Concussion
Concussion is a functional brain injury that can follow a head knock in sport, a fall, or a collision during training. Assessment and rehabilitation are staged around your symptoms, with a structured, guideline-based approach to returning to sport.
30-minute appointments as standard · No referral required
Concussions can happen in a split second — a head knock during sport, a fall, or an awkward collision at the gym — but the effects often last well beyond the moment of impact. Not all concussions are the same, and recovery timeframes vary between individuals.
Symptoms can appear immediately or build over the first 24–48 hours, and can include headache, dizziness, blurred vision, fogginess, difficulty concentrating, nausea, fatigue, or changes in mood. You don’t need to have been knocked unconscious to have a concussion — any of these symptoms after a head knock should be taken seriously.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Care
Head straight to your GP or emergency care if you notice any of the following — these are red flags that require urgent assessment:
- Worsening headache that doesn’t respond to rest
- Repeated vomiting
- Slurred speech or confusion
- Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
- Seizure or repeated loss of consciousness
- One pupil larger than the other
How We Assess Concussion
Assessment includes balance and vestibular control testing, cognitive function and reaction time assessment, evaluation of neck and upper cervical contribution to symptoms, visual tracking and focus, and review of symptom severity and load tolerance.
The neck is frequently overlooked after a head knock — cervicogenic symptoms (originating from the cervical spine) can closely mimic concussion symptoms and respond well to physiotherapy. A thorough assessment differentiates between the two, and helps confirm the diagnosis, track recovery, and guide return-to-work or return-to-sport decisions. Our physiotherapy page has more on how we approach assessment.
Treatment and Rehabilitation Approach
Physiotherapy plays a significant role in concussion recovery, particularly from around day 3 onward. Rehabilitation is tailored to what’s still affected, and may include guided return to physical activity using symptom-based progression, vestibular exercises for dizziness and spatial disorientation, visual-motor training for tracking and light sensitivity, cervical mobility and deep neck flexor work, and graduated aerobic exercise.
Return to contact sport follows a staged process guided by current sports medicine guidelines, beginning with symptom-limited activity and progressing through sport-specific exercise, non-contact drills, full-contact practice, and unrestricted competition — each stage requiring 24 hours without symptom recurrence before progressing. This should be guided by a physiotherapist or sports medicine professional, not managed independently. See our sports physiotherapy page for more on return-to-sport management.
Looking for help with a Concussion?
An assessment can help identify the factors contributing to your symptoms and guide the next steps.
Symptoms
Headache or pressure
Often one of the first and most noticeable symptoms following a head knock.
Dizziness or balance issues
Can affect coordination and confidence with movement, and often responds well to vestibular rehabilitation.
Feeling foggy or slow to concentrate
Cognitive symptoms are common and are assessed alongside physical symptoms to guide recovery.
Causes and Risk Factors
Head knocks during contact sport
The most common mechanism seen in athletes, particularly in football and other contact sports.
Falls
Can occur during sport, training, or everyday activity.
Training and gym-related collisions
Awkward collisions or impacts during gym-based training can also result in concussion.
Return-to-Sport Considerations
Symptom-limited activity first
Return begins with light activity that doesn’t provoke symptoms, before any sport-specific work starts.
Staged, guideline-based progression
Each stage — sport-specific exercise, non-contact drills, full-contact practice — requires 24 hours symptom-free before advancing.
Guided by a physiotherapist, not self-managed
Returning too soon increases the risk of prolonged symptoms; progression is monitored throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does concussion recovery take?
Most concussions in adults resolve within 2–4 weeks with appropriate management. In younger athletes, recovery may take longer. A small percentage of people develop persistent post-concussion symptoms that require more structured rehabilitation. Early, guided management is associated with faster recovery. (General information only.)
Can I go to school or work after a concussion?
A graduated return to cognitive activity (school, work, screen use) is recommended alongside physical return to sport. If cognitive tasks worsen symptoms, they should be reduced temporarily and reintroduced gradually. Complete absence from school or work is rarely necessary for more than a few days. (General information only.)
Do I need imaging after a concussion?
CT scans and MRIs are generally normal after concussion — it is a functional brain injury rather than a structural one. Imaging is indicated when there are red flag symptoms that suggest a more serious injury such as a bleed. Your physiotherapist or GP will advise if imaging is needed. (General information only.)
Can a physio treat concussion?
Yes. Physiotherapy addresses cervicogenic contributions to symptoms, vestibular dysfunction, visual-motor deficits, and graduated return to physical activity — all of which are commonly impacted by concussion. It works best as part of a multidisciplinary approach that may also involve a GP or sports medicine physician. (General information only.)
Is it safe to exercise after a concussion?
Gentle, graduated exercise, introduced carefully after the initial 24–48 hours, is recommended as part of concussion recovery. High-intensity exercise and contact sport should be avoided until cleared through the return-to-sport protocol. (General information only.)
Clinically reviewed: 18/08/2026