Concussion & Dizziness Rehab in Buffalo, NY
Dizzy, foggy, off-balance, or just not bouncing back the way you should? You don't have to push through it — and you don't have to wait. As WNY's only board-certified Sports PT, we use advanced vestibular and balance testing to find the real cause and get you back to clear, confident movement.
Does this sound familiar?
If two or more of these are slowing you down, an assessment is worth it.
- Dizziness or vertigo when you move your head
- Trouble reading screens, nausea, or blurred vision
- Headaches or sensitivity to light and sound
- Poor balance, brain fog, or mental fatigue
Our concussion program, featured on the local news
WKBW 7 News sat down with Dr. Alex Peters to talk concussion recovery and keeping Western New York's young athletes safe as the fall sports season ramps up.
WKBW 7 News Buffalo · "Avoiding youth sports injuries as the new school year kicks into gear"
Concussion symptoms we assess & treat
A concussion is rarely just a headache. Symptoms cross your vision, inner ear, neck, and nervous system — which is exactly why a one-size-fits-all "rest and wait" plan so often falls short.
Visual & Eye Tracking
Blurred vision, trouble focusing, eye strain reading or on screens, and difficulty tracking moving objects.
OcularDizziness & Vertigo
Spinning, lightheadedness, and motion sensitivity — including BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo).
VestibularHeadaches & Light Sensitivity
Tension and migraine-type headaches, plus sensitivity to light and sound often driven by the neck (cervical).
CervicalMental & Physical Fatigue
Wiped out by tasks that used to be easy, low energy, and feeling "drained" after focus or activity.
VestibularSleep Disruption
Trouble falling or staying asleep, disrupted rest, and the cognitive fog that comes with it.
RecoveryFocus, Memory & Mood
Difficulty concentrating, poor recall, irritability, and a lower tolerance for frustration or stress.
CognitiveScience-backed recovery that actually works
We don't guess. Our approach to vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is backed by current research — and it matches what we see in the clinic every week.
A 2023 cohort study found that each day's delay in starting vestibular therapy after a sports-related concussion increased return-to-play time.
PMC, 2023 →A 2023 systematic review concluded that early vestibular rehab significantly improves recovery for athletes with concussion-related vestibular symptoms, compared to rest alone.
PMC Review →VRT has been shown to reduce dizziness, improve balance and gait, and shorten symptom duration following concussion.
PubMed →What to expect at Impulse
One-on-one with your doctor of physical therapy from day one. Here's the proven path from your first visit back to full speed.
Initial Evaluation
Vestibular and balance screening, symptom history, plus strength and stability testing.
Customized Rehab Plan
Gaze stabilization, balance retraining, graded exertion, and targeted strength work built for you.
Objective Progress Testing
Dynamometry, balance instruments, and motion-analysis feedback — real numbers, not guesses.
Return-to-Activity Strategy
Gradual, sport-specific progression with clear return-to-play criteria and injury-prevention guidance.
Ongoing Support
Movement mechanics, self-care, and vestibular hygiene to protect against re-injury.
Dr. Alex performing vision & vestibular testing with a local athlete.
Don't wait it out. Get assessed.
2024 research shows athletes who delay therapy after a concussion — especially when dizziness or balance problems linger — often have lasting deficits in reaction time and balance control.
Waiting builds bad habits. Delaying rehab can push you to rely on vision instead of your vestibular system — which backfires in low light and fast, dynamic environments.
Early assessment wins. Targeted rehab now gives you the best chance at a full, lasting recovery.
Concussion care, done differently
WNY's Only Board-Certified Sports PT
A credential held by a tiny fraction of therapists nationwide — and the highest standard in sports rehab. You're in expert hands from the first visit.
One-on-One, Every Session
Your full appointment is with your doctor of physical therapy — no aides, no rotating staff, no shared time. Plus text access between visits.
Advanced, Objective Testing
Force plates, dynamometry, 3D motion analysis, and gaze-stabilization testing — tools most clinics in Buffalo simply don't have.
Built for the Comeback
From youth athletes to active adults, we don't just calm symptoms — we prepare you for everything that comes after, stronger than before.
What Buffalo patients are saying
Alex did a great job with a sports injury I had and has also helped me after an ACL surgery. Incredibly knowledgeable — I'd recommend him to absolutely anyone. He answered every question outside of clinic and made me feel comfortable every step of the way.
Alex recently worked with my young daughter on calf tightness. He was patient, made her feel at ease, and sent us home with an exercise program tailored to her needs. I highly recommend Impulse Physical Therapy!
I started going for my shoulder and I've seen a significant difference since I started. Dr. Alex was very nice and helpful! Definitely recommend him for any PT needs.
Local concussion rehab for all of Western New York
Dizziness or balance issues shouldn't mean a long drive. We're your local specialists for concussion and vestibular rehab across the greater Buffalo area.
Concussion & dizziness questions
Do I need a referral to start concussion rehab?+
No. New York is a direct-access state, so you can begin physical therapy with us without a doctor's referral. If your specific insurance plan requires one, we'll let you know during your discovery call.
How soon after a concussion should I start therapy?+
As soon as you're cleared for sub-symptom activity — often within days. Research consistently shows that earlier vestibular rehab leads to faster return-to-play and a lower risk of lingering symptoms. If dizziness or balance issues persist beyond a few days, don't wait. Request an assessment.
What is vestibular therapy?+
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) retrains the connection between your inner ear, eyes, and brain that controls balance and gaze stability. It uses targeted exercises — gaze stabilization, balance retraining, and graded exertion — to reduce dizziness, vertigo, and motion sensitivity after a concussion.
Do you treat vertigo and BPPV?+
Yes. We assess and treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and other vestibular causes of dizziness, using proven repositioning techniques and individualized balance retraining.
How long does concussion recovery take?+
It varies by person and severity, but most patients see meaningful progress within a few weeks of starting targeted rehab. We track your recovery with objective testing — dynamometry, balance instruments, and motion analysis — so progress is measured, not guessed.
Do you work with youth athletes?+
Absolutely. We work with youth and high-school athletes, collegiate and adult athletes, and active adults — building safe, sport-specific return-to-play plans for every age.
Get back to balance, clarity & confidence
If concussion symptoms, dizziness, or balance issues are limiting your sport or daily life, don't wait it out. Schedule your concussion and vestibular assessment today — the first step back to feeling like yourself.
No referral required · WNY's only board-certified sports physical therapist