Concussion Rehabilitation
Dynamic Physiotherapy is a proud partner of the Complete Concussion Management Inc. (CCMI) Partnership Program.
From pre-season baseline testing to concussion treatment and rehabilitation, our CCMI-certified practitioners work with physicians, coaches, trainers, and families to co-manage recovery. We ensure a safe return to learning, work, and play.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a brain injury caused by rapid acceleration or deceleration of brain tissue, leading to nerve cell stretching and a biochemical imbalance. This results in reduced blood flow and temporary energy deficits in the brain.
Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, nausea, balance issues, neck pain, or loss of consciousness.
How Do We Treat a Concussion?
We use a comprehensive approach to concussion treatment, including:
Manual Therapy – Since 100% of concussions involve whiplash, we address strain in the head, neck, and shoulders to reduce lingering symptoms and promote recovery. Our clinic is trusted for concussion physiotherapy in Five Dock.
Exercise Therapy – Rest alone isn’t the answer. Gradual, controlled exercise improves blood flow, reduces symptoms, and supports mental well-being.
Vestibular & Visual Therapy – Helps restore balance, coordination, and vision affected by concussion.
Early and proper treatment is key to preventing post-concussion syndrome (PCS), where symptoms persist beyond 30 days.
Why Is Proper Concussion Recovery Important?
A concussion depletes about 20% of the brain’s energy (ATP). With proper recovery, brain energy levels return to normal within 2–4 weeks, with no lasting damage.
However, returning to sport too soon (within 7–10 days) and sustaining another concussion can further deplete ATP levels, leading to a longer, more difficult recovery. If brain energy drops below 60%, it can cause permanent cell damage and loss of function that cannot be regained.
The good news? If you fully recover before another concussion, the impact remains minimal (about a 20% drop), reducing the risk of long-term complications. It’s not about how many concussions you get—it’s about recovering properly each time!
How do I know I’m recovered from a concussion?
Although athletes may feel better symptomatically within 7-10 days, neurocognitive and functional testing will show they are not back to normal!
As CCMI-trained clinicians, we assess recovery through a battery of tests, including balance, reaction time, cognitive ability, memory, visual processing, and physical capacity.
Since concussion is a multifaceted injury that impacts multiple body functions, it’s important to note that online neurocognitive testing alone isn’t sufficient.
The challenge for clinicians is that we cannot truly determine if an athlete is fully recovered and safe to return to sport without a baseline of function.
For example, if we test your reaction time and your scores are low, does this mean you are in a dysfunctional state, or has your reaction time always been poor?
There is no point in running these tests to determine if you’re recovered if we don’t know your pre-injury function!
Baseline Testing
In clinic baseline testing takes approx 30min and needs to be completed yearly to remain valid.
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Step 1.
Prior to your in clinic baseline test, you will receive an email with a registration link. Once registered you will receive a code, bring this with you to your appointment.
Step 2.
In clinic we will ask you some questions regarding your medical history, concussion history and symptom score.
We will then perform some tests on orientation, immediate memory recall, auditory concentration and visual tracking and processing.
Step 3.
We will then perform 2 different balance tests, including the use of sensors and a computer system measuring your postural sway.
Step 4.
We then move on to the final stations being reaction time, strength and delayed memory recall.
Step 5.
Is completed outside of clinic. This is the DANA test. It is an additional neurocognitive test that you can complete on your mobile via the concussion tracker app.
For this, you will need 2 valid baseline tests on 2 separate days to have a complete baseline.
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Unfortunately, no! In order to have a valid baseline, testing must include the full battery of tests and be completed yearly to remain valid.
Without a baseline test, it is very difficult as clinicians to make a safe and accurate decision regarding safety to return to play.
Concussion Treatment and Assessment
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We will ask you some questions regarding mechanism, signs and symptoms and injury history.
Depending on the mechanism and whether you have a valid baseline, we may retest your baselines or perform some vestibular oculomotor motor testing.
We will also assess your neck for any possible involvement.
We will then treat your cervical spine if warranted and provide you with some exercises for home and some information regarding limiting work/study and exercise, and ensuring adequate sleep as well as nutrition.
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Depending on your progress, we may continue to treat your cervical spine and incrementally upgrade your return to work, study and exercise and training plan.
As you progress, you will be put through a gradual treadmill test. For athletes looking to return to sport, you will also then be put through a more intense physical exertion test and then a retest of your baseline (if valid) or a vestibular oculomotor motor screen.
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These tests need to be done and passed before you can upgrade your capacity and return to sport. If not completed, we cannot accurately determine if you are safe to return to sport.
From elite athletes to weekend warriors, from youth to seniors, we’re here to help you move freely, train harder, and perform better.
Book a session today and take the next step toward your goals!