
Concussion is defined as a mild traumatic brain injury induced by mechanical forces, which may result from a direct blow to the head or an impulsive force transmitted to the head from elsewhere in the body. Common causes include sports injuries, falls, motor vehicle accidents, and workplace incidents.
Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion
Concussion symptoms can vary widely and may not appear immediately after the injury. Common symptoms include:
Physical Symptoms:
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light or noise
Blurred or double vision
Balance issues
Cognitive Symptoms:
Confusion
Memory loss
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling “foggy”
Emotional Symptoms:
Irritability
Anxiety
Mood swings
Sadness
Sleep Disturbances:
Trouble falling asleep
Sleeping more or less than usual
Fatigue
While most individuals recover within 7-10 days, some experience prolonged symptoms requiring targeted interventions. Physiotherapists play a crucial role in assessing and managing concussions, using evidence-based approaches to guide recovery and safe return to school, work, and sports.
The Australian Concussion Guidelines
The Australian Concussion Guidelines for Youth and Community Sport and the AIS’s Concussion Position Statement provide evidence-based recommendations for managing concussions in young athletes. These guidelines emphasise:
Immediate removal from play: Any suspected concussion requires immediate cessation of activity.
Comprehensive assessment: A healthcare professional must evaluate the individual to confirm the diagnosis.
Graduated return to play (GRTP): A stepwise protocol ensures safe reintegration into sport.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
1. Initial Assessment and Diagnosis
Physiotherapists trained in concussion management can:
Conduct thorough subjective and objective assessments using updated tools like the SCAT6 and SCOAT6.
Evaluate and treat cervical spine involvement, vestibular and oculomotor function, balance deficiencies, and cognitive function.
Identify red flags warranting urgent medical attention, such as worsening headaches or neurological deficits, and refer to specialists for mood or psychological concerns.
2. Symptom Management
Individualised physiotherapy interventions can alleviate post-concussion symptoms:
Vestibular Rehabilitation: Tailored exercises to address dizziness, balance issues, and oculomotor deficiencies.
Cervical Spine Therapy: Manual therapy and exercises to relieve neck pain and associated headaches.
Aerobic Conditioning: Gradual reintroduction of physical activity, ensuring sub-symptom threshold levels are maintained with objective measures.
Fatigue Management: Education on sleep hygiene and strategies to optimise sleep patterns and reduce fatigue.
3. Guidance on Return to School, Work, and Play
Physiotherapists collaborate with other healthcare providers to implement graded return-to-play protocols, as per the AIS Concussion Position Statement. This process includes:
Monitoring symptom responses at each stage.
Adjusting progression based on individual recovery rates.
Ensuring the athlete achieves baseline cognitive and physical performance before a full return.
4. Education and Prevention
Physiotherapists play a pivotal role in educating athletes, parents, coaches, and sporting organisations about concussion risks, recognition, and prevention strategies. This includes promoting safe playing techniques and supporting gradual return-to-play protocols.
Long-Term Brain Health
The AIS Brain Health Position Statement underscores the importance of addressing the cumulative impacts of repetitive head trauma. Physiotherapists can:
Encourage sustained physical activity and cognitive engagement to support overall brain health.
Advocate for regular monitoring of athletes with a history of multiple concussions.
Why Choose Wanneroo Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapists are integral to the multidisciplinary approach required for effective concussion management. The International Consensus Statement (2022) and AIS Brain Health Position Statement (2024) provide evidence-based guidelines to ensure safe recovery and long-term brain health for individuals affected by concussion.
At Wanneroo Physiotherapy, our physiotherapists offer baseline assessments, post-injury evaluations, and individualised concussion rehabilitation plans. As awareness of concussion grows, our team remains at the forefront of advancing care and education, ensuring the best outcomes for our patients.