Concussion & head injury
Concussion is a brain injury that deserves careful management, whatever your age or level of sport.
Concussion can happen in sport, in a fall or in a car accident. Symptoms are not always obvious straight away and can affect sleep, concentration, mood and balance. Our senior physiotherapist Jason Oliveira specialises in head injury and concussion management and guides you through a safe, step-by-step return to daily life, work and sport.
You might notice
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Feeling tired, low or irritable
Common causes
- Collisions in contact sport such as rugby and football
- Falls, including on ice or stairs
- Car or bike accidents
- A blow to the head or a whiplash-type jolt
How we work on concussion & head injury.
- 01
Specialist assessment
Symptoms, balance, eye movement and neck checked by a clinician who specialises in head injury.
- 02
Settle symptoms
A short period of relative rest, then gentle activity that does not make symptoms worse.
- 03
Graded return
Step-by-step increases in activity, with balance, neck and vision work where needed.
- 04
Back to work, study and sport
Only once you are symptom free and have passed each stage.
- A specialist concussion assessment
- Balance, eye movement and neck assessment
- A graded return-to-activity plan
- Guidance for return to work, study and sport
- Liaison with your GP or specialist when needed
Most people recover from concussion within a few weeks. Some symptoms can last longer, and a structured plan helps you return to activity safely.
Elite-level care, on your case.
The people who have looked after Premier League footballers and Premiership rugby players will look after you. Same standards, same attention to detail, whatever brings you in.
Your first appointment.
01
We listen
Your first appointment lasts an hour with a senior physiotherapist. We start by understanding your symptoms, your history, your work and what you want to get back to.
02
We find the cause
A thorough hands-on assessment of how you move, so we treat the cause and not just where it hurts.
03
You leave with a plan
You will understand what is wrong, how long it should take, and exactly what to do next, including treatment and exercises to start straight away.
Good questions.
When should I go to A&E?
Go to A&E or call 999 if there is loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, a worsening headache, confusion, seizures, weakness or drowsiness after a head injury.
When can I go back to sport?
Only once you are symptom free and have completed a graded return-to-sport plan. We will guide you through each stage.
