Understanding concussion
Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that can occur after a knock to the head, or a forceful movement of the head and neck, such as in sport, a car accident or a fall. Symptoms can appear immediately or develop over the following days, and for some people they can persist for weeks or months. This is sometimes called post-concussion syndrome.
Everyone's experience is different, and symptoms don't always line up neatly with how the injury happened. Symptoms are generally grouped into a few categories:
- Physical: headache, neck pain, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, fatigue
- Cognitive: brain fog, difficulty concentrating, slowed thinking, memory lapses
- Emotional & sleep-related: irritability, low mood, anxiety, trouble falling or staying asleep
What to expect at your first appointment
Your first visit starts with a detailed history of how the injury happened and how your symptoms have progressed since. From there, I'll assess your neck function, balance and vestibular (inner ear) system, since these are closely tied to how concussion symptoms present and often play a significant role in recovery.
Based on that assessment, we'll build a plan. This might include hands-on treatment, targeted exercises, pacing and lifestyle guidance, and a structured timeline for returning to work, study or sport.
Recovery timeframes
Most people recover from concussion within one to four weeks with appropriate management. For some, symptoms persist beyond this window and need a more structured, multimodal approach. This is where post-concussion syndrome management becomes relevant. Recovery isn't always linear, and timeframes vary based on the injury, your history, and how early appropriate care begins.
Who I treat
- Athletes wanting a safe, graded return to sport
- Children and adolescents recovering from sport or playground head injuries
- Adults recovering from car accidents or workplace incidents
- Anyone with symptoms that have persisted longer than expected
How I can help
My approach to concussion treatment combines osteopathic assessment of the neck and vestibular system with graded, symptom-guided rehabilitation. Because the neck and inner ear are so closely linked to concussion symptoms, addressing them is often a key part of recovery, not just resting and waiting for time to pass.
- Thorough assessment of neck function, balance and vestibular (inner ear) involvement
- Hands-on osteopathic treatment where appropriate
- Graded return-to-activity and return-to-sport planning
- Education on pacing, sleep and lifestyle factors that influence recovery
- Onward referral or coordination with your GP or other specialists when needed
I've undertaken additional training specifically in concussion management, including the Multimodal Management of Concussion course and the Complete Concussions certification, and a Clinical Support member with the Concussion and CTE Foundation.
Concussion treatment in Geelong
I treat concussion at BodyLab, Roslyn Road, Highton, close to Geelong's football, netball and rowing clubs along the Barwon River. Geelong has a strong community sporting culture, and I regularly see junior and senior athletes, as well as people recovering from car accidents and workplace injuries, from across Highton, Belmont, Newtown and the wider Geelong region.
Related reading
- Post-Concussion Syndrome & Persistent Symptoms
- Headaches After Concussion or Neck Injury
- Sports Concussion & Return to Play
- Whiplash Treatment
When to seek urgent care
Most concussions are managed safely in the community, but some symptoms need urgent medical attention. Seek emergency care if you or someone you're with experiences worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizures, increasing confusion, slurred speech, weakness, or loss of consciousness after a head injury.
Frequently asked questions
How long do concussion symptoms last?
Most people recover within one to four weeks. Some people experience symptoms for longer, which may be managed as post-concussion syndrome with a more structured approach.
Should I see an Osteopath or a Physiotherapist for concussion?
Both professions can provide concussion care. What matters most is seeing a practitioner with specific concussion training. I hold additional certifications in concussion management alongside my Osteopathy qualification and AHPRA registration.
What happens at the first appointment?
A detailed history, followed by an assessment of your neck, balance and vestibular system, and the start of a personalised, graded recovery plan.
Can I keep training or playing sport?
This depends on your symptoms and stage of recovery. I'll guide you through a graded return-to-activity and return-to-sport process rather than a blanket "rest until symptom-free" approach.