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.
Start the Conversation →In-person in Hillcrest · Virtual sessions available anywhere
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.
Early, Sub-Threshold Activity
A brief period of relative rest (24-48 hrs), followed by controlled, progressive movement. Early aerobic exercise speeds recovery — not worsen it.
Empowering, Hope-Based Care
Most concussions resolve fully with proper care. Patients who believe in their recovery do better — that's documented, not just philosophy.
Multi-System, Objective Assessment
The CCMI protocol evaluates vestibular function, oculomotor tracking, cervical spine, cardiovascular response, and neurocognitive performance.
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.
Racket Sport Athletes
Pickleball, padel, tennis — fast movement, fast impacts. We get you back on the court with a structured return-to-play program.
Car Accident Survivors
Whiplash and collision-related head injuries are among the most undertreated concussions. We address the neck and brain together.
Contact Sport Athletes
Football, soccer, martial arts. We specialize in helping athletes return to competition safely — not just symptom-free.
Post-Concussion Syndrome
Headaches, brain fog, dizziness, light sensitivity lasting longer than expected? These are treatable — not permanent.
Cyclists & Runners
Fall-related concussions from cycling, trail running, and endurance sports. We build programs that honor your training lifestyle.
Virtual Rehab Clients
Not in San Diego? We offer comprehensive virtual concussion rehab — 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.
Step OneComprehensive Assessment
We evaluate your full picture — cognitive function, vestibular response, cervical spine, visual tracking, and cardiovascular tolerance.
Step TwoIdentify the Subsystems Involved
We identify which subsystems are driving your symptoms — then target them specifically instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.
Step ThreeActive Rehabilitation Program
Progressive, targeted exercises addressing your specific presentation. Movement is medicine — used precisely, not generally.
Step FourStaged Return to Activity
A structured, objective return-to-sport protocol — proven through measurable benchmarks, not just a checklist.
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 centered on active rehabilitation and graduated return to life.
Early aerobic exercise speeds recovery. A 2024 PLOS ONE study found sub-threshold aerobic activity started early significantly reduces recovery time compared to prolonged rest.
Vestibular rehab reduces symptoms. A 2024 meta-analysis found vestibular rehab significantly improves quality of life and may speed return to daily activities.
Fear and avoidance prolong recovery. A 2024 systematic review confirmed fear-avoidance behaviors delay return to play — making hope-based care clinically essential.
"Cocoon therapy" is no longer supported. Sustained rest from all activity may be harmful, especially for athletes. Active rehabilitation is 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
Virtual · San Diego & Beyond
Can't make it in? Our virtual concussion rehab program delivers the same structured approach — via video, anywhere in the world.
- Virtual intake & symptom assessment
- Customized home exercise program
- Video check-ins & progress monitoring
- Available nationwide
What Success Looks Like
Back to Full Function.
Fear-Free.
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✓A faster, more complete recovery Active rehab gets you back to life sooner than rest alone.
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✓Confidence, not fear Understanding that recovery is the expectation, not the exception.
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✓A real return-to-sport protocol Cleared based on objective benchmarks, not just feeling "fine."
"I'm extremely thankful for Dr. Cordero's compassion and kindness even as an individual who wasn't a patient. I highly recommend Dr. Cordero from my interactions with him."
— Leanne D. · Google Review
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.
Start the Conversation →In-person in Hillcrest, San Diego · Virtual sessions available · (619) 432-3322