concussion management
Flexout Health is proud to offer the Complete Concussions Program at our clinic. As a certified Complete Concussions location we provide a full evidence-based concussion management program including everything from pre-season baseline testing to concussion treatment and rehabilitation, helping our patients and athletes safely return to learn, work and play.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a brain injury caused by acceleration or deceleration of the brain
following a significant impact to the head or elsewhere on the body. The impact
causes dysfunction within brain cells and decreased blood flow, resulting in
temporary deficits in brain function.
Symptoms may include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Headache
- Pressure in the head
- Neck pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cognitive problems
- Dizziness
- Balance problems
To further understand what a concussion is, watch this video for a deeper explanation from Dr. Cameron Marshall (@Concussion_Doc)!
Concussion treatment
Following a concussion injury, it is recommended that you seek the care of a healthcare professional with training and experience in concussion as soon as possible. In fact, recent studies have concluded that one of the best predictors of
concussion recovery was how fast you were assessed at a concussion clinic.
The earlier you seek quality concussion care, the better your recovery will be.
Generally, a period of relative “symptom-limited” physical and cognitive rest is recommended for the first 24-48 hours after injury. After this rest period, a gradual increase in mental and physical activity is recommended. For optimal recovery, this process should be directed and supervised by a licensed healthcare practitioner trained in concussion management.
If symptoms of a concussion are still present after 7 to 10 days, an individualised treatment and rehabilitation program should be initiated.
The scientific evidence indicates that concussion is best treated with with early
application of specific cardio exercise programs, rehabilitation for the visual and
vestibular systems, treatment aimed at the neck and associated whiplash, dietary
and supplement recommendations, as well as patient education.
As part of our Complete Concussions program, we offer a full-suite of evidence-
based concussion treatment services & strategies including:
- Balance rehabilitaiton
- Nutritional interventions
- Vision rehabilitation
- Cognitive testing
- Integrated manual therapy
- Exercise rehabilitation
- Return to school, work and sport
- Pre-season testing
- Educational resources
Concussion Tracker Smartphone App
The Concussion Tracker smartphone app supports safer return-to-sport decisions
for young athletes and helps with your concussion care overall. The app captures
and shares an athletes’ concussion status in real time and allows concussed patients
to interact with their care provider and provide regular symptom updates and
clinical check-ins.
FAQs
If you sustain a concussion, we can use your pre-injury baseline testing results to see not only where the deficits are, but how much deficit exists. This can help us both with our treatment strategy and with developing a better understanding of when you’re brain has recovered and you are safe to return to your sport.
It’s important to remember that not all baseline testing is created equal. The Complete Concussions protocol is unique in that it combines the best evidence-based tools available so that you are getting the most complete brain map available.
Yes! Our baseline concussion testing involves tests of your balance, your reaction time, your memory,
your visual tracking speed, and a whole bunch of other brain functions. This gives us
a map of how your brain functions when you are healthy.
- Determine if the athlete requires immediate medical attention from an emergency department. This should be sought if any of the following occur:
- Head injury involved high speeds or heights greater than a metre
- Loss of consciousness
- Increasing confusion, agitation or irritability
- Seizure or convulsion
- More than one episode of vomiting after the head trauma
- Double vision or weakness or tingling/burning in arms or legs.
For more information – click here
- Book an appointment with a Flexout Health CCM certified practitioner either online or by phoning 1300 208 825. Ensure you select ‘Concussion Physiotherapy’ as your appointment type.
- Await email confirmation of your appointment and instructions on how to download the ‘Concussion Tracker’ App which will be utilised throughout your assessment and recovery journey.
- Attend your initial appointment either face-to-face or via Telehealth. You can expect to attend for a follow-up appointment within the first 24-48 hours of the first appointment. From here your journey to recovery and return to sport begins!
A part of your rehabilitation you will be prescribed a graded exercise program and a progressive return to training. When you are nearing the point of returning to higher level training, your physiotherapist will run some screening and testing to ensure you are ready. Ideally at this point, it is recommended to get a clearance from a doctor. Legally some sports organisations require an official clearance letter. At Flexout Health we run various screenings and tests to make educated decisions around readiness to return to sport. We provide this information to your GP to assist them in making an informed decision about giving you a clearance to return to sport.
As concussion symptoms can be complex and require a detailed assessment, your initial assessment will usually run over a 60-minute appointment. This will enable us to complete a comprehensive assessment of your presenting symptoms and ensure your rehabilitation is thorough and complete. Initially your physiotherapist will ask you a range of questions to gather information about your presenting symptoms and your history. This will help rule out any sinister pathology and determine any need for imaging or an escalation of care. There will also be a number of physical assessments that assist in the concussion diagnosis. Your rehabilitation will begin from the first appointment and will include the prescription of symptom limited activities, as well as manual therapies, as required.
The total number of appointments required will vary depending on the complexity of your presentation (often 3-5 visits are required).
Available at these clinics:
