Concussion Treatment Program

Dr. van de Wall specializes in evidence-based concussion therapy. The concussion program is a joint chiropractic-kinesiology program for treatment of acute (new) and chronic concussions that includes both in-office and at home rehabilitation options. Rehabilitation therapies include post-concussive vestibular therapy, visual therapy, exertional training, and neck rehabilitation.

Goals of Concussion Therapy

  1. Acute Concussions - to successfully manage new concussions so that individuals may return to work and sport as quickly and safely as possible. This is done by following evidence-based concussion treatment protocols that includes:

    • Early concussion treatment and rehabilitation for areas that are not recovering well

    • Up-to-date graded activity protocol to resume safe activities as soon as possible

    • Concussion-specific return to play testing to significantly reduce chance of chronic concussions or a second concussion on returning

  2. Chronic Concussions - to identify the source(s) of post-concussive dysfunction and symptoms. To rehabilitate each area to restore normal function and reduce symptoms as effectively and quickly as possible. This is done by following evidence-based chronic concussion treatment protocols:

    • Assessment of the 4 most common areas of post-concussive dysfunction: visual, vestibular, exertional, or cervical dysfunction.

    • Concussion-specific manual therapy and rehabilitation: vestibular therapy, visual therapy, exertional training, and cervical rehabilitation.

  3. To provide an evidence-based and patient-centered concussion therapy option for the Chilliwack community and surrounding area

Benefits of Concussion Therapy

For acute concussions:

  • Reduced risk of chronic concussion symptoms

  • Reduced risk of multiple concussions

  • Faster return to play, work, or school than with rest alone

  • Safer return to high-risk sport or work by using concussion-specific testing to clear

For chronic concussions:

  • Meaningful reduction or full resolution of concussion-related symptoms

  • Improved daily function and tolerance for activities - improved ability to work, play sports, do home-related tasks

  • Improved quality of life

Symptoms treated:

  • Headaches

  • Neck Pain

  • Dizziness

  • Vertigo

  • Balance problems

  • Fatigue

  • Sleep difficulties

  • Concentration and focus difficulties

  • Visual problems

  • Exertional difficulties

  • Concussion-related emotional or behaviour change

Concussion Program Resources

Interested in concussion care?

Contact Optimum Sport & Health Centre at 604-703-6470 and ask for a concussion initial visit.

Questions about the program?

Email Dr. Cornelius van de Wall directly at drvandewall@gmail.com