Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a direct hit to the head or a strong impact to the body that results in the brain moving inside the skull. At Peak Physio, we offer evidence-based concussion management to support safe return to work, school, and sport through expert assessment, rehabilitation, and guidance.
Who Is It For?
- Athletes with suspected concussion
- Children and adolescents following sports injury
- Adults after a fall, motor vehicle accident, or workplace incident
- Players under AFL or Rugby concussion protocols
- Individuals experiencing post-concussion symptoms (e.g. dizziness, fogginess, headaches)
- Anyone seeking clearance to return to sport or activity safely
What to Expect
- Comprehensive symptom review and screening
- Use of SCAT6 within 72 hours, SCOAT6 after 72 hours
- Assessment of neck, vestibular system, vision, balance and exercise tolerance
- Identification of contributing factors: mood, cognition, psychosocial health
- Education on brain rest, activity pacing, and recovery timelines
- Individualised return-to-activity plan guided by a physiotherapist
- Liaison with GPs, sports doctors, coaches or schools as required
Benefits & Outcomes
- Safer return to activity or sport
- Reduced risk of re-injury or prolonged symptoms
- Improved symptom resolution (headaches, dizziness, fatigue, etc.)
- Enhanced physical and cognitive function
- Education for long-term brain health
- Peace of mind with medical clearance and ongoing support
Contraindications & Safety
Concussion management requires careful monitoring and clinical decision-making. We follow national guidelines to ensure all care is safe, appropriate, and evidence-based. Patients must be medically cleared before returning to full activity. We strictly adhere to sport-specific return-to-play criteria (e.g. AFL and Rugby Australia), and collaborate with doctors or specialists where needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to lose consciousness to have a concussion?
- No. Fewer than 10% of concussions involve loss of consciousness.
- Can scans show if I have a concussion?
- Typically, no. Concussions don’t show up on CT or MRI scans as they affect brain function, not structure.
- What’s the earliest I can return to sport?
- For adults in Rugby: 12 days minimum. For under-18s or AFL: 21 days. Medical clearance is required in all cases.
- What is “graded return to play”?
- A step-by-step rehab plan progressing from rest to light exercise, non-contact training, then full return, guided by your physio and based on symptoms.