What is concussion?
A concussion is a type of brain injury that happens when a person experiences a direct hit to the head or a heavy impact to the body that causes the brain to move inside the skull.
How to know if you are concussed?
It’s important to know that loss of consciousness happens in fewer than 10% of concussion cases. So, a player doesn’t need to be knocked out to have a concussion.
Concussion usually doesn’t show up on scans like CT or MRI, as it affects how the brain functions rather than causing visible damage. Symptoms can include confusion, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, fatigue, memory problems, and feeling mentally foggy or “not quite right.” Observable signs might include unusual behaviour, lying motionless, a vacant stare, or poor balance.
Why is concussion management so important?
Effective concussion management is vital to reduce the risk of serious complications. Returning to play too soon can increase the chance of another concussion, prolong symptoms, and, in rare cases, lead to dangerous brain swelling—especially in younger athletes. Poorly managed concussions are also linked to long-term mental health issues and may contribute to brain degeneration later in life. While research is ongoing into conditions like Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), it’s clear that proper diagnosis, rest, and medical clearance before returning to sport are essential to protect both short- and long-term brain health.
How can Peak Physio help?
Standardised assessment tools
- SCAT6 in the first 72 hours/3 days post injury
- SCOAT6 beyond 72 hours/3 days post injury
Additional assessment:
- Neck/Cervical Spine
- Headaches
- Vestibular/Visual System
- Balance
- Exercise Tolerance
- Psychosocial Factors including thinking, mood and mental health
Treatment:
- Graded exposure/pacing
- Exercise
- Education and guidance
- Manual therapy (including massage and mobilisation)
- Vestibular management
- Correspondence and liaison with other medical professionals and your sporting organisation
- Referral to other specialists as required
Graded return to activity and sport
Your physiotherapist will guide you through a graded progression of both cognitive and physical exertion with criteria to progress through each stage
- Relative rest
- Daily activities
- Light aerobic exercise
- Moderate aerobic exercise
- High intensity aerobic exercise
- Non contact –> Limited contact –> Full contact training
- Return to play
Returning to play
Requirements as per the AFL
- Completed all stages of the return to play process
- Minimum 21 days after injury with the injury date being day “0”
- Obtained a medical clearance before returning to play (from a medical doctor)
Requirements as per Rugby Australia
- Blue Card triggers Concussion Management Procedure (CMP)
- CMP requires all players with potential head injury, concussion or suspected concussion to be assessed by an appropriately trained healthcare practitioner (e.g., medical doctor or physiotherapist) within 72 hours of the injury for an initial assessment.
- For adults aged 19 and over: the minimum period before return to play is 12 days
- For children and adolescents aged 18 and under: the minimum period before return to play is 21 days.
- Medical clearance required before returning to play (from a medical doctor)
We are here to help
If you or someone you know has experienced a concussion and need assistance please get in touch with us to discuss how we can help