Concussion Management at Sydney Spine & Pelvis Centre

Our team of Physiotherapists at Sydney Spine & Pelvis Centre are trained to provide treatment for Persistent Concussion symptoms and we are committed to helping you come through this injury and feel you can return to life, sport, play and work with your symptoms alleviated. 

What is a Concussion

Concussion is defined as a traumatic brain injury that occurs due to a direct or indirect force onto the skull or body, with or without a loss of consciousness. From (6th International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sports, 2022). 

In other words, a Concussion can occur because of a sports related injury, or a fall, an accident, trauma/ head impact, explosion, or collision force into the body. In 75% of Adults and 70% of children all symptoms from a concussion will completely resolve within 4 weeks. If symptoms continue past 4 weeks then the diagnosis of Persisitent Post Concussion syndrome (ppcs) is made, and a variety of treatments will be considered by an appropriately trained Health Practitioner.

Common symptoms of Concussion

Concussion is described as a traumatic brain injury caused by a direct blow to the head, neck, or body resulting in impulsive force being transmitted to the brain. This can initiate a neurotransmitter cascade, inflammation, and changes to blood flow. Symptoms may present immediately or evolve over minutes or hours, and commonly resolve within days. These symptoms can range from being mild to severe, and the severity of the symptoms can not be predicted at the time of the injury. Everyone presents slightly differently.

If the injured person's symptoms are severe or include a prolonged loss of consciousness, severe vomitting or dizziness, severe weakness in legs, arms or face they should be taken immediately to a Hospital for observation and assessment.

The most common symptoms described after concussion are

  • Headache
  • Neck pain
  • feeling dizzy
  • nausea/ vomiting
  • fatigue/ easily tired
  • sleep disturbance: more or less than normal
  • poor concentration, forgetful, loss of memory
  • blurred or double vision
  • light or hearing sensitivity
  • feeling frustrated or depressed
  • irritable/ easily angered or upset/ restless

How to initially manage a concussion

If the injured person's symptoms are severe or include a prolonged loss of consciousness, severe vomitting or dizziness, severe weakness in legs, arms or face they should be taken immediately to a Hospital for observation and assessment.

Otherwise, it is important to rest for the first 2 days after the concussion. Allow the injured person to sleep as much as they want. You do not need to wake them up from their sleep to check on them, but it is a good idea to check they are sleeping comfortably without any difficulty breathing or resting. When they are awake keep them away from devices/ phones/ gaming/ loud noises or stimulation. No playing sports or games or training temporarily. Keep well hydrated and don't overheat.

If symptoms persist past 2 days then organise a Concussion Assessment with an appropriate Medical practitioner such as a Sports & Exercise Specialist Dr or at a Concussion Clinic.

The Australian Concussion Guidleines for Youth & Community Sport (2025) suggest the following 4 steps for children and Youth who have suffered a Concussion:

"IF IN DOUBT, SIT THEM OUT"

  1. Recognise that concussion has occurred and remove the athlete from play. Rest for 24 -48 hours
  2. Resume light activities on the advice of a healthcare practitioner . Gradual increase in activity duration and school involvement that does not exaserbate symptoms 
  3. Review by a healthcare practitioner after athlete is symptom-free for 14 days 
  4. Return to competition but not before day-21 post-concussion AND the athlete must have remained symptom-free for at least 14 days. 

Assessment and Treatment for Concussion at Sydney Spine & Pelvis Centre

Our team of physiotherapists are trained to assess and treat someone who is continuing to have symptoms following their initial rest period after their concussion. We will often have an injured person referred to us for treatment by their Sports Specialist or G.P who they initially saw for a Concussion assesment because they feel symptoms are not settling quickly and there is a need for a manual therapy approach to assist recovery. 

The Initial appointment will take 1 to 1 1/2 hours so we can thoroughly assess you head, neck, body and cognitive and vestibular function, before starting treatment. You are always welcome to bring someone with you into the treatment and discuss any concerns you have. Treatment is gentle and hands on, plus there may be one or two exercises to continue with at home. Our treatments are different to standard physiotherapy and include manual therapy and myo-fascial release techniques to ease neck and muscle tension. Barbara, Vanessa and Ness are all highly qualified in Cranio-sacral and neuro-meningeal/ visceral therapy and we use this approach to assess blood flow to the brain and to reduce vascular congestion that occurs with brain inflammation. We will also assess cranial nerve function including the optic nerves, trigeminal and vagus nerve irritability, plus consider dural tension and motor responses/ co-ordination. Vestibulo-occular treatment and exercise prescription is also a part of our wholistic approach to treatment of the repurcussions of concussion injuries.

Our team will create follow up appointments as often as required to assist in getting you feeling better, returning to play, sport, activity and work.