Concussion physiotherapy at GRIT
Concussion Care That Gets Young Athletes Back Safely.
A head knock can leave parents unsure what to do next. We help families understand the symptoms, manage school and exercise, and progress back to sport with a clear plan.
When parents are not sure what to do
After A Head Knock, The Next Steps Matter.
Not every concussion looks dramatic. Your child does not need to be knocked out to have a concussion. Headache, dizziness, nausea, fogginess, light sensitivity, fatigue, mood changes or just “not feeling right” can all matter.
If In Doubt, Sit Them Out
If concussion is suspected, the player should be removed from play and should not return on the same day.
Symptoms Can Evolve
Some symptoms show up later that day or the next morning. Monitoring over the first 24 to 48 hours is important.
Recovery Needs A Plan
School, screens, sleep, exercise and sport all need to be progressed in the right order.
Red flags and early decisions
When To Seek Urgent Medical Help.
Most concussions do not need emergency imaging, but some signs should not be watched at home. If these are present, seek urgent medical care.
Red Flags
- Worsening headache
- Repeated vomiting
- Increasing confusion, agitation or drowsiness
- Seizure, fainting or loss of consciousness
- Weakness, numbness or poor coordination
- Neck pain after a significant collision
What Helps In The First 24 To 48 Hours
- Relative rest, not complete bed rest for days
- Short, quiet activity if symptoms stay mild
- Regular meals, hydration and good sleep routine
- Reduced school load if symptoms flare
- Avoid alcohol, driving risk and contact sport
- Arrange review if symptoms persist or recovery feels unclear
What we assess at GRIT
Concussion Assessment Is More Than Asking About A Headache.
A good concussion assessment looks at the systems that may be driving symptoms and the demands the athlete needs to return to.
Symptoms
What is improving, what flares and what needs medical review.
Balance
Static and dynamic control, confidence and sport-like stability.
Vestibular System
Dizziness, motion sensitivity, visual strain and busy environment tolerance.
Neck
Neck contribution to headache, dizziness, pain or restricted movement.
Exercise Tolerance
How symptoms respond when heart rate and physical load increase.
School Load
How reading, screens, noise, concentration and full days are tolerated.
Running
Progression from walking and bike work to jogging, running and change of direction.
Sport Readiness
Football drills, contact risk, confidence and match-day demands.
The GRIT difference
We Treat The Athlete, Not Just The Diagnosis.
Two athletes can have the same label of concussion and need very different plans. One may struggle with school and screens. Another may have dizziness, neck pain or symptoms that flare with running. We work out what is actually limiting recovery.
Return to school and sport
A Clear Pathway Back To Learning, Exercise And AFL.
The safest pathway is staged. School and daily function come before full training and match play. If symptoms return, the athlete should stop, recover and step back to the previous successful stage.
Remove From Play
No same-day return if concussion is suspected.
Medical Review
Check red flags and confirm the management plan.
Return To Learn
Build school load, screens and concentration gradually.
Graded Exercise
Progress walking, bike, jogging and running if symptoms stay controlled.
Return To AFL
Non-contact training, contact training, then match play with appropriate clearance.
For junior AFL families and clubs
Practical Support For Parents, Coaches And Local Clubs.
Community sport needs information that is easy to use. We help clubs and families understand what needs to happen on the day, what to monitor at home, when school can resume and how return to play should be progressed.
Free parent and coach resource
Download The Junior AFL Concussion Guide.
A practical guide for parents and coaches covering symptoms, early management, return to school, graded exercise and AFL return to play.
Common questions
Questions Parents Often Ask Us.
Does every concussion involve being knocked out?
No. Many concussions happen without loss of consciousness. If there are symptoms after a head knock or the player does not seem right, they should be removed from play and assessed.
Does my child need a scan?
Most concussions do not show on standard scans. Scans are used when there are concerns about more serious injury. Red flags such as worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizure, weakness or increasing confusion need urgent medical review.
When can they go back to school?
Many athletes can start a gradual return to learning once symptoms are settling. This may begin with shorter days, reduced screen load, rest breaks and temporary changes to homework or assessments.
When can they return to AFL?
Return to play should be staged and should follow current AFL guidance. In community football, players need appropriate time, symptom resolution, staged exercise progression and medical clearance before returning to contact and match play.
Need Help Managing A Concussion?
Book an appointment with GRIT Physio for a structured concussion assessment and a clear plan for school, exercise and sport.