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Concussions in Sports: Causes, Symptoms and The Importance of Proper Management and Rehabilitation 

Here in Australia there were over 66,000 sports injury hospitalisations reported in 2020-21. More than 3,000 of these are due to concussion (source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare). 

In this article, we’ll explore the causes and symptoms of concussion, and the crucial role of proper management and rehabilitation in ensuring athletes’ safety and well-being. 

Causes of concussions in sports 

Concussions commonly result from a sudden blow to the head, face, neck or any other part of the body with an impact force transmitted to the head. In sports, concussions often occur during contact activities, such as football, soccer, rugby, and hockey, but can also happen in non-contact sports like gymnastics, basketball and even cycling. The main causes include: 

  • Direct head impact. Athletes may collide with opponents, teammates or objects, leading to a concussion. 
  • Whiplash effect: Rapid head movements without direct contact, like a fall or sudden change in direction, can also cause concussions. 
  • Repeated sub concussive hits. Even mild, repetitive head impacts over time can accumulate and result in concussion symptoms. 

Symptoms of concussions 

Recognizing the symptoms of a concussion is crucial for prompt diagnosis and appropriate care. Common symptoms include: 

  • Headache 
  • Dizziness 
  • Nausea or vomiting 
  • Confusion 
  • Memory problems 
  • Slurred speech 
  • Sensitivity to light and noise 
  • Loss of consciousness (in some cases) 
  • Emotional changes, such as irritability or mood swings 

Importance of proper management 

Proper management of concussions is essential to minimize the risk of long-term complications. Athletes suspected of having a concussion should be removed from play immediately and should not return until they have been evaluated by a healthcare professional. Key aspects of proper management include: 

  • Medical evaluation. Athletes should undergo a thorough medical evaluation to assess the severity of the concussion and rule out any other injuries. 
  • Rest and recovery. Rest is crucial in the early stages of a concussion to allow the brain to heal. Physical and cognitive rest is recommended until symptoms resolve. 
  • Gradual return to play. Athletes should not return to sports until they are symptom-free and have received clearance from a healthcare professional. A gradual and monitored return-to-play protocol should be followed to prevent re-injury. 

Importance of rehabilitation 

Rehabilitation plays a vital role in the recovery process after a concussion. It helps athletes regain their physical and cognitive abilities while reducing the risk of long-term complications. Rehabilitation may include: 

  • Physical therapy. Exercises and activities that focus on balance, coordination and strength can help athletes recover physically. Also, sports-specific movements, exercises and other activities are important in quick and optimal recovery. 
  • Cognitive rehabilitation. Therapy to address memory, concentration and cognitive function can aid in restoring mental acuity. 
  • Education. Athletes and their families should receive education on concussion prevention, recognition and the importance of proper management. 

Safeguarding an athlete’s future 

Concussions in sports are a serious concern, but with proper management and rehabilitation, athletes can recover and reduce the risk of long-term complications. Awareness, early recognition and adherence to medical guidelines are essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes who participate in sports prone to head injuries. The health of athletes should always be the top priority, and concussion management plays a crucial role in safeguarding their future. 

Here at Body Active Physiotherapy, we help athletes and sports enthusiasts prevent and recover from injuries. Through our collaboration with sports physicians, orthopaedic specialists and other healthcare professionals, we’ve been able to design optimal and personalised treatment programs. In addition, our collaborative and interdisciplinary approach has also allowed us to help athletes and sports enthusiasts effectively prevent injuries and their recurrence.