Concussion in Sport Physio in Cronulla

At Cronulla Point Physio, we provide specialist assessment, monitoring, and rehabilitation support for concussion in sport and suspected mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Our role is to help guide safe recovery, manage persistent symptoms, and support a structured return to school, work, training, and sport.

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We work closely with athletes and active individuals across Cronulla and the Sutherland Shire, including Caringbah, Miranda, Woolooware, Gymea, Kirrawee, Sylvania, and surrounding suburbs.

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Concussion is a complex neurological condition that affects brain function following a direct or indirect impact. While most people recover fully, recovery must be carefully managed to avoid symptom prolongation and secondary issues such as neck dysfunction or vestibular (balance) disturbance.

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What Happens in a Concussion?

A concussion occurs when a force transmitted to the head or body temporarily disrupts normal brain function.

This can affect:

• Cognitive processing (thinking, memory, concentration)

• Balance and coordination (vestibular system)

• Visual tracking and focus

• Energy regulation and fatigue tolerance

• Sensitivity to light, noise, and physical activity

 

Importantly, concussion is not always associated with loss of consciousness, and symptoms may develop gradually over hours or days.

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Common Causes in Sport and Activity

We commonly see concussion from:

• Rugby league and rugby union tackles

• AFL and soccer collisions or heading impacts

• Basketball, netball, and contact sport collisions

• Surfing, skateboarding, and cycling falls

• Gym or training accidents involving head or body impact

• Falls during running or outdoor sport

 

Given the high participation in contact and outdoor sport across the Sutherland Shire, sport related concussion is a frequent presentation.

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Symptoms of Concussion

Common symptoms include:

• Headache or pressure in the head

• Dizziness or imbalance

• Feeling foggy, slowed, or “not yourself”

• Difficulty concentrating or remembering

• Sensitivity to light or noise

• Nausea or fatigue

• Blurred or double vision

• Sleep disturbance

• Irritability or emotional changes

Symptoms often worsen with physical exertion, screen use, reading, or cognitive load.

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Neck, Vestibular, and Visual Contributions to Symptoms

Many persistent concussion symptoms are not purely “brain based” but are influenced by:

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Cervical spine (neck) dysfunction

• Neck joint stiffness after impact

• Muscle strain contributing to headache and dizziness

• Referred pain into head or behind eyes

 

Vestibular system (balance) disruption

• Dizziness or unsteadiness

• Motion sensitivity

• Difficulty with rapid head movement

 

Visual system overload

• Difficulty focusing on screens

• Eye strain and headache

• Reduced visual tracking during movement

 

This is where physiotherapy plays an important role in structured recovery.

 

When to Seek Urgent Medical Care

All suspected concussion cases require medical assessment.

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Seek urgent medical attention if there is:

• loss of consciousness

• worsening or severe headache

• repeated vomiting

• confusion, agitation, or unusual behaviour

• seizures

• worsening neurological symptoms

 

Physiotherapy is only appropriate after medical clearance or in coordination with medical management.

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Our Role in Concussion Rehabilitation

At Cronulla Point Physio, once medically cleared, we support structured recovery through a graded rehabilitation approach focused on restoring physical function and reducing persistent symptoms.

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We help address:

• neck related headache and stiffness

• balance and vestibular dysfunction

• exercise intolerance and deconditioning

• gradual return to training and sport

• persistent post concussion symptoms affecting daily life

 

We also assist in identifying when symptoms are more likely driven by the neck or vestibular system rather than ongoing neurological injury.

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Concussion Rehabilitation Approach

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1. Comprehensive post injury assessment

We assess:

• cervical spine function

• balance and vestibular control

• exercise tolerance

• movement and symptom response

 

2. Symptom guided activity reintroduction

We introduce controlled activity that does not worsen symptoms, including light movement and walking.

 

3. Gradual aerobic conditioning

We progressively rebuild exercise tolerance through:

• walking

• stationary cycling

• light aerobic training

• controlled heart rate exposure

 

4. Cervical and vestibular rehabilitation

We address:

• neck mobility and control

• deep neck flexor activation

• balance retraining

• head movement tolerance

 

5. Return-to-sport progression

We guide structured return through:

• running progression

• non contact drills

• sport specific training

• full training clearance stages

 

Return to play decisions are based on symptom resolution and functional testing.

 

Recovery Expectations

Concussion recovery varies depending on severity, history, and individual response.

Recovery typically progresses through:

• Phase 1: Medical rest and symptom stabilisation

• Phase 2: Light activity and controlled movement

• Phase 3: Progressive aerobic and rehab loading

• Phase 4: Return to sport and cognitive load tolerance

 

Most individuals recover within days to weeks, however some require structured rehabilitation for persistent symptoms.

 

Concussion in Athletes in Cronulla and the Sutherland Shire

We regularly support concussion recovery in athletes involved in rugby, AFL, soccer, netball, surfing, and other high-impact sports across Cronulla and surrounding suburbs.

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Given the high sporting participation in the region, structured return-to-play planning is essential to reduce the risk of recurrent concussion and prolonged recovery.

 

Long Term Recovery and Prevention

Rehabilitation also focuses on reducing recurrence risk by:

• ensuring full symptom resolution prior to return

• restoring neck strength and control

• improving balance and reaction speed

• progressive exposure to contact and sport load

• education on safe return to play guidelines

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can physiotherapy help concussion recovery?

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Yes, especially for neck related symptoms, dizziness, balance issues, and graded return to activity after medical clearance.

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Why do I still feel dizzy after concussion?

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This may relate to vestibular dysfunction, cervical spine involvement, or reduced exercise tolerance.

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How long does concussion recovery take?

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Recovery varies from several days to weeks, and sometimes longer depending on severity and history.

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Can I exercise after a concussion?

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Only symptom limited, graded exercise should be performed under professional guidance.

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Do all concussion symptoms come from the brain?

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No, many persistent symptoms are influenced by the neck and vestibular system.

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Ready to Support Your Concussion Recovery?

If you are recovering from a concussion or experiencing ongoing symptoms following a sports related head injury, structured rehabilitation can help restore function and guide a safe return to activity.

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Book an appointment with Cronulla Point Physio for assessment and guided concussion rehabilitation.

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Links

• Australian Concussion Guidelines for Youth & Community Sport

• Headcheck App or download it from the App Store by clicking here

• Concussion Recognition Tool (CRT) (For use by non-healthcare practitioners)

• Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT6) (For use by healthcare practitioners)

• AFL Community Concussion Guidelines 2021