Concussion Recovery
Has Changed.
So Have We.
The old approach said rest, wait, and hope. The new science says move, rehabilitate, and rebuild. We help athletes, car accident survivors, and active adults in San Diego recover faster and more completely — through active, expert-guided concussion rehab.
In-person in Hillcrest · Virtual sessions available anywhere
Athletes & Active Adults
Sports concussions, contact injuries, fall-related TBIs — we help you return to play the right way.
Car Accident Survivors
Whiplash-associated concussions and post-collision head injuries respond well to active rehab protocols.
Post-Concussion Syndrome
Still symptomatic weeks or months after your injury? You're not broken — and passive rest isn't the answer.
Virtual Concussion Rehab Available · San Diego & Beyond
Rest Alone Is No Longer
the Answer.
For years, the standard advice after a concussion was simple: go home, sit in a dark room, and wait. No screens. No activity. No stimulation. We now know that prolonged rest can actually slow recovery — and in some cases, make things worse. The science has moved. So has our approach.
"Cocoon Therapy"
Complete rest in a dark, quiet room until all symptoms disappeared. No light, no screens, no movement — sometimes for weeks.
Fear-Based Messaging
Patients were told their brain was permanently damaged and they may never fully recover. This anxiety itself was shown to prolong symptoms.
Symptom Checklists Only
Return-to-play decisions were made when symptoms went away — not when the brain was objectively ready. This left many athletes undertreated or prematurely cleared.
Early, Sub-Threshold Activity
A brief period of relative rest (24–48 hrs), followed by controlled, progressive movement. Early aerobic exercise has been shown to speed recovery — not worsen it.
Empowering, Hope-Based Care
Most concussions resolve fully with proper care. Patients who understand this — and believe in their recovery — do better. That's not just philosophy. It's documented.
Multi-System, Objective Assessment
The CCMI protocol evaluates vestibular function, oculomotor tracking, cervical spine, cardiovascular response, and neurocognitive performance — not just how you feel.
Dr. Cordero is CCMI-certified — trained through Complete Concussion Management Inc., the global leader in evidence-based concussion care with 300+ clinic locations across five countries. Health Shift is one of San Diego's only fitness and rehab studios with this certification.
Concussion Rehab for
Every Kind of Impact.
Whether your concussion happened on the court, in a car, or from a fall — the path to recovery follows the same evidence-based principles. We tailor it to you.
Racket Sport Athletes
Pickleball, padel, tennis — fast movement, fast impacts. We get you back on the court with a structured, sport-specific return-to-play program.
Car Accident Survivors
Whiplash and collision-related head injuries are among the most undertreated concussions. We address the neck, vestibular system, and brain together.
Contact Sport Athletes
Football, soccer, martial arts, and other contact sports. We specialize in helping athletes return to competition safely — not just symptom-free.
Post-Concussion Syndrome
Symptoms lasting longer than expected? Headaches, brain fog, dizziness, light sensitivity? These are treatable — not permanent. We build a plan to resolve them.
Cyclists & Runners
Fall-related concussions from cycling, trail running, and endurance sports. We understand active people and build programs that honor your training lifestyle.
Virtual Rehab Clients
Not in San Diego? We offer comprehensive virtual concussion rehab programs — the same expert guidance, delivered wherever you are.
Our Concussion
Rehab Process
A structured, evidence-based program — personalized to where you are in your recovery and what your body needs to get back to full function.
Step OneComprehensive Assessment
We evaluate your full picture — not just symptoms. Cognitive function, vestibular response, cervical spine, visual tracking, cardiovascular tolerance, and movement patterns.
Step TwoIdentify the Subsystems Involved
Concussion affects different systems in different people. We identify which ones are driving your symptoms — then target them specifically instead of treating everyone the same.
Step ThreeActive Rehabilitation Program
Progressive, targeted exercises addressing your specific presentation. Movement is medicine — we use it precisely, not generally. No guessing, no generic protocols.
Step FourStaged Return to Activity
A structured, objective return-to-sport or return-to-work protocol. We don't just declare you "cleared" — we prove you're ready through measurable benchmarks at each stage.
What the Science
Actually Says.
Concussion research has advanced dramatically in the last decade. The fear-based, rest-everything model has been replaced by an evidence-based approach that centers active rehabilitation, individualized care, and graduated return to life.
Early aerobic exercise speeds recovery. A 2024 study published in PLOS ONE found that sub-threshold aerobic activity started early after sport-related concussion significantly reduces recovery time compared to prolonged rest.
Vestibular rehab reduces symptoms and speeds return to sport. A 2024 meta-analysis found vestibular rehabilitation significantly improves quality of life scores, reduces dizziness and balance issues, and may accelerate return to daily activities.
Fear and avoidance measurably prolong recovery. A 2024 systematic review in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation confirmed that fear-avoidance behaviors delay return to play — making hope-based care clinically essential, not just philosophical.
"Cocoon therapy" is no longer supported. Research consistently shows sustained rest from all activities is not beneficial and may be harmful — especially for athletes and active adults. Active rehabilitation is now the evidence-based standard.
In-Person in San Diego.
Virtual Anywhere.
Expert concussion rehabilitation — delivered in our Hillcrest studio or remotely, wherever you are.
In-Person · Hillcrest, San Diego
Hands-on, one-on-one concussion rehab sessions at our studio in Hillcrest. Full assessment, progressive treatment, and a clear plan from session one.
- Full in-person assessment
- Hands-on vestibular & cervical treatment
- Progressive rehab program
- Return-to-sport / return-to-work protocol
- Coordination with your medical team as needed
Virtual · San Diego & Beyond
Can't make it in? Our virtual concussion rehab program delivers the same structured, evidence-based approach — via video, anywhere in the world.
- Virtual intake & symptom assessment
- Customized home exercise program
- Video check-ins & progress monitoring
- Written protocols & video guides
- Available nationwide
Your Recovery
Starts Here.
Whether you're dealing with a recent concussion or symptoms that have lingered for months — there's a path forward. Let's talk about where you are and what recovery looks like for you.
In-person in Hillcrest, San Diego · Virtual sessions available · (619) 432-3322