Is It a Concussion or Just a Knock?

Head knock on the field? Here’s how physios help support safe return to play.

Not Every Hit to the Head Is a Concussion — But It’s Not Something to Guess About

In fast-paced sports like footy, rugby, netball, or martial arts, head contact can happen — even when you’re careful. One minute you’re chasing the ball, the next you’re dazed, off balance, or just feeling a bit “off.”

But how do you know if it’s something serious?
How do you tell the difference between a mild knock and a concussion?

If you’ve searched “concussion symptoms after sport”, “do I need physio after a head knock”, or “return to play after concussion Burwood” — this guide is for you.

At Clinical Physio Solutions, we help athletes of all levels recover safely and gradually after concussion symptoms — because brain recovery isn’t just about rest anymore.

Common Signs of a Sports Concussion

These symptoms don’t always show up right away — and some are missed until the next day:

Headache or pressure in the head

Dizziness, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light/sound

Nausea or vomiting

Feeling foggy, slow, or confused

Balance issues

Difficulty concentrating

Mood swings, irritability, or sleep changes

💡 You don’t have to lose consciousness to have a concussion.

How a Physio Helps with Concussion Recovery

Concussion is a whole-body issue — not just a head injury. It often affects:

The neck and upper spine

Eye tracking and visual coordination

Balance, coordination, and reaction time

Fatigue levels and exercise tolerance

Here’s how our Burwood and Sydney-wide physio team supports you:

✅ Step 1: Baseline Testing & Symptom Monitoring

We assess your balance, eye movement, neck mobility, cognitive load tolerance, and symptom response — all benchmarks for tracking recovery.

✅ Step 2: Vestibular & Visual Rehab

If your dizziness, light sensitivity, or tracking issues persist, we use targeted exercises to recalibrate your visual and balance systems.

✅ Step 3: Cervical Spine Treatment

Neck stiffness or muscle tension often contributes to lingering symptoms. We use gentle manual therapy, soft tissue release, and posture support.

✅ Step 4: Return to Play Progression

We guide your return in gradual stages — from light activity to full contact — based on both how you feel and what your body can handle under load.

What Happens If You Delay Seeing a Physio

Delaying treatment can seriously impact your recovery — and your safety. Here’s why:

Undiagnosed symptoms may worsen with physical or cognitive stress

You risk re-injury or second impact syndrome if you return too early

Neck stiffness or vestibular issues may become chronic

Your fitness and training base declines the longer you stay inactive

You miss the opportunity for a structured, supported recovery plan

Searching “do I need a physio after a concussion” or “how long until I play again after a knock”? The sooner you start, the safer your outcome.