Concussion: North Beach Physiotherapy

Concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head. In sport, concussion accounts for a significant proportion of injuries, and in Perth, we see it regularly in AFL, rugby, basketball, and contact sports. Getting the assessment and return-to-sport process right matters. Concussion is one of the most important and least rehabilitated injuries we see, and concussion physiotherapy plays a big role in assessment and guided rehabilitation back to sport, school and work.

Signs of Concussion

Symptoms can appear immediately or develop over hours:

• Headache, pressure in the head, or neck pain
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurry or double vision
• Slowed thinking, difficulty concentrating, or memory gaps
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Feeling "foggy," irritable, or not like yourself
• Sleep disturbance

How We Assess and Treat Concussion

Every concussion is different, so it starts with an individualised diagnosis. From there we follow evidence-based return-to-sport and return-to-work protocols that protect the brain while it heals and restore full function progressively.

Initial assessment: Full neurological screen, cervical spine assessment, vestibular and oculomotor testing where indicated.

Cervical management: Neck involvement is often missed in concussion. Cervicogenic symptoms (dizziness, headache, restricted movement) can often be helped with targeted manual therapy and exercise.

Graded return protocol: Step-by-step return to sport using the Concussion in Sport Group (CISG) guidelines. No stage is skipped. No guessing when it's "safe enough."

Return to work/school: Cognitive load management and graduated return strategies for patients whose concussion is affecting work or study.

When Should You Seek Assessment?

Any player removed from the field with a suspected concussion should be assessed. Don't return to play on the same day, even if symptoms seem mild.

See a physio if you've been cleared medically but still have:

• Persistent headaches
• Dizziness with movement or exercise
• Neck stiffness or pain
• Difficulty with cognitive tasks