A concussion at work, from a fall, a knock from equipment or machinery, or a workplace vehicle incident, can be disorienting to manage on top of an already stressful situation. Getting the right assessment early makes a real difference to how smoothly your recovery, and your return to work, goes.
Why early assessment matters
Concussion symptoms such as headache, dizziness, poor concentration, fatigue and neck pain can affect your ability to work safely, particularly in roles involving driving, machinery, heights or heavy physical demands. Current guidelines recommend assessment by a physiotherapist experienced in concussion within the first one to two weeks after injury, so that any factors slowing your recovery can be identified early rather than months down the track.
What our assessment covers
- Neck movement, strength and pain
- Vestibular (inner ear) and eye movement function
- Balance and coordination
- Exercise and activity tolerance
- Any headache, sleep or concentration difficulties
From this, we build a treatment plan targeted to your specific symptoms, which may include neck treatment, vestibular rehabilitation, balance retraining or a graded activity program.
Planning your return to work
A structured, graded return-to-work plan is one of the most important parts of recovering from a work-related concussion. We help develop this plan and can liaise directly with your employer, GP and workplace rehabilitation provider to explain why a gradual return, rather than an all-or-nothing return, gives you the best chance of a full recovery.
Read more about return to work after concussion
Workers compensation and reporting
We understand work-related injuries often involve workers compensation claims, incident reports and communication with employers or insurers. Our team is experienced in supporting patients through this process alongside their physical rehabilitation.
If symptoms are ongoing
If it has been several weeks and your symptoms have not improved as expected, this does not mean something is permanently wrong, but it does mean a more detailed assessment is worthwhile. See our page on persistent concussion symptoms for what that involves.
Book an assessment
Call (08) 8363 0458 or contact us to book at Royston Park, Goodwood, Christies Beach and Allenby Gardens.
We also offer telehealth appointments.
Frequently asked questions
Is a work-related concussion covered by workers compensation?
In most cases, an injury sustained in the course of your employment is covered. Check with your employer or insurer for your specific circumstances. We can support your claim with reports and documentation where needed.
Do I need a referral from my GP or my employer’s insurer?
For a private appointment, no referral is required. If your treatment is being funded through a workers compensation claim, your case manager may need to authorise it first, and we are happy to help clarify this.
Can I keep working while I am being treated?
Often, yes, with modified duties as part of a graded return-to-work plan. Whether you continue working depends on your symptoms, your role and any restrictions we identify during assessment.
What if my employer does not have modified duties available?
We can communicate directly with your employer about your specific restrictions and likely timeframes, which helps them plan around your recovery even if standard modified duties are not available.
