Physiotherapists are playing an increasingly important role in the education, detection and management of concussion, as well as developing policy and practice guidelines.

“I think awareness is growing but I think more could be done to raise the profile of physiotherapists, particularly those who treat head and neck injuries routinely,” explains FIFA Injury Spotter and APA Physiotherapist, Kerry Peek.

“It is important that GPs and emergency doctors (in ED) who might be the first to see an athlete with concussion, are supported and aware of the referral network in their area so athletes receive the most appropriate care which might include physiotherapy and neuropsychology.”

Ms Peek said physiotherapists who worked with sports teams were often there on the sideline during matches so they might be the first to recognise a potential concussion and provide first line care.

“Physiotherapists can also help treat many of the symptoms of concussion including neck pain, vestibular symptoms as well as ocular-motor symptoms,” she said.

“Physiotherapists can also help athletes with their return to learn/earn and return to play protocols. Education might include working with sports teams or schools to raise awareness of concussion.”

Awareness of the serious potential impacts of concussion – a brain injury caused by a blow to the head - is growing.

“The impact of concussion may be short lived with symptoms lasting only a few minutes, hours or days or they may be prolonged and last for many months,” Ms Peek said.

“Concussion is diagnosed based on a range of clinical signs and symptoms. Signs are the things we might observe in the athlete like loss of balance, vomiting, loss of consciousness, being unable to recall the day or where they are. Whereas symptoms are the things that an athlete might report like a headache, drowsiness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and noise or just not feeling quite right. Any signs or symptoms that remain for any period of time is a concern.”

Ms Peek said there was evidence to suggest that early reporting and management of concussion can lead to a quicker recovery time.

“It has been reported that some athletes report three or more ongoing symptoms of concussion 12 months after their injury, so it is really important that we have a support system in place to detect concussion early and facilitate timely and appropriate management.

“As a worst case scenario leaving an athlete to play on after a concussion could leave them vulnerable to sustaining a second concussion (called second impact syndrome) which can lead to brain swelling that the athlete may not be able to recover from.

“Although this is rare, it is important that we treat concussion injuries seriously and that players are not returned to sport until they are recovered.”

Ms Peek said the benefit of increased media attention on concussion was that awareness continued to grow. 

“It is possible that the general increase in concussion incidence over the last few years is due to increased reporting and detection of concussion which is a good thing as it means that athletes are recognising when they are not ok and seeking help.

“However, this should also prompt us (as a society) to look at ways that we can reduce injury risk. We still have a lot more education and advocacy to do in this space particularly in community sport.”

Ms Peek said it was important to also remember non-sporting related concussion, such as falls or domestic violence.

“We only have one brain so it is important that we look after it.”