What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by a blow to the head, neck or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. Concussions can occur during sport, road traffic collisions, falls, workplace accidents or other impacts.
Although most people recover within a few weeks, concussion can temporarily affect how the brain functions, leading to a wide range of physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms. In some cases, symptoms persist for longer than expected and require specialist rehabilitation.
Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, balance problems, neck pain, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, fatigue, sensitivity to light and noise, poor sleep and reduced tolerance to physical or mental activity.
Early assessment and appropriate rehabilitation can help optimise recovery and reduce the risk of persistent symptoms.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Modern concussion management involves much more than simply resting. Following an initial period of relative rest (typically 24–48 hours), evidence supports a gradual return to activity with rehabilitation tailored to the individual's symptoms.
At Greenacre Physio, your assessment may include:
- Comprehensive concussion assessment
- Vestibular (balance) assessment
- Eye movement and visual function assessment
- Cervical spine (neck) assessment
- Exercise tolerance testing
- Balance and coordination assessment
- Functional and neurological screening
Treatment may include:
- Vestibular rehabilitation
- Cervical spine rehabilitation
- Vision and eye movement exercises
- Balance retraining
- Graded aerobic exercise programmes
- Headache management strategies
- Symptom management education
- Return to work and education planning
- Return to driving advice
- Graduated return to sport where appropriate
- Personalised rehabilitation programmes
Every rehabilitation programme is tailored to your individual symptoms, lifestyle and recovery goals.
Why Choose Greenacre Physio?
Concussion management is one of Greenacre Physio's specialist services. Our clinicians have extensive experience working within specialist NHS concussion services, neurological rehabilitation and elite sport.
Our Clinical Director has worked within the National Sports Concussion Service at Cambridge University Hospitals, supporting individuals with both sports-related and non-sports-related concussion. We also have extensive experience working with athletes through UK Athletics, Team GB American Football, and other high-performance environments, while recognising that concussion affects people from all walks of life—not just athletes.
Whether your concussion occurred during sport, at work, in a road traffic collision or following a fall, we provide comprehensive, evidence-based assessment and rehabilitation tailored to your needs.
Appointments are available at our Essex and Cambridge clinics, as well as through virtual consultations where appropriate.
What to Expect
Your first appointment will involve a detailed discussion about your injury, current symptoms, medical history and personal goals. We will perform a comprehensive assessment of your balance, vestibular system, eye movements, neck, exercise tolerance and neurological function.
Following your assessment, we will explain your findings, identify the factors contributing to your symptoms and develop a personalised rehabilitation programme. As your recovery progresses, your treatment will be adapted to support a safe return to work, education, driving, exercise and everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to recover from a concussion?
Most adults recover within 2–4 weeks, although recovery varies from person to person. Some people experience symptoms for longer and benefit from specialist concussion rehabilitation.
Should I completely rest after a concussion?
Current guidelines recommend 24–48 hours of relative rest, followed by a gradual return to normal daily activities and carefully monitored exercise. Prolonged complete rest is no longer recommended for most people and may delay recovery.
Can physiotherapy help if I've had symptoms for several months?
Yes. Persistent symptoms following concussion often respond well to targeted rehabilitation. Treatment may focus on the vestibular system, neck, vision, exercise tolerance or other factors contributing to your ongoing symptoms.
When can I drive or return to work?
This depends on your symptoms and the demands of your job or driving. We can assess your progress and provide advice on returning safely and gradually.
Do I need brain imaging?
Most concussions do not require a CT or MRI scan. Imaging is generally only recommended if there are signs of a more serious brain injury. During your assessment, we will identify any red flags that require urgent medical attention.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can self-refer directly to Greenacre Physio. We also accept referrals from GPs, neurologists, sports physicians, consultants, insurers and other healthcare professionals.
Book an Appointment
If you have sustained a concussion or are experiencing ongoing symptoms following a head injury, we're here to help. Book an appointment at one of our Essex or Cambridge clinics or arrange a virtual consultation with one of our experienced concussion physiotherapists.
Early assessment and appropriate rehabilitation can make a significant difference to your recovery and help you return safely to work, education, sport and everyday activities.
Common Concussion Symptoms We Treat
- Headaches
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Balance problems
- Neck pain
- Blurred or double vision
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Sleep disturbances
- Exercise intolerance
- Persistent post-concussion symptoms
- Difficulties returning to work, education, driving or sport
Why Choose Greenacre Physio for Concussion Rehabilitation?
Concussion is one of our specialist areas. At Greenacre Physio, we combine expertise from specialist NHS concussion services with extensive experience in neurological rehabilitation and elite sport to provide comprehensive, evidence-based concussion care.
Our Clinical Director has worked within the National Sports Concussion Service at Cambridge University Hospitals, alongside roles with UK Athletics and Team GB American Football, giving us a unique understanding of concussion across both sporting and everyday settings. We assess every aspect of your recovery—from dizziness and balance to neck pain, vision and exercise tolerance—to identify the factors delaying your recovery and create a personalised rehabilitation programme.
Our goal is simple: to help you recover fully, reduce the risk of persistent symptoms and support a safe, confident return to the activities that matter most, whether that's work, education, family life or sport.