Concussion rehabilation
Dealing with post-concussion symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or brain fog? Get targeted relief with our evidence-based concussion therapy services. Book your initial assessment today
What is it?
A concussion is a mild injury to the brain that happens after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body. It temporarily changes how the brain works, but it usually doesn’t show up on a normal brain scan. Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, tiredness, and being sensitive to light or noise. Some people may also notice problems with memory, concentration, mood, or sleep. While most concussions get better with time, recovery can take longer for some people—especially if the brain and body aren’t given the right balance of rest and gentle activity.
If you’d like to learn more, Burwood Hospital has a helpful guide on concussion and recovery that you can find here.
Our Treatment approach
Our treatment approach focuses on supporting your body’s natural ability to heal. Rather than simply managing symptoms, we aim to identify and address the underlying factors contributing to your discomfort. By reducing issues such as neck pain, dizziness, and balance disturbances that often arise after a concussion, we help restore normal function so the body can do what it’s designed to do — recover.
We also recognize that some people experience autonomic dysfunction after a concussion, which can affect heart rate, breathing, and tolerance to exercise. Our team is trained to identify these changes and will guide you through a graded, individualized program that helps you safely rebuild tolerance and confidence in movement.
Through this comprehensive approach — addressing physical, vestibular and functional aspects — we aim to support a smoother and more complete recovery.
How are we different?
I have had the privilege of working across a variety of clinical settings, providing care for individuals with concussion from the acute phase in the Emergency Department through to community and clinic-based rehabilitation. This experience has afforded me a comprehensive understanding of the challenges patients face at each stage of recovery and an appreciation of how to best navigate the healthcare pathway to support optimal outcomes.
A commonly overlooked contributor to prolonged concussion symptoms is dysfunction of the cervical and thoracic spine. Even subtle restrictions in these areas can significantly influence recovery, much like how a small stone in a shoe can cause discomfort over time.
At Reframe Physiotherapy, we are committed to a thorough and reflective approach to care. We continually evaluate both evident and underlying factors that may impact recovery, ensuring that every aspect of your rehabilitation is addressed with precision and care.
*Please note that our service is designed to complement the ACC Concussion Service. Having previously worked within this system, we have an in-depth understanding of its structure, strengths, and limitations. Our goal is to provide an informed second opinion and additional support for your recovery, particularly if you feel that your progress has not been as expected*
What to expect for the session
We will begin by taking a detailed history of your injury and how the symptoms have evolved over time. This will be followed by a comprehensive physical assessment that looks at the central (brain), cervical (neck), vestibular, and autonomic systems.
As there are several tests involved, we may need to divide the assessment into multiple sessions depending on your tolerance. We will work at a pace that suits you and adjust the process to ensure your comfort and safety throughout.
If any acute issues are identified, we will proceed with the appropriate treatment and provide recommendations to help initiate your rehabilitation. Follow-up reviews will then be scheduled to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan.
Should we identify any concerning findings, we will promptly escalate your care to ensure you receive the appropriate attention as soon as possible. We are also happy to collaborate with your ACC concussion providers to support a coordinated and seamless recovery.