Concussion Physiotherapy

Concussion Physiotherapy in Adelaide

If you are searching for concussion physiotherapy in Adelaide, it is worth knowing that not all physiotherapy is the same. Concussion affects the neck, the inner ear (vestibular system), eye movements, balance and exercise tolerance, so effective treatment needs a physiotherapist trained specifically in these areas, not general musculoskeletal physiotherapy.

What makes a physiotherapist right for concussion

Current best-practice guidelines recommend that anyone with a suspected concussion be assessed by a physiotherapist experienced in vestibular and concussion rehabilitation. At Advanced Neuro Rehab, our physiotherapists have specific training in neurological physiotherapy, and implement an individualised, multimodal concussion assessment protocol used across all three of our clinics.

All of our assessment and management is based on the latest International Consensus Guidelines of Concussion Management, including the SCOAT6.

Who leads our concussion care

Our concussion care is led by Associate Professor James McLoughlin, PhD. James is an Associate Professor (academic status) at Flinders University, where he created and teaches the neurological physiotherapy master’s stream. His research includes concussion rehabilitation, and in 2026 he co-wrote an editorial in the British Journal of Sports Medicine with Jon Patricios, first author of the international consensus statement on concussion in sport. The Australian Physiotherapy Association quoted James in its 2023 national media release on concussion.

Our Clinical Lead, Liz Jemson-Ledger, is an APA Titled Neurological Physiotherapist. Her master’s research at Flinders University investigated the effects of exertion on neck function following concussion, and she teaches concussion management courses to physiotherapists across Australia. Our work with sporting clubs is on the sports concussion page.

What to expect from concussion physiotherapy at ANR

Your first appointment will usually involve:

• A detailed history of how the injury happened and how your symptoms have progressed
• Assessment of your neck, including movement, strength and pain
• Vestibular and eye movement testing
• Balance and coordination assessment
• Exercise tolerance testing, where appropriate
• Screening for other contributing factors, such as sleep, mood or headache patterns

From there, we build a treatment plan specific to what we find. This could include hands-on neck treatment, vestibular rehabilitation exercises, balance retraining, or a graded return-to-activity program. We monitor your symptoms closely as you progress, adjusting the plan as you improve.

Concussion services

Each part of concussion care has its own page explaining what it involves and how we can help.

• Sports concussion treatment
• Work-related concussion
• Persistent concussion symptoms
• Return to work after concussion
• Return to sport after concussion
• Return to learn after concussion
• Head injury rehabilitation
• Concussion baseline screening

Adelaide-wide access

We see concussion patients across Adelaide from our three clinics in Royston Park, Goodwood and Christies Beach. Addresses, parking and accessibility for each are on the clinic pages.

We also offer telehealth appointments and home visits for patients who need extra support attending in person, and we treat both adults and children.

Who we see

We manage concussion physiotherapy for sports concussion, work-related concussion, and everyday injuries such as falls and car accidents. If your symptoms have gone on longer than expected, our persistent concussion symptoms page explains what that means and how we can help.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a GP referral for concussion physiotherapy?

No referral is needed for a standard private appointment. A referral may be required if you are claiming through Medicare, DVA or workers compensation.

How soon after a head knock should I book an appointment?

Ideally within one to two weeks. Earlier assessment can help with guidance on ‘active’ rest and gradual return to activity.

What is the difference between concussion physiotherapy and general physiotherapy?

Concussion physiotherapy requires specific training in vestibular, cervical and oculomotor assessment, which general musculoskeletal physiotherapy may not typically cover. Our physiotherapists have undergone extensive, additional training in this area.

Which clinic should I book at?

All three of our clinics, Royston Park, Goodwood and Christies Beach, offer concussion physiotherapy, so choose whichever is most convenient for you.