Concussion

Concussion and Osteopathy Treatment

Concussion affects millions of people worldwide every year. These injuries can affect anyone — not just elite athletes, but also children and adults in everyday life.

A concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can often be difficult to detect and may require a multi‑layered approach to treatment and recovery. Symptoms can appear immediately after injury, or they may be delayed for days or even weeks.

Concussion can disrupt many aspects of life, including school or work performance, decision‑making, social interaction, memory, and emotional wellbeing. Recovery can feel frustrating, especially when symptoms persist longer than expected. Osteopathic treatment can support healing and help you safely return to the activities you love.

What to do immediately after

Concussion (mTBA) is a head injury that temporarily affects brain function. It isn’t always caused by a direct impact to the head — it can also result from an impact to the face, neck, or body that transmits an impulse force to the head.

Only around 10% of concussions involve loss of consciousness.

Common concussion symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Neck pain
• Dizziness or nausea
• Anxiety or depression
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision or fogginess
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering
• Balance problems
• Mood changes
• Sleep disturbances
• Sensitivity to light or noise

Sport‑Related Concussion

Whether you play rugby, basketball, football, or another sport, concussion is a common risk. Parents, coaches, teammates, and sports organisations all play an important role in recognising signs and symptoms early.

RECOGNISE – REMOVE – REFER – RECOVER – RETURN
(New Zealand Football Concussion & Head Injury Guidelines)

Recognise: Act immediately when a possible concussion occurs. Early identification is critical.
Remove: If concussion is suspected, the player must be removed from play immediately and must not return the same day.
Refer: Players must be assessed by a qualified medical professional to confirm or rule out concussion and to check for other possible injuries.
Rest: Relative rest for 24–48 hours (including reducing screen use). Evidence supports light aerobic activity that does not worsen symptoms.
Return: A return to school or work must occur before return to sport. Players must complete at least 21 days away from full competition.

The Role of Osteopathy in Concussion Recovery

Osteopathy provides a gentle, hands‑on approach to supporting the body during concussion recovery. Techniques focusing on the head, neck, and nervous system can promote circulation and assist the body’s natural healing processes.

Common Osteopathic Approaches;
– relieve tension in the upper back, neck and base of the skull
– gentle mobilising techniques to support nervous system regulation and reduce headaches and other symptoms
– use subtle manual techniques to address lingering structural effects of head trauma and assist with ongoing symptoms.

Our approach is gentle and can be safely booked early in recovery.
Our osteopaths are here to support your healing journey and help you recover safely and confidently.