Return to life with concussion rehabilitation at Foundation Clinic
If you have experienced a concussion, timely assessment and rehabilitation can make all the difference in your recovery. Our trained physiotherapists help you return to your regular lifestyle with a personalised rehabilitation programme. Book an appointment for concussion rehabilitation in Taupo, Tauranga, or Hamilton.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body elsewhere, which causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth within the skull. The force can temporarily affect how your brain functions.
Depending on the concussion, you may also experience damage to your neck, jaw, or inner ear. These can contribute to overlapping symptoms and complicate the clinical picture. Our concussion specialists can help identify the cause of your symptoms and guide your rehabilitation.
Concussion symptoms
People can experience a range of concussion symptoms. Some may appear immediately, while others may take hours or even days to surface. You may not notice your symptoms until returning to everyday activities, such as school, work, or sports. Typical signs and symptoms include:
gg
hh
These ‘post-concussive’ symptoms can be a normal part of the rehabilitation process and are not usually signs of permanent brain injury. However, timely access to an assessment and rehabilitation can make a significant difference.
Foundation Clinic’s concussion rehabilitation
Our physiotherapists have years of experience in managing the symptoms of concussion. Our concussion rehabilitation can include:
Symptom assessment
Addressing neck issues
Balance retraining
Vestibular rehabilitation
Guided gradual return to exercise
Guided gradual return to work/school
Education around recovery timeframes and expectations
We work closely with your GP and advise on appropriate services, such as ‘Concussion Services’, which is funded by ACC.
When should I go to the hospital?
Call your doctor or go to a hospital emergency department if you suddenly experience any of the following:
Headaches that worsen
Seizures
Difficulty with your vision
Can’t recognise people or places
Increasing neck pain
Difficulty walking
Unusual behaviour change
Repeated vomiting
One pupil is larger than the other
Loss of consciousness
Increasingly agitated
Weakness or numbness in the arms and legs
Slurred speech
Book an appointment with our concussion rehab team
At Foundation Clinic, our caring team provides evidence-based concussion treatment tailored to your health and well-being needs. Whether your condition is mild or more complex, our integrated health team is here to help you recover safely and return to a full life. Book an appointment today.
Most patients with a concussion recover quickly and fully, especially with enough rest, medical guidance or rehab. However, during recovery, it is important to know that many people have a range of symptoms. Some symptoms appear right away, while others take hours or even days to surface. You may not realise you have problems until you try to do regular activities again.
It is essential that you follow up with a Physiotherapist within 48 hours of the injury. Rest is critical during the early stages of concussion rehabilitation. Be sure to get enough sleep and avoid late nights. Maintain your usual bedtime. Take daytime naps or rest breaks when you feel tired. Drink plenty of fluids and consume carbohydrates or protein to help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Physiotherapists experienced in concussion assessment and rehabilitation will assess your symptoms and advise on an appropriate treatment plan. This may include addressing neck issues, balance retraining, vestibular rehabilitation, a guided gradual return to exercise and work/school, and education regarding recovery timeframes and expectations. The physiotherapist will also liaise closely with your GP and advise on appropriate services, such as ‘Concussion Services’, which is funded by ACC.
