If your child plays sports, there’s one word that can instantly shift the season: concussion.
From football to soccer to basketball, concussions are a growing concern for parents of young athletes. And while the immediate symptoms may fade, the long-term effects of a poorly managed concussion can linger for weeks, months, or even years. That’s why knowing what to do next is critical—and why having the right Sports Concussion Rehab plan can make all the difference.
>>>Concerned about symptoms? Or just want peace of mind this season, book a concussion evaluation with our experienced rehab team.
According to the CDC, an estimated 1.6 to 3.8 million sports-related concussions occur each year in the U.S. And many of these go undiagnosed, especially in youth athletes who either downplay their symptoms or assume they’ve just had a minor bump.
We see concussions frequently in student-athletes from Spokane, Spokane Valley, and Liberty Lake, especially those participating in football, wrestling, soccer, basketball, and cheer. But even non-contact sports carry risks—falls, collisions, or even whiplash-style movements can all result in concussions.
Concussion symptoms can vary significantly from one athlete to the next. Some show up immediately, while others take hours or even days to become noticeable. Headaches and dizziness are the most common signs, but many young athletes also report changes in vision, concentration, or mood. You may notice your child seems more irritable, more tired than usual, or complains about difficulty in school. Even subtle changes in balance or behavior after a collision should be taken seriously.
While rest is an essential first step, it’s not the full solution. Research now shows that active rehab—guided by a trained team—is much more effective than simply waiting it out.
An athlete who returns too soon without fully recovering can face a longer recovery timeline and risk complications such as prolonged post-concussion symptoms or, in rare cases, second-impact syndrome. Instead of sitting on the sidelines and hoping for the best, our approach focuses on helping the brain and body recover together, through guided progressions.
Our Sports Concussion Rehab program includes vestibular, visual, cognitive, and physical components to make sure every aspect of recovery is addressed before returning to school and sport.
We customize each plan based on your child’s symptoms, goals, and readiness. Early sessions might focus on balance and visual tracking exercises, while later stages challenge endurance and concentration. We also evaluate the neck and spine, as cervical injuries often occur alongside concussions.
Treatment may include:
As your child progresses, we introduce sport-specific tasks and monitor for symptom recurrence. Rehab isn’t rushed—we work closely with families and coaches to make sure each return-to-play decision is safe and supported.
One of the best ways to prepare for concussion care is to establish a baseline. This gives us a clear picture of your child’s normal brain and body function before injury, so we can better track recovery if a concussion happens later.
Baseline testing is especially helpful for athletes in contact or high-risk sports and those with a history of prior concussions. Having pre-injury data allows us to create more informed and accurate treatment timelines, ultimately helping your child return to sport confidently.
You play a key role in your child’s healing process. Recovery happens faster when home, school, and rehab environments all work together. Parents can help by monitoring changes in behavior or symptoms, reducing screen time early in recovery, and communicating openly with teachers about the need for temporary academic adjustments. Encouraging rest, reducing mental and physical strain, and following the rehab plan closely can make a big impact.
We often meet with families in Spokane to provide strategies that support healing both on and off the field, ensuring the athlete feels understood and empowered through recovery.
We go beyond the basics of concussion management. Our rehab programs integrate brain and body care, making sure athletes return to sport stronger and smarter. With access to Ultrasound for soft tissue assessment and Deep Tissue Laser Therapy when inflammation or headaches persist, we treat the entire athlete—not just the symptoms.
We’ve helped high school football players return to playoff games symptom-free and supported young soccer athletes who needed academic accommodations post-concussion. Our interdisciplinary approach gives your athlete everything they need to succeed physically, mentally, and emotionally.
This season, don’t just hope your athlete stays safe—give them the support and resources to thrive. Concussions don’t have to be scary or confusing when you have the right team by your side.
Call us at (509) 928-3443 or book a concussion evaluation online. Your one-stop shop for performance, physical therapy, and wellness in Spokane, WA.
Dr. Ryan Zumwalt is the owner of Lighthouse Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine and a licensed physical therapist specializing in orthopedic and sports rehabilitation. A former Division I wrestler and Seattle Mariners medical team member, he is passionate about helping patients recover and return to peak performance.
