Concussion Management

CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT

The Concussion Clinic at Max Health Fredericton consists of a team of Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, and Athletic Therapists.

Fredericton Concussion Management

Our healthcare professionals will complete a thorough assessment to determine the appropriate concussion profile for the patient:

Cervicogenic
Post Concussion Headache
Cognitive Fatigue
Ocular Disturbance
Vestibular Disturbance
Anxiety/Depression

For the most recent research in Concussion Management, see the International Symposium on Statement 2016. The Max Health Concussion Clinic uses evidence-based protocols derived from this Consensus Statement.

What is a concussion?

A concussion (also referred to as a mild traumatic brain injury) is a traumatic brain injury caused by the brain moving in the skull. It is usually caused by impact to the head, face, or neck or a blow to the body that causes a sudden jolting of the head. This can include injuries incurred due to falling, assault, sport, or motor vehicle accident (e.g., whiplash). A diagnosis of concussion does NOT require a loss of consciousness.

What are the symptoms of a concussion?

Symptoms of a concussion can affect you physically, cognitively, emotionally, and can disrupt your sleep patterns.

PHYSICALLY

dizziness
headache
nausea
pressure in the head
trouble with balance
sensitivity to light or noise
blurry vision

COGNITIVELY

confusion
fogginess / not thinking clearly
difficulty concentrating
poor memory

EMOTIONALLY

irritability
nervousness or anxiousness
more emotional
sadness

SLEEP DISTURBANCE

feeling unusually tired
can’t sleep
sleeping poorly
sleeping too much

If you think that you have sustained a concussion, seek immediate medical attention from a healthcare professional specifically trained in concussion management.

Contact our Concussion Clinic at 506-451-6837.

CONCUSSION CLINIC FAQ

What should I do if I have been diagnosed with a concussion?

If you have recently suffered a concussion, you should start the healing process by resting for 72 hours. Following this timeframe, you can commence light activity that does not cause an increase in symptoms. Do not progress until you have seen a concussion professional at one of our two Max Health Institute locations in Fredericton.

Max Health’s Concussion Clinic aims to provide the City of Fredericton and surrounding areas with an evidence-based assessment and treatment protocol for those who have suffered a concussive incident.

What services are included in concussion management?

Concussion Assessment
Monitored Return-to-Learn/-Play Management
Vestibular (Inner Ear) & Basic Vision Assessment
SCAT5 Assessment
Cervical (Neck) Assessment
Following of the NB Trauma Guidelines

Why does my therapist look at my neck when I have a concussion?

Research supports that some of the symptoms with your concussion may be neck-related more so than a traumatic brain injury. It is very common for concussion clients to also have whiplash symptoms.

If I have a concussion, do I need to stay in a dark room or be on bedrest?

It is important to rest fully for 72 hours after a concussion. After 72 hours, the latest evidence-based research supports light physical and mental exercise to accelerate the healing process. This is one of the main reasons why it is imperative to see a trained concussion therapist to determine what exercises are best for you after a concussion.

OUR TREATING PROFESSIONLS

Currie Center

Caitlin Marshall, Athletic Therapist

PaulB

January 8, 2021

Caitlin Marshall Athletic Therapist Clinic – Currie Center (UNB) Meet Caitlin! Caitlin is an athletic therapist who began her post-secondary education at the University of Guelph where she obtained an BScHon in Human Kinetics. While playing for the Women’s Varsity Basketball team, she was first exposed to the field of Athletic Therapy. After volunteering in…

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Cameron DuPlessis, Physiotherapist

PaulB

January 8, 2021

Cameron DuPlessis Physiotherapist Clinic – Currie Center (UNB) Meet Cam! Cameron started his post-secondary education by pursuing a BScKin at the University of New Brunswick. After volunteering at the Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation in Fredericton, he developed a strong interest in pursuing an education in physiotherapy. It was at Stan Cassidy where he saw…

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Geoffrey Mabey, Athletic Therapist & Osteopath

PaulB

January 8, 2021

Geoffrey Mabey Co-Owner, Athletic Therapist & Osteopath Clinic – Currie Center (UNB) & Prospect Street Meet Geoff! Geoff has been an Athletic Therapist for over 20 years and has been practicing as an Osteopath since 2011, receiving his designation in 2014. He has gained a significant amount of experience working and a tremendous passion working…

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Jodie McGill, Physiotherapist

PaulB

January 8, 2021

Jodie began her post-secondary education at UNB where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree. While at UNB, Jodie was a member of the Women’s Volleyball team and an Academic All-Canadian during those four years. She then pursued her education at Dalhousie University in Halifax, where she obtained her Masters of Science in Physiotherapy Degree.

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Matt Cochran, Chiropractor

PaulB

January 8, 2021

Dr. Matt Cochran Co-Owner & Chiropractor Clinic – Currie Center (UNB) & Prospect Street Meet Matt! Matt has been a Chiropractor since 2009 when he graduated from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto with clinic honors and Magna Cum Laude distinctions. He then returned to New Brunswick to continue his education and starting to practice…

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Prospect Street

Geoffrey Mabey, Athletic Therapist & Osteopath

PaulB

January 8, 2021

Continue Reading Geoffrey Mabey, Athletic Therapist & Osteopath

Matt Cochran, Chiropractor

PaulB

January 8, 2021

Continue Reading Matt Cochran, Chiropractor

Quinn Mercer, Physiotherapist

PaulB

January 8, 2021

Quinn Mercer Physiotherapist Clinic – Prospect Street Meet Quinn! Quinn loved physiotherapy school so much, he went back again for another Masters in Manipulative Physiotherapy! This has allowed Quinn to become a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy (FCAMPT), one of only a handful in NB, as well as better evaluate and integrate…

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Tyson Stewart, Massage Therapist

Tyson Stewart

Massage Therapist

Clinic – Prospect Street

Meet Tyson!

Tyson brings over 17 years of massage experience to Max Health Institute – Fredericton. He began his post-secondary education at the University of New Brunswick, graduating in 2001 with a BScKin. Tyson then attended the Atlantic College of Therapeutic Massage and graduated with a diploma in massage therapy in 2003. During this time Tyson found a passion for working with athletes and myofascial dysfunctions. Specializing in myofascial work and how it can affect an individual, Tyson uses his many years of experience to bring a unique treatment approach to each client he treats.

Tyson has been the massage therapist for the UNB Reds Men’s Hockey Team since 2008. He is also a part time instructor at the Atlantic College of Therapeutic Massage, teaching Fundamentals of Sports Massage and Applied Myofascial Massage. This has given him the opportunity to work with many professional athletes over the years along with the Canadian National Women’s Hockey Team.

In addition to being a skilled massage therapist, Tyson is also a part-time Registered Nurse at the Dr. Everett Chalmer’s Regional Hospital. In his spare time, he loves watching his son and daughter, Ty and Whitney, play sports and spending time with his wife, Pam.

Caitlin Marshall, Athletic Therapist

Caitlin Marshall

Athletic Therapist

Clinic – Currie Center (UNB)

Meet Caitlin!

Caitlin is an athletic therapist who began her post-secondary education at the University of Guelph where she obtained an BScHon in Human Kinetics. While playing for the Women’s Varsity Basketball team, she was first exposed to the field of Athletic Therapy. After volunteering in the Varsity Clinic, she fell in love with the profession and decided to continue her education with a degree in Athletic and Exercise Therapy from Camosun College in Victoria, BC.

Upon graduation, Caitlin moved to Ottawa to work with the varsity programs at Carleton University. During her two years there, she was an assistant with the Men’s Football team and the Lead Therapist with the Women’s Basketball team, diversifying her experience with elite athletes across all sports.

Knowing the importance of continued learning, Caitlin participated in a 3-month internship at ALTIS in Phoenix AZ in 2017 and also attended the first ALTIS All-Women ACP. It was here that she discovered her passion for biomechanics and speed development, learning from some of the top coaches, sport medicine practitioners, and athletes in the world.

Using all that she has learned, Caitlin enjoys working with athletes and runners of all abilities, improving running and acceleration mechanics, helping athletes stay injury-free and achieve their best in their field of play.

In her free time, Caitlin enjoys getting together with family and friends, and staying active with running, hiking, and yoga.

Geoffrey Mabey, Athletic Therapist & Osteopath

Geoffrey Mabey

Co-Owner, Athletic Therapist & Osteopath

Clinic – Currie Center (UNB) & Prospect Street

Meet Geoff!

Geoff has been an Athletic Therapist for over 20 years and has been practicing as an Osteopath since 2011, receiving his designation in 2014. He has gained a significant amount of experience working and a tremendous passion working with high-level athletes, beginning with the AHL Saint John Flames, then with Canada Basketball’s Men’s Development Team from 2003-20015, and most recently as the Head Athletic Therapist/Osteopath with Volleyball Canada’s Female Youth/U20 National Team since 2016. Geoff also enjoys using his knowledge and skills to help young athletes.

In addition to his devotion to working with athletes, Geoff has developed an overall treatment approach for assessing and treating his patients with a holistic viewpoint and the goal of determining the true nature of the patient’s issues. Through this ideology, he uses osteopathic manual techniques, functional movement assessment and correction, athletic therapy, and exercise-based rehab to help his clients. Geoff feels that these techniques, as well as encouraging each person to take control of their injury situation, are essential parts of the rehabilitation process and knowing how to help yourself.

Geoff does his best to practice what he preaches by making time to exercise and get outside and enjoy nature with his dog, Watson. He loves to be in the woods at his camp and is always researching a new place to explore or to travel. His numerous travel destinations through work and pleasure have provided a true appreciation of health and quality of life.

Thea Loughrey, Massage Therapist

Thea Loughrey

Massage Therapist

Clinic – Currie Center (UNB)

Meet Thea!

Originally from Brockville Ontario, Thea found her way East and began her post-secondary education at the University of New Brunswick graduating with BScKin in 2018. Thea became a massage therapist after completing another two years of post-secondary education at the Atlantic College of Therapeutic Massage, graduating as class Valedictorian in 2020.

Thea has clinical experience with neurological conditions, chronic pain, acute injuries, and rehabilitation, though she has passion for sports massage therapy. She enjoys the uniqueness that each client brings to the massage table and uses a variety of techniques and modalities throughout her treatments, including Swedish massage, myofascial, and craniosacral techniques. She makes sure that her treatments are tailored to the wants and needs of each client. Thea is excited to be part of the multi-disciplinary team at Max Health Institute & Physiotherapy to help the clients feel great on and off the massage table.

In her spare time, Thea enjoys reading, photography, making music, spending time outdoors, travelling, and being with her friends and family.

Kathrine Walker, Massage Therapist

Kathrine Walker

Massage Therapist

Clinic – Prospect Street

Meet Kathrine!

Kathrine brings over 24 years of experience to body work therapy. Her practice is informed by her love of learning and a holistic approach to the human body. Upon graduating from St. Thomas University in Fredericton, she enrolled at Kine Concept and became a Registered Massage Therapist in 1996. In 2000, she graduated from the Guild for Structural Integration in Boulder, Colorado and worked for the next 16 years deepening her understanding of myofascial systems and honing her skills in Rolf Method Structural Integration. In 2014, she completed her Advanced Structural Integration training at KMI Maine. She is currently in her fifth year of Osteopathic study at Collège d’Etudes Ostéopathiques at the Dalhousie University campus in Halifax.

A keen observer of the body in motion, Kathrine is client-centred in her approach and assesses the role that stress and restriction play in the pattern of chronic pain. She brings her considerable skills and knowledge to the development of a treatment plan that promotes freedom of movement, postural balance, and relaxation. In doing so, she guides the client in their own journey of understanding and body balance.

Kathrine draws inspiration from Tai Chi, Yoga, and physical activities in nature such as hiking, cycling, swimming, and skiing.

Karen Nel, Massage Therapist

Karen Nel – Prospect

Massage Therapist

Clinic – Prospect Street

Meet Karen!

-Originally from South Africa

-Therapeutic Massage Therapy Diploma, Eastern College, 2017

-First Aid and CPR Certificate

-Applied Sports Massage Myofascial Therapy Certificate, 2018

-Table Thai Massage (Level 1), 2018

-TMJ (Temporal Mandibular Joint Syndrome), 2018

-Traditional Thai Massage (mat) Level 1-3, 2014

-Institute for Integrative Nutrition = Health Coach, 2013

-Hot Stone Therapy Certificate, 2000

-Dr. Vodder Lymphatic Drainage, 1996

-SA Institute of Shiatsu Therapy Diploma, 1993

-Aesthetics Diploma (C.I.D.E.S.C.O) AND Body Therapy Diploma, 1979-1981

Kelsey Nissen, Chiropractor

Dr. Kelsey Nissen

Chiropractor

Clinic – Prospect Street

Meet Kelsey!

In 2009, Kelsey began her post-secondary educational journey at the University of New Brunswick (UNB) Fredericton where she completed a BScKin (2013). After graduation, she set her sights on becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic and headed to Toronto to attend.

Upon completing her chiropractic education at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC), she gained experience in a variety of treatment techniques including Diversified Chiropractic Techniques, Perinatal Care with Webster Technique, Activator Method, various soft tissue techniques, and others. She also had unique opportunities such as volunteering as an instructor at a fitness program for seniors, baseline concussion testing for youth athletes, participating in education and treatment outreaches, and more.

It was during her time in Toronto that Kelsey met her spouse, Dr. (Andrew) Cardenas, got their dog (Luthor), and started a family. In 2017, Kelsey and Andrew returned to Fredericton and added to their family with two little ones, Cassin and Freyja.

Kelsey is now continuing her education at UNB, pursuing a Masters in Applied Health Services Research, as well as practicing at Max Health Institute & Physiotherapy. She occasionally volunteers with the Canadian Chiropractic Guideline Initiative and plans to make a positive impact on the chiropractic profession.

When Kelsey is not working or studying, she is typically enjoying some R&R with her family, engaging in some form of physical activity, cooking, or exploring.

Matt Cochran, Chiropractor

Dr. Matt Cochran

Co-Owner & Chiropractor

Clinic – Currie Center (UNB) & Prospect Street

Meet Matt!

Matt has been a Chiropractor since 2009 when he graduated from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto with clinic honors and Magna Cum Laude distinctions. He then returned to New Brunswick to continue his education and starting to practice part-time. Over next several years he completed a Masters of Science in Exercise and Sport Science from UNB (2015) and also concurrently completed his requirements to become a Fellow of the Royal College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences Canada to become the first Chiropractic Sport Specialist in New Brunswick (2016).

When not at work Matt enjoys spending time with family including his wife, Brittany and their new daughter- Allie. Matt also enjoys spending his time off enjoying as many outdoor activities as possible including fishing, hiking, camping, skiing, snowmobiling and ATVing.

Lynn Sweeney, Physiotherapist

Lynn Sweeney

Physiotherapist

Clinic – Prospect Street

Meet Lynn!

Lynn Sweeney has an undergraduate degree from the University of New Brunswick, and a Masters degree in Physiotherapy from Western. She is an Honorary Research Associate at the University of New Brunswick and has 10 years experience as a physiotherapist. Lynn’s clinical focus is on pelvic floor physiotherapy and vertigo / vestibular rehabilitation.

After the birth of her first child in 2014, she required pelvic floor physiotherapy. After 9 months of pain, pelvic floor physiotherapy offered her hope and was the solution to her eliminating her pelvic pain.

She was trained and received certification through Pelvic Health Solutions in Toronto to perform internal vaginal and rectal assessments of the pelvic floor.

Once Lynn started practicing pelvic floor physiotherapy in Fredericton, it was evident that this type of physiotherapy filled a void in healthcare for men and women, as she could not keep up with the demand. Max Health Institute & Physiotherapy has since created a space and multi-disciplinary team to meet the needs, in a timely manner, for those seeking resolution for their pelvic health issues.

Lynn continues to travel to Toronto for pelvic health courses and seeks mentorship from specialists in the field from around North America. Her care focuses on treating the following in men and women:

Women: Pregnancy pain, postpartum care and recovery, C-section rehabilitation, pain with sex, prolapse, urinary frequency and urgency, incontinence, endometriosis related pain, vaginismus, vulvodynia, interstitial cystitis, painful bladder syndrome, menopause, tail bone pain.

Men: Chronic prostatitis, post prostatectomy rehabilitation, urinary frequency and urgency, erectile dysfunction, incontinence, tailbone pain, testicular and penile pain.

Outside of work Lynn enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 kids, exploring New Brunswick hiking trails, and keeping active.