitation process following a concussion. However, the existence of post-concussion symptoms can make return-to-play treatment plans arduous and ineffective. Often, a period of physical therapy aimed at regulating the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is necessary before any intensity increases can take place. A kinesiologist who specializes in post-concussion recovery will help identify an appropriate and safe plan to get you back to fitness, and eventually, sport.

Neuropsychological assessment

Neuropsychological assessment in the context of a concussion involves assessing any cognitive (attention, memory, fatigue) and emotional problems related to a concussion. This ensures that more comprehensive treatment and support are provided as you gradually return to work, sports or education. The assessment lasts for 120 minutes.

The 90-minute baseline assessment (no concussion) is also useful in the event of a concussion, in order to compare post-concussion results to baseline values and therefore ensure more personalized treatment.

Neuropsychological expertise also ensures a more comprehensive assessment to determine if pre-concussion problems can be ruled out in relation to the ongoing problems that have been identified.

Neuro-optometry and sports vision evaluation and monitoring

The practice of sporting activities places significant demand on the visual system as the information captured in the environment is rich, dynamic and influences our movements. Optimal visual abilities are essential to be effective and to limit the risk of injury associated with incorrect information gathering.

A neuro-optometry assessment is recommended to globally evaluate the oculo-visual system, including visual health, refractive state, the binocular system and oculomotor functions, as well as their rehabilitation in the event of damage to the visual system, which is frequently affected by a concussion. In this case, visual therapy supervised by the optometrist will be prescribed to facilitate a return to sport.

A sports vision assessment is used to evaluate perception and action skills in the event of a deficiency (e.g. following a concussion) or from a performance perspective. Sports vision monitoring includes a complete oculo-visual examination, but in addition, focuses on each stage of the information-gathering process (perception), information-processing process (cognition) and decision-making process (action) towards performance improvement.