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What we’ll cover
  1. What is a concussion?
  2. What are the symptoms of concussion?
  3. What can I do about concussion?
  4. Returning to play after concussion?
  5. How to test for concussion?

With the football season around the corner, concussion and head injuries is one of the the injuries that physiotherapists and sports trainers have to be able to manage and address.

Our physiotherapists Michael Scardamaglia and Fraser Hillier recently sat down with the sports training team at De La Salle Old Collegians Football Club to refresh and practice their concussion and spinal cord injury management.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is an injury to the brain in which the brain moves too quickly within the skull. It is a form of a traumatic brain injury.

This commonly occurs following a blow to the head, neck or upper spine. Whilst we don’t 100%  know what happens to the brain itself, the unexpected movement of the brain within the skull leads to chemical changes within the brain. This injury to the brain can lead to a wide range of symptoms and puts extra demand on the body.

What are the symptoms of concussion?

The symptoms of concussion are varied. Some resolve quite quickly whilst other symptoms can take more time.

Common symptoms include:

  • Headache.
  •  Tiredness or fatigue.
  • Nausea.
  • Dizziness.
  • Visual problems  (eg. blurry vision, double vision, sensitivity to light)
  • Difficulty with concentrating and focus.
  • Memory loss or confusion.

Although some symptoms subside and settle quickly, symptoms can last for up to the 6 – 8 weeks.

What can I do about concussion?

It is important to note that concussion is a form of brain injury. See your health professional as soon as possible following a concussion.

After an initial concussion, it is important to rest and recover.

Avoid the following:

  • No TV/radio
  • No computers
  • No physical exercise
  • No alcohol
  • No driving

Following the initial concussion, it is important to wake every few hours when sleeping to check communication and orientation.

Returning to play after concussion?

A guided and monitored return to physical activity is important following concussion. Many factors influence recovery from concussion including previous history of concussion. The goal in recovery from concussion to get back to work, study and physical activity at the right pace. Every person is different and recovery can take 1 or 2 weeks to recover from concussion.

For the first 14 days following concussion, it is important to focus on resting. After that, a graduated and progressive return to exercise can be commenced starting with light aerobic exercise, sport-specific exercise, non contact practice and full contact practice. Importantly, exercise should not be progressed if any concussion symptoms occur.

How to test for concussion?

There is a wide range of great and reliable resources that can be used at home or on the sporting field. Our team recommend either the HeadCheck App or Concussion Smart App as an incredibly useful resource for players, parents or sports trainers. Both these applications can be used to assist in a diagnoses of concussion as well as providing assistance in returning to activity.

Other great resource that can be used by your trusted health professional includes the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT5). However, this assessment tool is used as a baseline.

If you have experienced concussion, it is important to see your trusted health professional as soon as possible. Book online or call us today.


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“Between DeQuervain’s syndrome in both wrists, chronic shoulder pain and a torn tendon in my hip, there was a time I didn’t know if I’d be able to hike, travel, cook, boogie board, work or even go on gentle walks without pain again. But thanks to Jason and the amazing team at ME physio, I have come through the other side.

The team worked with me through Covid and beyond, and now, I can do everything I love mostly pain free. 

Jason also helped me understand the bio-psycho-social approach to pain management, which was a huge support, especially during the stress of Covid.

I couldn’t be more grateful for their dedication to my recovery!”

- Cyndi

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#MEphysio #theperfectplaceforME #happinessisahealthierandstrongerME #physio #physiotherapy #malverneast #malverneastphysiotherapy This week, our physio team took part in our annual CPR training, led by the amzing Helen McGrath! Keeping our skills sharp and always ready to act in any situation. 

Safety first.  keeping us all healthier, stronger and happy. 

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#MEphysio #theperfectplaceforME #happinessisahealthierandstrongerME #physio #physiotherapy #malverneast #malverneastphysiotherapy “A massive thank you to the whole team at ME Physio for getting us fit enough to take on the challenge of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. Tony made it all the way to the summit- 5,895m I reached the Barafu camp at 4,700m! 
All those strength and Pilates classes have really paid off” 
–Joan 💪🏽🗻

At ME Physio, it’s all about getting stronger, happier and staying healthy so you can do the things you love! 

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#MEphysio #theperfectplaceforME #happinessisahealthierandstrongerME #physio #physiotherapy #malverneast #malverneastphysiotherapy Last week, we had the pleasure of chatting with the lovely residents at Hyson Apartments, right next to our new Caulfield South location! Our expert physio, Jason, shared some great tips on building strength and balance to help everyone stay active, independent and safe from falls. 

With the right exercises, you can feel healthier, happier, and stronger every day! From standing up with ease to walking confidently, these small steps lead to a life-changing impact. 
 
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#MEphysio #theperfectplaceforME #happinessisahealthierandstrongerME #physio #physiotherapy #malverneast #malverneastphysiotherapy From the clinic to the kitchen! 🍝 Our team at ME Physio traded their work attire for aprons this long weekend, cooking up some pasta magic for a work function. Team bonding with alot of delicious fun! 👨‍🍳👩‍🍳 

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#MEphysio #theperfectplaceforME #happinessisahealthierandstrongerME #physio #physiotherapy #malverneast #malverneastphysiotherapy Your bone mineral density is an important area to address as you age. 

In these videos Lizzie and Matt run us through some basic exercises that you can do at home to start building up the strength in your bones and muscles. 

There are multiple variations for each exercise so that you can choose the exercise that best fits your current strength / fitness level.

Here we have our variations of a push up 
1) push ups against the wall
2) push ups on knees 
3) push ups elevated on a surface (can use a bench or table)
4) push ups in plank position

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#MEphysio #theperfectplaceforME #happinessisahealthierandstrongerME #physio #physiotherapy #malverneast #malverneastphysiotherapy Under the care of Lella and our team, Peta has worked extremely hard to get back to playing soccer after an ankle injury. 
Through a thorough and guided rehabilitation program, getting stronger is getting back on the pitch and finishing off the season with a few goals 
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#MEphysio #theperfectplaceforME #happinessisahealthierandstrongerME #physio #physiotherapy #malverneast #malverneastphysiotherapy Under the care of Matthew and our team, Cailin has worked tirelessly to reduce her back pain and restore her strength.
Through a thorough and guided rehabilitation program, getting stronger is getting back on the ice and competiting at Nationals. 
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#MEphysio #theperfectplaceforME #happinessisahealthierandstrongerME #physio #physiotherapy #malverneast #malverneastphysiotherapy At ME Physio, we’re focused on helping you get stronger and recover so you can keep doing the things you love. 

For Rachel, healthier and stronger is getting back on the slopes in New Zealand following ACL reconstructive surgery 
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#lovetoseeit #MEphysio #theperfectplaceforME #happinessisahealthierandstrongerME #physio #physiotherapy #malverneast #malverneastphysiotherapy Exciting news from our NEW site in Caulfield South! 🧡🩶

Our physiotherapists, Lizzie and Matthew, recently performed strength and balance assessments for the friendly and caring residents at Calvary Hyson Apartments. 

These assessments help us understand your balance, strength, and current fitness levels, allowing our physiotherapists to create a tailored plan to keep you healthier, happier, and stronger.

#MEphysio #theperfectplaceforME #happinessisahealthierandstrongerME #physio #physiotherapy #malverneast #malverneastphysiotherapy Back to school 🔙📚

Last week we were fortunate enough to head back to uni and refresh our anatomy knowledge at @latrobeuni in the anatomy labs. 

Thank you to the Latrobe School of Physiotherapy for inviting us!

You Deserve to Feel Good.

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