Hidden Concussions After a Car Accident: Why Proper Rehab Changes Everything

Even a low-speed car accident can leave your brain reeling. The jolt that snaps your neck forward can cause a mild traumatic brain injury, also known as a concussion. The problem is that concussions often go unnoticed. Many people in motor vehicle accidents never get diagnosed, or they are told to “rest and wait” with no meaningful follow-up.

That lack of care can turn a mild, short-term injury into months of headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and brain fog. According to the VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management and Rehabilitation of Post-Acute Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (2021), concussions are frequently underrecognized, especially after non-sports injuries such as car crashes..

If you live in Hillsboro, Cornelius, Banks, North Plains, or Forest Grove, and were recently in a motor vehicle accident, the right kind of physical therapy can make a life-changing difference.

Concussions Are Common but Often Misdiagnosed

The sudden acceleration and deceleration that happen during a collision can make the brain shift inside the skull, disrupting normal function. Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, nausea, and difficulty concentrating can appear hours or days later. Many people brush them off as stress or “just whiplash.”

Yet the VA/DoD guideline stresses that concussion symptoms often last far longer than expected when not properly managed. Without guided rehabilitation, recovery can stall.

Why Early, Research-Informed Care Matters

Modern research shows that active, guided rehabilitation is far more effective than simply resting. The VA/DoD guideline recommends a patient-centered approach that includes education, progressive exercise, and vestibular retraining for those with dizziness or balance problems.

A qualified, research-informed physical therapist can help you retrain your nervous system to restore balance, movement coordination, and cognitive endurance. This approach targets the root causes of lingering symptoms rather than masking them.

How a Physical Therapist Helps You Recover

A concussion affects how your brain communicates with your body. A skilled physical therapist focuses on restoring that connection through evidence-based care.

In our clinic, we:

• Perform a detailed assessment of your movement, vision, and balance systems

• Identify which activities or environments trigger symptoms

• Design individualized treatment plans that retrain your brain and body to work together

• Use vestibular and proprioceptive exercises to reduce dizziness and improve stability

• Guide you safely back to normal activity and exercise

Treatment is never generic. Every concussion presents differently, which is why personalized care and ongoing reassessment are essential.

Your Brain Deserves More Than “Rest and Wait”

The “just take it easy” advice is outdated. Extended rest can actually slow recovery and increase fatigue and anxiety. Evidence shows that safe, progressive re-engagement with activity under the supervision of a concussion trained physical therapist leads to better results and faster return to normal life.

We focus on education, empowerment, and active recovery. You will learn how to manage your symptoms, how to pace your return to work or sport, and how to regain confidence in your body’s ability to move and think clearly again.

Serving the West Portland Metro Communities

We proudly serve patients throughout Hillsboro, Cornelius, Banks, North Plains, and Forest Grove. Many of our patients are people who were involved in car accidents on local highways like Highway 26, Highway 47, or TV Highway and later discovered they were dealing with a concussion.

We work closely with physicians, neurologists, and chiropractors to ensure comprehensive, coordinated care that aligns with national best-practice guidelines.

When to Get Help

If you notice any of the following symptoms after a car accident, schedule an evaluation:

• Persistent headache or neck pain

• Dizziness or imbalance

• Light or sound sensitivity

• Fatigue or mental fog

• Blurred vision or difficulty focusing

• Irritability, anxiety, or poor concentration

You do not need a referral to get started. Early intervention helps prevent chronic issues and accelerates your brain’s recovery process.

Start Your Recovery Today

Concussion symptoms can be frightening, but recovery is absolutely possible with the right support. Our physical therapy team uses evidence-based concussion protocols to help you regain clarity, confidence, and control.

If you live in Hillsboro, Cornelius, Banks, North Plains, or Forest Grove, reach out today to schedule your post-concussion evaluation. Let’s help your brain heal and get you back to feeling like yourself again.

Call us today or request an appointment online to start your recovery.