Concussion is a brain injury, and like any injury, it needs proper assessment and a structured recovery plan. Most people recover well with the right guidance. If you're not recovering as expected, or symptoms are lingering beyond a few weeks, physiotherapy can help identify why and what to do about it.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a force to the head, or anywhere on the body that creates a whiplash-type movement. It temporarily disrupts normal brain function. You don't need to be knocked out to have a concussion; loss of consciousness actually occurs in fewer than 10% of cases.

Symptoms can appear immediately or be delayed by hours or even days. Common signs include:

When to go straight to hospital: If you or someone else has a seizure, repeated vomiting, one pupil larger than the other, worsening headache, loss of consciousness, or weakness in the arms or legs, call 000 or go directly to emergency. These are signs of a more serious brain injury requiring urgent medical attention.

What to do in the first 24 to 48 hours

The brain needs rest after a concussion, but the approach to rest has changed significantly in recent years. The old advice of lying in a dark room for days is outdated. Current evidence supports relative rest followed by a gradual, guided return to activity.

Phase 1, First 24 to 48 hours: Relative rest. Reduce screen time, avoid strenuous activity, and stay in a calm environment. Short gentle walks are fine if tolerated. Don't push through symptoms.

Phase 2, After 48 hours: Graded return. Begin a structured return to school, work, and sport under guidance. Each step should be symptom-free before progressing. This is where a physiotherapy assessment adds real value.

How AllCare can help

Most concussions resolve within 2 to 4 weeks. But for some people, particularly those with neck involvement, vestibular symptoms, or previous concussions, recovery takes longer. Our physiotherapists assess the structures that sit alongside brain recovery: the neck, the inner ear and balance system, the visual system, and the autonomic nervous system. These are often the reason symptoms persist beyond what the brain itself needs to heal.

Comprehensive assessment: A full picture of your symptoms, history, and which systems are contributing, including brain, neck, vestibular, or visual.

Vestibular and balance rehab: Treatment for dizziness, unsteadiness, and balance problems that commonly persist after the initial injury.

Neck assessment and treatment: Cervical involvement is common in concussion and frequently missed. Treating the neck can resolve headaches and dizziness that otherwise seem neurological.

Visual and coordination training: Eye movement dysfunction is common post-concussion and can be specifically rehabilitated with targeted exercises.

Exertion and autonomic testing: Heart rate-based assessment of autonomic function, particularly important for athletes and those returning to physical work or sport.

Return to sport, school or work: A graded, evidence-based protocol to get you back to full activity safely, meeting the standards required by sporting bodies and workplaces.

Persistent post-concussion symptoms

When symptoms extend beyond 4 weeks, this is referred to as persistent post-concussion syndrome. It doesn't mean permanent damage. In most cases it reflects one or more underlying systems, vestibular, cervical, visual, or autonomic, that haven't fully recovered and need targeted treatment.

If you've been told to "just wait it out" and aren't improving, a structured physiotherapy assessment is a worthwhile next step. Both Isabelle and Ross have specific experience in managing these more complex, longer-running presentations.

Book with our concussion specialists

For concussion and vestibular appointments at AllCare, we recommend either Isabelle or Ross, both have advanced training in this area.

Isabelle Warner, Concussion and Vestibular Physiotherapist: Specialist training through Vestibular Education Australia. Manages persistent post-concussion presentations and vestibular conditions. Also works at the Royal Hobart Hospital.

Ross Matton, Senior Physiotherapist, Vestibular and Concussion: Specialist interest in dizziness and balance disorders from the inner ear, neck, and post-concussion syndromes. Extensive experience breaking down complex presentations into manageable recovery steps.

Common questions

Do I need a referral to see a physio for concussion? No. You can book directly with Isabelle or Ross. If you have imaging results or a letter from your GP or specialist, bring it along, it's useful context, but it isn't required to get started.

How soon after a concussion should I come in? After the initial 24 to 48 hour rest period, early assessment is beneficial, particularly if you have dizziness, neck pain, or balance problems. Earlier input tends to lead to faster, more complete recovery. You don't need to wait until symptoms have settled.

Can a physio clear me to return to sport? Yes. Our physiotherapists use evidence-based return-to-sport protocols that align with current Australian and international sporting body guidelines. We can provide documentation for your club, school, or employer where needed.

I had a concussion months ago and still have headaches. Is it too late to get help? Not at all. Persistent symptoms, even months after the initial injury, often have a treatable physical component. A thorough assessment with Isabelle or Ross can identify whether your neck, vestibular system, or visual system is contributing, and targeted treatment can make a meaningful difference even at this stage.

My child had a head knock playing sport. Should they see a physio? If there are any symptoms at all, headache, dizziness, feeling off, or just not quite right, yes. Children and adolescents take longer to recover than adults and are more vulnerable to repeat injury if returned to contact sport too early. We manage paediatric concussion and can liaise with schools regarding return-to-learning protocols.

Not sure whether your symptoms are concussion-related? Call us on (03) 6224 9777 and speak with our team. We're happy to talk through your situation before you book.