Concussions are one of the most common injuries in contact sports such as rugby, soccer, AFL, and boxing. They occur when the brain is shaken inside the skull due to a direct blow or sudden jolt, leading to a temporary disturbance of brain function. While many people recover within days or weeks, others may experience lingering symptoms that require rehabilitation.
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in concussion management, supporting a safe and gradual return to activity while reducing the risk of further injury.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is classified as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Symptoms may include:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Blurred vision
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue or sensitivity to light/noise
Importantly, loss of consciousness is not required for a concussion diagnosis (McCrory et al., 2017).
Why Early Management is Important
Returning to play or school too quickly can delay recovery and increase the risk of re-injury. The latest Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport (McCrory et al., 2017) emphasises the importance of structured rehabilitation, monitoring, and gradual return-to-activity protocols.
How Physiotherapy Helps with Concussion Recovery
1. Vestibular and Balance Rehabilitation
Concussions often affect balance and coordination. Physiotherapists can prescribe exercises to retrain the vestibular system, improve gaze stability, and restore postural control (Alsalaheen et al., 2010).
2. Cervical Spine Treatment
Neck stiffness or whiplash-type injuries often accompany concussions. Manual therapy and specific exercises help relieve pain and restore normal movement, which can also reduce headache frequency.
3. Graduated Return-to-Activity Programs
Physiotherapists guide patients through a stepwise return to physical activity, ensuring symptoms do not worsen with increased load (Leddy et al., 2016).
4. Exercise Prescription
Recent evidence shows that sub-threshold aerobic exercise can accelerate recovery in some cases, rather than strict rest alone (Leddy et al., 2016).
5. Education and Monitoring
Education for athletes, parents, and coaches is key. Physiotherapists provide advice on pacing, warning signs, and when to seek medical review.
Recovery Timeline
Most concussions resolve within 7–14 days in adults and up to 4 weeks in children, though some cases may take longer (McCrory et al., 2017). Ongoing symptoms beyond this timeframe should be assessed by a physiotherapist and medical team.
When to See a Physiotherapist
You should seek physiotherapy support if you or your child experiences:
- Symptoms lasting more than a few days
- Balance or coordination issues
- Difficulty returning to school, work, or sport
- Neck pain or persistent headaches
Conclusion
Concussion recovery is not just about rest it requires a structured, evidence-based approach. Physiotherapists play an essential role in ensuring safe recovery, reducing symptoms, and guiding a return to sport or daily life.
If you’ve experienced a concussion, contact Trilogy Physiotherapy in Sinnamon Park, Brisbane for expert assessment and rehabilitation. Click here to book now!
References
- Alsalaheen, B. A., Mucha, A., Morris, L. O., et al. (2010). Vestibular rehabilitation for dizziness and balance disorders after concussion. NeuroRehabilitation, 26(3), 255–263. https://doi.org/10.3233/NRE-2010-0559
- Leddy, J. J., Haider, M. N., Ellis, M. J., et al. (2016). Early subthreshold aerobic exercise for sport-related concussion: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Pediatrics, 170(7), 661–670. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2016.0167
- McCrory, P., Meeuwisse, W., Dvořák, J., et al. (2017). Consensus statement on concussion in sport—the 5th international conference on concussion in sport. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51(11), 838–847. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-097699
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