Foundations of Concussion Management for the Rehabilitation Professional
Build the Knowledge and Clinical Confidence to Manage Concussion Across the Continuum of Care
Beginner | Level 1 | Foundations
Concussion management requires more than recognizing symptoms. Rehabilitation professionals must understand the complex interaction among neurological, vestibular, visual, cervical, autonomic, and psychological systems—and know how to translate that understanding into individualized care.
Foundations of Concussion Management for the Rehabilitation Professional provides the essential knowledge, clinical frameworks, and practical tools needed to confidently evaluate and manage patients following concussion, from the initial injury through return to activity.
Establish a Strong Foundation in Concussion Care
This foundational course equips rehabilitation professionals with the essential knowledge and clinical tools to confidently manage individuals with concussion across the continuum of care.
Participants will begin with “Concussion 101,” exploring current definitions, diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, and the evolving understanding of mild traumatic brain injury. Through a focused review of relevant anatomy and physiology, learners will examine the brain and body systems affected by concussion and how dysfunction within these systems may present clinically.
Evidence-based management strategies will be introduced, with an emphasis on the Clinical Trajectory Model and the importance of individualized, interdisciplinary care. The course also provides a comprehensive framework for evaluation and introduces intervention principles that align with the patient’s clinical presentation and stage of recovery.
Case-based learning, hands-on demonstrations, and practical clinical insights promote immediate application, helping participants build a strong foundation for supporting patients from injury through recovery and return to sport, work, school, and daily activity.
What You Will Learn
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the current definition, diagnostic criteria, and epidemiology of concussion based on the latest evidence.
- Explain the key anatomical and physiological systems involved in concussion and how dysfunction may present clinically.
- Identify the primary clinical trajectories of concussion and explain their relevance to rehabilitation planning.
- Differentiate potential causes of dizziness by ruling in or ruling out cervical, vestibular-ocular, and exertional intolerance contributors.
- Apply a comprehensive, evidence-based evaluation framework to assess individuals following concussion.
- Develop individualized intervention plans that align with the patient’s clinical trajectory and stage of recovery.
- Explain the role of interdisciplinary collaboration and how coordinated care can enhance patient outcomes.
- Analyze the patient characteristics, clinical findings, and contextual factors involved in return-to-play and return-to-activity decision-making.
Course Content
Concussion 101
Develop a clear understanding of current concussion terminology, definitions, diagnostic considerations, epidemiology, and the evolving science surrounding mild traumatic brain injury.
Anatomy and Physiology of Concussion
Review the neurological and physiological systems affected by concussion and connect underlying impairments to common clinical signs and symptoms.
The Clinical Trajectory Model
Learn to identify common concussion trajectories and use the patient’s clinical presentation to guide evaluation, intervention, referral, and progression of care.
Comprehensive Concussion Evaluation
Explore a structured approach to assessing the primary systems that may contribute to persistent symptoms, including:
- Vestibular and ocular-motor function
- Cervical spine involvement
- Exertional intolerance and autonomic dysfunction
- Balance and sensory integration
- Cognitive and activity-related symptom responses
Understanding Dizziness After Concussion
Develop a systematic approach for differentiating cervical, vestibular, ocular-motor, and exertional contributors to dizziness.
Individualized Intervention Planning
Translate evaluation findings into targeted rehabilitation strategies that align with the patient’s impairments, clinical trajectory, goals, and stage of recovery.
Interdisciplinary Concussion Care
Understand the roles of rehabilitation providers and other members of the healthcare team in supporting coordinated, patient-centered concussion management.
Return to Activity and Return to Play
Apply a comprehensive decision-making framework that considers symptoms, examination findings, activity tolerance, environmental demands, patient characteristics, and risk factors.
Clinical Cases and Practical Application
Strengthen clinical reasoning through case-based learning, practical examples, and demonstrations designed to support immediate application in rehabilitation practice.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is designed for rehabilitation professionals who are new to concussion management or seeking to strengthen their foundational knowledge and clinical approach.
It is especially appropriate for:
- Physical therapists
- Physical therapist assistants
- Athletic trainers
- Occupational therapists
- Occupational therapy assistants
- Other rehabilitation and healthcare professionals involved in concussion care
No advanced concussion training is required.
Why Take This Course?
Concussion presentations are rarely identical. Symptoms may arise from multiple interacting systems, making a standardized or symptom-only approach insufficient.
This course will help you move beyond simply identifying that a patient has a concussion. You will learn how to determine which systems may be contributing to the patient’s presentation, select appropriate evaluation strategies, develop an individualized plan of care, and make informed decisions regarding progression and return to activity.
You will leave with:
- A structured framework for approaching concussion evaluation
- Greater confidence differentiating common symptom contributors
- Practical tools for individualized treatment planning
- A clearer understanding of interdisciplinary care
- Strategies that can be immediately integrated into clinical practice
Meet Your Instructors
Becky Bliss, PT, DPT, DHSc
Dr. Bliss brings extensive experience in neurological rehabilitation, concussion management, clinical education, and the development of rehabilitation professionals. Her teaching emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, and the translation of complex concepts into practical approaches that improve patient care.
Alex Peters, PT, DPT, ATC
Dr. Peters combines expertise in physical therapy and athletic training to provide a comprehensive perspective on concussion evaluation, rehabilitation, and return-to-sport decision-making. His clinical approach bridges neurological, orthopedic, and sports rehabilitation principles.
Andrew Teare-Ketter, PT, DPT
Dr. Teare-Ketter contributes clinical expertise in concussion rehabilitation and the practical application of evidence-informed assessment and intervention strategies. His instruction focuses on helping clinicians confidently apply course concepts to real-world patient presentations.
Start Building Your Concussion Management Framework
Whether you are beginning to treat patients with concussion or strengthening your existing clinical foundation, this course will provide the knowledge, structure, and practical tools needed to approach concussion care with greater clarity and confidence.
Build your foundation. Strengthen your clinical reasoning. Improve the care you provide.
