Why we are talking about this now?
With some sports already well underway and for other as practice matches start, head knocks become more common in sport. Most kids recover well with the right support, but concussion is a brain injury and it needs to be taken seriously.
At Whittlesea Physiotherapy & Clinical Pilates, we are committed to helping families, schools and clubs follow best-practice concussion care so young athletes can recover well and return to learning, sport and life safely.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or body that makes the brain move inside the skull.
Concussion does not always involve being “knocked out”. In fact, many concussions happen without any loss of consciousness.
Common signs and symptoms in children
Symptoms can show up straight away or develop over the next 24–48 hours. Watch for:
- Headache or “pressure” in the head
- Dizziness, balance problems, nausea
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Feeling slowed down, foggy, or “not quite right”
- Trouble concentrating or remembering
- Fatigue, drowsiness, sleep changes
- Irritability, sadness, anxiety, emotional changes
- Vision changes (blurred or double vision)
Red flags (seek urgent medical care): worsening headache, repeated vomiting, increasing confusion, seizures, severe neck pain, weakness/numbness, unusual behaviour, or if you are worried.
What to do immediately after a suspected concussion
A simple rule for parents, coaches and teachers:
- Recognise: if in doubt, treat it as a concussion.
- Remove: the child should stop playing straight away.
- Refer: arrange medical assessment as soon as possible.
- Recover: support return to school and sport with a step-by-step plan.
Do not let a child “push through” symptoms. Do not allow same-day return to play.
The first 24–48 hours: rest, then the right activity
Complete bed rest is not usually helpful. The current best practice is:
- A short period of relative rest (reduce screens, heavy study, intense exercise)
- Then gradual return to light activity that does not significantly worsen symptoms
The goal is calm, supported recovery, not isolation.
Return to Learn: school matters as much as sport
Kids are students first. Symptoms often show up most during learning.
Helpful school supports may include:
- Shorter school days or rest breaks
- Reduced homework and extra time for tasks
- Modified tests and reduced screen time
- Quiet space if noise/light triggers symptoms
- Clear communication between family, school and treating team
A planned “Return to Learn” approach reduces stress and supports better recovery.
Return to Sport: step-by-step, symptom-guided
A safe return to sport is staged. Progression should be guided by symptoms and professional advice.
Typical stages include:
- Symptom-limited activity (daily movement)
- Light aerobic exercise
- Sport-specific exercise (no contact)
- Non-contact training drills
- Full contact training (when medically cleared)
- Return to competition
If symptoms return, the athlete should step back to the previous stage and re-settle.
Why baseline testing can help
For clubs and athletes, baseline testing provides useful information if a concussion occurs. It can support decision-making around recovery and return to play, alongside clinical assessment as it is based specifically on the athletes baseline data.
How we support families, clubs and schools
We provide evidence-based concussion care that is practical and supportive for the whole team around the child.
Our concussion service can include:
- Thorough assessment and education for families
- Symptom monitoring and recovery planning
- Return to Learn guidance and school communication support
- Return to Sport planning for coaches and clubs
- Vestibular and balance rehab when appropriate
- Neck and headache management when appropriate
We are CCMI-certified and the only NFNL-recommended concussion clinic in the area.
Key message
If a child has a suspected concussion:
- When in doubt, sit them out
- Get assessed early
- Follow a structured plan back to school and sport
Good concussion care protects the child now and supports their long-term brain health.
Next step: book a concussion assessment
If you are a parent, coach, teacher or club volunteer and you are unsure what to do after a head knock, we can help.
Call 03 9716 2250, email [email protected] to book a concussion assessment or book online: Whittlesea Physiotherapy & Clinical Pilates Online Booking
You can also learn more about our concussion services at Certified Concussion Clinic – Whittlesea Physiotherapy