Concussion Rehabilitation

Concussion Rehabilitation

Are you experiencing symptoms after concussion? Concussion can present differently in different people. Sometimes, people do not realise they have suffered a concussion until sometime after an injury. It can be difficult to know how to access the right assessment and support. At Through Life Physiotherapy, we can work with you to expertly assess your symptoms, and to support your recovery.

What is concussion?
Do I need urgent medical care?
What are the symptoms of concussion?
How can a physiotherapist help me?
My injury occurred a long time ago. Can physiotherapy treatment help me?

What is concussion?

Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury, most commonly caused by a knock to the head (or a vigorous shaking of the head). While concussion can cause a person to lose consciousness, most do not.

Concussion can occur at any age, and can be the result of a sporting injury, a simple fall, a fall from a horse, or being in hit in the head by an object.

Do I need urgent medical care?

It is important to seek appropriate medical care in the case of acute concussion. Seek immediate emergency care if symptoms are worsening, or in the presence of signs such as:

• neck pain

• increasing confusion, agitation, or irritability

• repeated vomiting

• seizure or convulsion

• weakness or tingling/burning in the arms or legs

• deteriorating conscious state

• severe or increasing headache

• loss of vision

• visible deformity of the skull

• loss of consciousness

• unusual behavioural change

• double vision

*AIS: Concussion and Brain Health Position Statement 2024

https://www.ausport.gov.au/concussion/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/1133545/37382_Concussion-and-Brain-Health-Position-Statement-2024-FA.pdf

What are the symptoms of concussion?

Acute symptoms of concussion may include (but are not limited to) headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, blurry vision, confusion, memory loss and dizziness.

Some symptoms may arise days or weeks after a concussion and can significantly impact a person's ability to work, study, and participate in sport and leisure. Symptoms may include:

• difficulty concentrating

• cognitive challenges such as memory changes, slowed processing, or confusion

• headache

• neck pain

• dizziness

• fatigue

• light sensitivity

• visual changes.

How can a physiotherapist help me?

At Through Life Physiotherapy, our clinicians can assess the impact of concussion. We can assess your:

• eye movement
• balance and coordination
• exercise tolerance
• neck function
• headaches and pain
• cognitive changes.
• vestibular function

We can assist you with referrals for specialist services such as neuropsychology or neuro-optometry, when needed.

Treatment is individualized and targeted to optimise your recovery and return to normal activity as quickly as possible.

My injury occurred a long time ago. Can physiotherapy treatment help me?

Yes! At Through Life Physiotherapy, we have clinicians who are skilled in working with people with persistent or more complex symptoms of concussion.