Concussions are more than “just a knock to the head”. They are a mild form of traumatic brain injury caused by rapid acceleration and deceleration of the brain inside the skull. This movement creates an energy deficiency in the brain, meaning the brain’s normal processes are disrupted, even though scans often appear normal.
According to research, the brain takes 21-28 to fully recover its energy levels. Often athletes are left wondering: What do I do for those 21-28 days? That is where your concussion physiotherapist and health professionals come in…
The New Approach: Relative Rest, Not Total Rest
Immediately after a concussion, and after you have been cleared by a health professional for any red flags, it is important to take 24–48 hours of ‘relative’ rest. This means reducing physical and cognitive load (for example, less screen time, less reading or work, fewer bright lights and noise). However, complete rest for longer than a couple of days can actually slow your recovery. The brain heals through blood flow, oxygen delivery and gentle stimulation, all of which are reduced with prolonged inactivity.
Why Early Rehabilitation Helps
Physiotherapy led concussion rehab focuses on gradual reactivation of your body and brain. Research shows that starting light, sub-symptom aerobic activity within the first week can cut recovery times by nearly half.
Early intervention supports:
● Improved blood flow and brain energy recovery
● Regulation of the nervous system (autonomic balance)
● Reduced vestibular symptoms (dizziness, eye and inner ear symptoms)
● Reduced risk of persistent symptoms such as headaches, neck pain and fatigue
What Physiotherapy Involves
Rehabilitation after concussion is individualised but often includes:
● Aerobic exercise: gentle walking or stationary cycling, tailored to your heart rate and symptoms.
● Cervical spine care: addressing neck stiffness, pain or whiplash, which are present in nearly all concussion cases.
● Vestibular and visual retraining: helping with balance, coordination and eye tracking.
● Autonomic regulation training: using breathing and graded exercise to restore healthy heart rate variability.
● Education and pacing: learning how to balance activity with rest for optimal healing.
● Return to sport testing: to ensure you are safe and strong when returning to your sport
Why It’s So Important to Act Early
People who see a trained clinician within 7-10 days of injury recover, on average, 20 days faster than those who delay treatment. Around 30-40% of concussions develop persistent symptoms when left unmanaged, but this drops to under 5% when early rehab is started.
Returning to play or work too soon can worsen inflammation, increase vulnerability, and lead to a secondary concussion, called “second impact”, which can cause severe complications.
The brain is resilient, but it needs the right conditions to heal. Early, guided and active rehabilitation through a physiotherapist can make the difference between a short recovery and months of ongoing symptoms.
If you or someone you know experiences a concussion, don’t wait it out. Get assessed within a week and take those first steps toward safe and effective recovery.
Our Physio team are trained in concussion management and will help you… phone 07 5500 6470 or book online www.mygcphysio.com.au
