National Virtual Education Series-Concussion: Clinical Considerations for RMT Practice
MTAM
Dr. Carolyn R. Weiss, MSc, DC
Zoom Room
1 Core Credit (MTAM). Check with your governing body re: CEU approval
Free for all RMTs
Monday, October 26, 2026. 6:00 PM- 7:00 PM
Registered Massage Therapists may work with patients who have experienced a concussion following a motor vehicle collision, fall, workplace incident, sport-related injury or other trauma. Because concussion symptoms can be subtle, delayed and highly individual, RMTs need to understand what to recognize, how symptoms may affect treatment and when further assessment or referral may be required.
In this clinically focused session, chiropractor Dr. Carolyn Weiss will introduce participants to concussion mechanisms, common symptoms and typical recovery patterns. The session will examine physical, cognitive, emotional, vestibular, visual and sleep-related symptoms, as well as the relationship between concussion, headache, neck pain and associated musculoskeletal injuries.
Participants will explore practical considerations for massage therapy, including intake and screening questions, positioning, treatment intensity, sensory stimulation, symptom monitoring and treatment modification. Particular attention will be given to worsening symptoms and neurological red flags that may require treatment to be stopped and urgent medical assessment considered.
The session will also explore clinical reasoning, scope of practice, documentation, communication and the RMT’s role within an interdisciplinary concussion care team.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Describe common causes and mechanisms of concussion and recognize that concussion may occur without a direct blow to the head or loss of consciousness.
- Identify common physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioural, vestibular, visual and sleep-related symptoms following a concussion.
- Recognize worsening symptoms and neurological red flags that require massage therapy to be stopped or deferred and further medical assessment, urgent referral or emergency care to be considered.
- Explain how concussion symptoms may overlap with headache, neck pain, dizziness and other musculoskeletal concerns while maintaining appropriate boundaries related to diagnosis and scope of practice.
- Apply appropriate treatment modifications for patients recovering from concussion, including considerations related to positioning, pressure, pacing, treatment duration, lighting, noise and other sensory stimulation.
- Monitor a patient’s response before, during and after treatment and modify or discontinue treatment when symptoms increase or the patient demonstrates poor tolerance.
- Document relevant history, patient-reported symptoms, treatment modifications, responses to treatment and referrals to support safe practice and continuity of care.
- Describe the RMT’s role within an interdisciplinary concussion care team and identify appropriate opportunities for communication and referral to other qualified healthcare professionals.
Dr. Carolyn R. Weiss, MSc, DC is a chiropractor committed to community-based, evidence-informed care. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Winnipeg and a Master of Science in Medicine (Immunology) from the University of Manitoba. She completed her Doctor of Chiropractic at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Minneapolis, graduating cum laude in 2016.
Her clinical training includes Graston Technique, Myofascial Release Therapy, RockTape and Torque Release Technique, as well as focused care in pregnancy, pediatrics and geriatrics. Her clinical placements have included the Downtown Minneapolis Salvation Army Free Clinic and La Clinica in Saint Paul, reflecting her commitment to accessible, community-oriented healthcare.
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