Concussion Assessment and Rehabilitation in Adelaide

Neurophysiotherapy Services provides specialist concussion assessment and rehabilitation in Adelaide. Established in 2001, the practice brings together physiotherapists with advanced training in neurological, vestibular and cervical rehabilitation, the three systems most often affected after a concussion. Our founder, Edwina Reid, has over 40 years of experience in neurological physiotherapy and a particular focus on concussion rehabilitation.

Whether a concussion has happened on the sporting field, at work, in a car accident or from a fall at home, our team helps clients recover safely and return to sport, school and work with confidence.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of head injury that can result from a forceful impact to the head, neck or body, which causes the brain to move within the skull. A hard knock is not required. Concussion can occur from seemingly minor knocks, and it does not only affect athletes. A fall from a ladder or a car accident can transmit enough force to the head to cause a concussion.

Recognising the signs of concussion

Recognising concussion can be difficult. Symptoms can be subtle and are not specific to concussion alone, which is why knowing when to suspect concussion matters. An appropriate response and proper management can help prevent further injury, and in rare cases, save a life.

A concussion should be suspected whenever an injury results in a knock to the head or body that transmits force to the head. The Concussion Recognition Tool 6 (CRT6) is a freely available resource designed to help anyone recognise a suspected concussion.

Critical signs that need urgent medical attention

Seek immediate medical care if any of the following are present after a knock:

• Neck pain, or weakness, tingling or burning in the arms or legs
• Increasing confusion, agitation or irritability
• Repeated vomiting, seizure or convulsion
• A deteriorating conscious state or loss of consciousness
• Severe or increasing headache, or double vision
• Unusual behavioural change

Common symptoms of concussion

• Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
• Dizziness, blurred vision or balance problems
• Nausea, sensitivity to light or noise
• Feeling slowed down, in a fog, or just not feeling right
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering
• Fatigue, drowsiness, irritability or feeling more emotional than usual
• Trouble falling asleep

Some people find it hard to describe their symptoms and may simply report not feeling right. This alone is reason enough to take the injury seriously.

What to do in the first 48 hours after a concussion

All concussions should be assessed by a doctor. Most will resolve without specific treatment. The main approach is a short period of relative rest for the first 24 to 48 hours, followed by a gradual return to activity.

To support recovery in the first 48 hours:

• Contact a GP for diagnosis and symptom management
• Rest and maintain a normal sleeping schedule
• Limit the use of electronic devices
• Gradually increase physical activity as recommended by a physiotherapist, beginning with light exercise for around 20 minutes
• Avoid alcohol, anti inflammatories, sleeping pills and recreational drugs for 48 hours

Important: any athlete with a suspected concussion should be immediately removed from practice or play and should not return to any activity with a risk of head contact, fall or collision until medically assessed, even if symptoms resolve.

A person with a suspected concussion should not be left alone for at least the first three hours, should not be sent home without a responsible adult, and should not drive until cleared by a healthcare professional. Worsening symptoms should lead to immediate medical attention.

How physiotherapy helps concussion recovery

A concussion must be diagnosed by a medical practitioner. A physiotherapist can assess a client, recognise when a medical referral is needed, and then play a central role in recovery. At Neurophysiotherapy Services, concussion management may include:

• Symptom management, including treatment of neck pain and stiffness, dizziness and headache
• Education and advice for the client and their family
• Graded return to work and school planning
• Exercise prescription for recovery and symptom reduction
• Ongoing monitoring of progress
• Baseline screening for prevention
• Structured return to sport planning

Assessment focuses on identifying the true source of symptoms, which can arise from the cervical spine, the vestibular system or the oculomotor system. Treatment targets those findings, supported by a home exercise program and education. Appropriate management, including cervical and vestibular oculomotor rehabilitation, supports a more complete recovery.

Our team takes a whole of life approach to rehabilitation, addressing all five recovery domains: physical, cognitive, emotional, fatigue and sleep.

Return to sport

Return to sport is the athlete's gradual progression back to full sporting activity, and a physiotherapist is well placed to guide this process. After 24 to 48 hours of relative rest, light intensity physical activity can begin, provided it does not cause a significant and sustained worsening of symptoms.

Under the Graded Return to Sport Framework, athletes aged 18 or under must be symptom free for 14 days before medical clearance to return to contact or high risk activity. That period begins from the day the athlete becomes symptom free. It ensures the most vulnerable individuals have clearly demonstrated the capacity to manage all normal daily activities, including non contact exercise, without symptoms before returning to the field.

Return to learn and return to work

Return to learn is the client's gradual return to their usual program at school or work. A graded return to learn and return to sport should occur at the same time, beginning with activities that do not aggravate symptoms.

Our physiotherapists can prepare Return to Learn or Return to Work Plans to communicate clearly with teachers and workplaces about what a recovering client needs.

Why choose Neurophysiotherapy Services for concussion care

Concussion sits naturally within our specialty. Since 2001, Neurophysiotherapy Services has focused exclusively on neurological and vestibular rehabilitation, the very systems involved in concussion recovery. Edwina Reid, our founder, holds a Masters in Physiotherapy (Neurological Physiotherapy), has over 40 years of clinical experience and specialises in concussion rehabilitation. Our team includes accredited vestibular physiotherapists and operates from a modern, purpose built practice in Eastwood, serving clients across Adelaide and South Australia.

Frequently asked questions about concussion