Concussion is one of the most common injuries in contact and collision sport, and getting it right, both the initial management and the return-to-play process, matters for an athlete’s short and long-term health.
Trusted by South Australia’s elite sporting clubs
Advanced Neuro Rehab provides concussion support to the medical teams at various SANFL, AFL and Cricket teams across Australia. The same evidence-based assessment and rehabilitation protocols we use with elite athletes are available to every junior, amateur and weekend sportsperson who comes through our clinics.
Baseline testing
Where possible, we recommend baseline testing before the season starts. This gives us an individual comparison point for balance, eye movements, neck function and cognitive-linked measures, so that if a concussion does happen, we can more accurately track recovery. We offer:
- Comprehensive Baseline Concussion Testing, a detailed one-hour assessment across all key domains
- Quick Baseline Screening using NeuroFlex, fast, objective vestibular and ocular data, well suited to testing whole squads or teams
Read more about concussion baseline screening
Assessment after a head knock
If an athlete has had a suspected concussion, we recommend assessment by a physiotherapist experienced in concussion, ideally within the first one to two weeks. Our assessment looks at:
- Neck movement, strength and pain (including whiplash-type injury)
- Vestibular and eye movement function
- Balance and coordination
- Reaction time and spatial awareness
- Exercise tolerance
Graded return to sport
Once symptoms are settling, we build a graded return-to-sport program, working through each stage step by step and monitoring for any return of symptoms along the way. We liaise directly with coaches, sports physiotherapists, trainers and the athlete’s GP so the whole team is aligned on timing and any restrictions.
All of our assessment and management is based on the latest International Consensus Guidelines of Concussion Management, including the SCOAT6.
Read more about return to sport after concussion
Education for clubs and schools
We also run information sessions and workshops for schools and sporting clubs on concussion recognition and management, and provide professional development for other health professionals and trainers.
Book a sports concussion assessment
Call (08) 8363 0458 or contact us to book at Royston Park, Goodwood, Christies Beach and Allenby Gardens.
Whether it is a first head knock or a history of previous concussions, our team can help.
Frequently asked questions
Can an athlete return to play on the same day as a suspected concussion?
No. Current guidelines require immediate removal from play for any suspected concussion, with no same-day return, regardless of how quickly symptoms seem to settle.
What is baseline testing and does my child need it?
Baseline testing measures balance, eye movement, neck function and other markers before an injury occurs, giving us an individual comparison point if a concussion does happen. It is especially useful for athletes in contact or collision sports, but is not essential to receive treatment.
How long before an athlete can return to full training after a concussion?
It is individual, but the graded return-to-sport process generally takes a minimum of one to two weeks once symptoms have settled, often longer. We monitor progress at each stage rather than working to a fixed timeframe.
Do you assess junior and school-level athletes, or only elite players?
We see athletes at every level, from juniors and school sport through to the elite clubs we support. The same evidence-based assessment process applies regardless of level.
