Concussion Rehab 101: What Does It Look Like?

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when there is a sudden, forceful impact or blow to the head or body, causing the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This movement can result in a disruption of normal brain function and a range of symptoms, even though standard brain scans show no visible injury or bleeding. 

At NPG, our concussion team are skilled in assessing and managing concussion injuries. Whether you're an athlete, a concerned parent of a child who's taken a tumble, or an older adult recuperating from a fall, the journey to healing after a concussion varies but shares a common goal: reclaiming a life free from the lingering effects of a concussion. 

In the video below, Rosie explores concussion assessment and rehabilitation, offering valuable insights into how specialised physiotherapy assessment and treatment can be the key to a smoother and more successful recovery journey for clients of all ages and backgrounds.  Some additional considerations for the different groups of people we see are: 

1. Athletes: For athletes, concussion rehabilitation is often synonymous with a return to the playing field. The demands of their sports necessitate comprehensive assessment and tailored rehab programs to ensure a safe and effective recovery. 

2. Kids: Children are particularly vulnerable to concussions due to their active lifestyles and developing brains. Specialised pediatric concussion rehabilitation takes into account their unique needs, ensuring they get back to school and normal activities as swiftly and safely as possible. 

3. Older Adults Post-Fall: Older adults who experience falls may endure the spectrum of concussion symptoms, as well as the confidence knock that typically occurs from the experience of falling.  Rehabilitation tailored to their specific needs helps restore confidence and independence. 

Many people will make a full and natural recovery following a concussion, and it can be tricky to determine if you should see a physio!  Generally, we would encourage an assessment if: 

• You had a severe injury which involved loss of consciousness or a seizure 

• You’ve had very severe symptoms over the first few days 

• You have a prior history of concussions, depression, anxiety, migraine or learning difficulties (all which increase the chance of prolonged recovery) 

• Your concussion was at least 10 days ago and you’re not feeling back to normal 

At Neuro Physio Geelong, we keep urgent vestibular and concussion appointments for those with acute symptoms and they can usually be seen within 48 business hours.