Understanding Concussions: Your Complete Guide to Recognition and Recovery

Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury that requires careful attention and proper management.


At Active Health Co, we believe in providing comprehensive education about concussion safety while working alongside medical professionals to support recovery.

IMPORTANT NOTICE


If you suspect a concussion, seek immediate medical attention, especially if symptoms are severe or worsen.


This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace proper medical assessment and care.


Understanding Concussions in Sports and Daily Life

Common Causes

Sports-related concussions often occur in:


  • Contact sports (football, rugby, boxing)
  • High-impact sports (skiing, skateboarding)
  • Team sports (soccer, basketball)
  • Combat sports (martial arts)


Non-sports causes include:


  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Falls and accidents
  • Workplace incidents
  • Recreational activities


Recognising Concussion Symptoms

Immediate Signs


  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Memory loss about the incident
  • Balance problems
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting


Delayed Symptoms


  • Persistent headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Sensitivity to light and noise
  • Mood changes
  • Fatigue
  • Vision problems


When to Seek Emergency Care

Red Flags Requiring Immediate Medical Attention


  • Loss of consciousness
  • Severe or worsening headache
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Increasing confusion
  • Weakness or numbness
  • Slurred speech
  • Unusual behaviour changes


The Recovery Journey

Initial Phase


  • Concussion assessment and diagnosis
  • Rest and symptom monitoring
  • Following medical advice
  • Gradual return to activities
  • Sleep and stress management


Rehabilitation Phase


Once medically cleared, various healthcare professionals can support recovery:

Physiotherapy Support


  • Vestibular rehabilitation
  • Balance training
  • Neck muscle strengthening
  • Guided exercise progression
  • Movement pattern correction

Our Active Health Co. resident physiotherapist. Josh provides:

  • Concussion baseline testing
  • Concussion assessments for post head injury
  • Treatment and return to sport guidance and advice

Click with Josh and for concussion baseline testing.


Chiropractic Care


  • Cervical spine assessment
  • Gentle manual therapy when appropriate
  • Posture correction
  • Movement guidance
  • Physical rehabilitation support


Professional Care Approach

Integrated Recovery Support

Our healthcare team works in conjunction with your medical providers to:


  • Support prescribed treatment plans
  • Monitor progress
  • Address associated symptoms
  • Guide safe return to activities
  • Prevent future complications


Rehabilitation Strategies

  1. Vestibular Rehabilitation
  • Balance exercises
  • Gaze stabilisation
  • Motion sensitivity training
  • Spatial orientation exercises


2. Physical Recovery

  • Neck strengthening
  • Postural education
  • Graduated exercise programs
  • Activity modification guidance


3. Return to Activity Protocol

  • Staged progression
  • Activity monitoring
  • Symptom tracking
  • Performance assessment


Prevention Strategies

Sport-Specific Safety


  • Proper technique training
  • Appropriate protective equipment
  • Rule adherence
  • Recognition of risk situations


General Safety Measures


  • Workplace safety protocols
  • Home environment assessment
  • Fall prevention strategies
  • Activity awareness


Supporting Long-Term Recovery

Lifestyle Considerations


  • Sleep hygiene
  • Stress management
  • Nutrition support
  • Activity modification


Gradual Return to Activities


  • Work/school reintegration
  • Sport-specific protocols
  • Activity pacing
  • Monitoring symptoms


The Role of Healthcare Professionals

Collaborative Care Approach

Our team at Active Health Co:


  • Works with medical providers
  • Follows established protocols
  • Provides evidence-based care
  • Monitors recovery progress


Your Recovery Journey

Individual Care Plans

We develop personalised approaches considering:


  • Injury specifics
  • Symptoms present
  • Activity goals
  • Recovery timeline
  • Medical recommendations


Moving Forward

Recovery Support

At Active Health Co, we:


  • Follow medical guidance
  • Provide complementary care
  • Monitor progress
  • Adjust treatment as needed
  • Support safe return to activities


Taking Action

Remember:


  1. Seek immediate medical attention for suspected concussions
  2. Follow medical advice carefully
  3. Engage in appropriate rehabilitation when cleared
  4. Return to activities gradually
  5. Monitor symptoms throughout recovery


Ready to Support Your Recovery?


Our team can help support your journey back to health and activity.


Contact us to learn more about our collaborative approach to concussion recovery care.

Book an appointment now.

Your health and safety are our primary concerns.


Always follow medical advice first and foremost in concussion care.


5 Powerful Benefits of Chiropractic Care for a Pain-Free Life Blog
March 18, 2025
Find out more about how Chiropractic care is a natural, non-invasive approach that focuses on maintaining optimal health by ensuring proper alignment of the spine and musculoskeletal system.
Active Health Co. our chiropractic care addresses the root causes of migraines blog
March 11, 2025
At Active Health Co. our chiropractic care offers a unique approach that addresses the root causes of migraines. In this blog post, we’ll explore what causes migraines, the risk factors associated with them, and the scientific evidence supporting the benefits of chiropractic care for migraine sufferers.
Breaking the Cycle of Chronic Stress and Muscle Tension Blog By Active Health Co
February 28, 2025
Understanding how stress affects your body is the first step toward breaking the cycle of pain and finding lasting relief. Stress is an inevitable part of life, but when it becomes chronic, it can take a toll on both your mental and physical health. At Active Health Co., we often see how persistent stress manifests physically, particularly through muscle tension.
Show More