Concussion Management
At Core, our Neurological Physiotherapists provide comprehensive concussion management, including free baseline brain health screenings.
Supporting Brain Health with Advanced Concussion Assessments
At Core Physio & Pilates, we offer concussion screening and rehabilitation services incorporating cutting-edge NeuroFlex® technology. Available at our Morphett Vale and Plympton locations, this service is designed to assess neurological function and provide tailored rehabilitation following a concussion.
Everyone is at risk of concussion. It can occur in a range of situations – from sporting activities and motor vehicle accidents to day-to-day incidents involving balance or coordination. Our team uses virtual reality tools to track head and eye movements, offering a detailed view of your brain function. These assessments may assist with understanding the impact of a concussion and guide a tailored recovery plan.
What to Expect During the Process
1. Free Pre-Screening
A non-invasive session used to assess your current cognitive and physical function. We recommend that everyone undertakes a pre-screening, as it provides personalised baseline data that can be referenced if a concussion is suspected in the future.
2. Post-Concussion Evaluation
An assessment following a suspected concussion, comparing your current state to the pre-screening results where available. This may assist in identifying any changes in brain function. Even without a pre-screening, assessments may still provide insights into whether a concussion has occurred.
3. Concussion Rehabilitation Program
A structured program designed to support your recovery and track changes in your cognitive and physical performance over time.
4. Return-to-Activity Assessment
Before resuming high-impact activity or sport, a final evaluation is conducted. This helps to determine whether performance has returned to the individual's baseline levels.
Why Consider Concussion Screening?
Concussion screening may be beneficial before an injury occurs. Establishing a baseline of healthy brain function provides valuable data for future reference. If a concussion occurs, these records allow more informed decisions about progression through rehabilitation. Our assessments may consider factors such as:
- Vestibular function (dizziness, vertigo)
- Balance and coordination
- Cervical movement (neck mobility and discomfort)
- Visual tracking and spatial awareness
- Headaches and sensitivity to movement
Why We Use NeuroFlex®
Fast, Data-Rich Feedback
NeuroFlex® provides immediate results, allowing a quicker understanding of any potential functional changes.
User-Friendly Technology
The system is designed for straightforward use by our team, allowing efficient integration into your assessments.functional changes.
Comprehensive Cognitive Insights
Our assessments consider a wide range of functions, including cognition, balance, eye tracking, and reaction time.
Progress Monitoring
NeuroFlex® allows ongoing tracking of your progress throughout the rehabilitation process. This supports informed decision-making at every stage of your program.
For Sports Clubs: Supporting Player Health and Performance
Prioritising Player Welfare
Regular screening demonstrates a strong commitment to player welfare. Early identification of changes in neurological function may assist with informed decision-making following potential injuries.
Enhancing Athletic Performance
Concussions may affect decision-making, coordination, and reaction time. Early identification and ongoing tracking may support recovery timelines and allow players to return to activity with greater confidence.
Strengthening Team Culture
When health and safety are emphasised, players and staff are more likely to build trust and mutual respect. Creating a positive and proactive environment can improve morale and encourage a stronger sense of unity.
Managing Risk and Costs
Undetected or mismanaged concussions can carry financial and operational costs. Implementing screening practices may reduce the likelihood of prolonged recovery times or other risks associated with delayed intervention.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
With increased awareness of concussion management in sport, forward-thinking clubs can lead by example. Screening positions your team at the forefront of best-practice athlete care, reflecting a modern and professional approach.
Available at Selected Core Physio Locations
Concussion Screening & Rehabilitation is currently available at:
FAQ's for Concussion
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a blow or jolt to the head or body. It can affect brain function temporarily, leading to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, balance problems, memory issues, and sensitivity to light or noise.
What are common concussion symptoms?
Common physical symptoms of concussion include: headaches, dizziness, impaired balance, blurred/double vision, neck pain and stiffness. Concussion can also present with cognitive symptoms such as difficult concentrating, feeling foggy or having memory problems. Concussion can also affect or emotional regulation and behaviour and present in ways such as; irritability, mood swings/changes or even increased anxiety.
How can physiotherapy help after a concussion?
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in concussion management and recovery. Trained physiotherapists can assess your balance, vestibular system, neck, and visual function, then create an individualised rehab program to restore normal function, reduce dizziness, and safely guide your return to work, school, or sport.
How long does recovery from a concussion take?
Most people recover within 2–4 weeks. However, some experience ongoing issues known as post-concussion syndrome. Early assessment and targeted physiotherapy can speed up recovery and reduce long-term complications.
What is vestibular rehabilitation for concussion?
VRT is a specific form of Physiotherapy that uses targeted exercises to improve balance, reduce dizziness, and strengthen the connection between the brain and inner ear. Treatment may involve gaze stabilisation, retraining the normal positional reflexes and balance training. Different conditions will require a different approach so seeking an assessment with a Vestibular Physiotherapist is the start to recovery.
Can physiotherapy help with post-concussion syndrome?
Yes. Physiotherapists provide treatment for persistent dizziness, headaches, visual problems, and neck pain associated with post-concussion syndrome. Therapy is tailored to your specific symptoms and recovery stage.
Is it safe to exercise after a concussion?
Yes, but only under guidance. Research shows that graded, symptom-limited exercise under physiotherapy supervision is safe and often accelerates recovery. Returning to sport to exercise and sport too early and aggressively without proper supervision can increase the risk of re-injury to the brain and prolong recovery. Seeing a Concussion trained Physiotherapist for supervision is key to a successful return to sport.
Do I need imaging (MRI or CT) before seeing a physiotherapist?
Most concussions don’t show up on scans. If your GP rules out serious injury, a physiotherapist can safely begin rehabilitation. Your physio will work closely with your Doctor or Neurologist if further investigation is needed.
Do I need a Doctor’s referral for concussion physiotherapy?
In most cases, you don’t need a referral. However, if you are accessing Physiotherapy through Medicare, NDIS, DVA, or WorkCover, a GP referral may be required.
What should I expect at my first concussion physiotherapy appointment?
Your physiotherapist will take a full history of your injury and symptoms, perform physical and vestibular assessments, and design a personalised rehab plan. This may include balance training, vision exercises, manual therapy for the neck, and return-to-play / exercise / work protocols.
What happens in a concussion assessment?
We’ll test your balance, eye movements, memory, coordination, and neck function. we will undertake some exercise tolerance assessments and get you to fill in some questionnaires. From there, we’ll create a tailored treatment plan to guide your recovery and return to exercise or sport.
Is baseline concussion testing available?
Yes. Baseline testing helps track your brain and balance function before injury, so recovery is easier to measure if you do sustain a concussion. Clubs and individuals can book in for testing.
Who should get baseline concussion screening?
Athletes in contact sports like football, soccer, rugby, or netball benefit the most. It’s also useful for anyone at higher risk of head injuries or falls and that includes workers in risky industries or older people whose balance is compromised.
How often should baseline testing be done?
We recommend testing once a year, especially for juniors whose brains and bodies are still developing. Clubs often schedule group screenings before each season.
How long does a baseline test take?
A standard test usually takes 20–30 minutes. Results are stored securely so we can compare them if you ever sustain a concussion.
Do I need a referral for baseline screening?
No referral is needed. You can book directly with us as an individual or organise testing for your whole club.