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Clear assessment. Evidence-based care. Safe recovery.
At Head2Toe, we provide physiotherapy assessment and management for concussion (mild traumatic brain injury) and for common headache conditions, including cervicogenic headaches, tension-type headaches, and migraines.While these conditions can sometimes coexist, they are assessed and treated as distinct clinical problems, each requiring a targeted and informed approach.
Common Concussion Symptoms
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Nausea or light sensitivity
- Blurred or double vision
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance
- Mood changes or sleep disturbance
What Causes a Concussion?
Concussions result from a sudden blow, jolt, or forceful impact that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull.
Common causes include:
- Contact sports (e.g. football, soccer, basketball)
- Falls
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Physical assaults
- Workplace incidents
Importantly, direct head impact is not always required. Whiplash-type forces alone can be sufficient to cause concussion.
Understanding Recovery Timelines
While many people feel symptom improvement within a few days, neurological recovery typically takes 3–4 weeks.
Even if symptoms settle within the first 3–5 days:
- The brain remains more vulnerable to further injury
- There is no direct way to measure internal brain healing
- A graded, monitored return to activity is essential
Proper management reduces the risk of prolonged symptoms and repeat injury.
What to Expect – Concussion Appointments
Comprehensive Assessment
- Detailed history and symptom review
- Screening for red flags
- Balance, coordination, eye tracking, and neck assessment
Individualised Recovery Plan
- Clear explanation of your diagnosis
- A staged plan based on current guidelines
- Adjusted to your work, school, or sporting demands
Guidance on Rest & Activity
- Advice on initial rest
- When and how to reintroduce physical and cognitive activity
Ongoing Monitoring
- Symptom tracking over time
- Progression adjusted based on response
Return to Learn, Work & Sport
- Structured, step-by-step progression
- Focus on safety, confidence, and long-term brain health
Headache Physiotherapy
Assessment and treatment of headache conditions
Headaches are common and often recurring. Physiotherapy can play an important role in managing headaches that are driven or influenced by the neck, muscles, posture, and nervous system.
We assess and treat headaches as a separate condition from concussion, unless a clear link is identified.
Types of Headaches We Treat
Cervicogenic Headaches
Headaches originating from the neck, often associated with:
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Headaches starting at the base of the skull
- Symptoms aggravated by neck movement or posture
Tension-Type Headaches
Often described as a tight, pressure-like sensation:
- Band-like pain around the head
- Associated neck and shoulder tension
- Linked to stress, posture, or sustained positions
Migraines (Physiotherapy Support)
While migraines are neurological in origin, physiotherapy can help manage:
- Neck and muscle contributors
- Movement sensitivity
- Associated dizziness or neck pain
- Exercise tolerance and lifestyle factors
How We Treat Headaches
Treatment depends on headache type and contributing factors and may include:
- Cervical spine assessment and treatment
- Muscle tension management
- Postural and movement retraining
- Education on triggers and load management
- Targeted exercise programs
- Strategies to reduce recurrence
Our aim is to reduce frequency, intensity, and impact on daily life.
Who We Help
We commonly work with:
- Children and teens in contact sports
- Students struggling with concentration after head injury
- Athletes returning to sport after concussion
- Desk workers with neck-related headaches
- People with long-standing or recurring headaches
- Older adults after falls with dizziness or confusion
- Workers in high-risk jobs with head or whiplash injuries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or force to the head or body that disrupts brain function.
Do I need complete rest after a concussion?
Initial rest (24–48 hours) is important, but prolonged rest can delay recovery. Gradual, guided activity is now best practice.
How long does recovery take?
Most people recover within 7–14 days, but full neurological recovery takes longer. Early, appropriate management reduces prolonged symptoms.
Can I have a concussion if scans are normal?
Yes. Concussions are functional injuries and usually do not appear on CT or MRI.
Can physio help headaches?
Yes—especially cervicogenic and tension-type headaches, and as part of a broader migraine management plan.
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What We Care For
Physiotherapy is the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Some of the conditions we treat in Melbourne include:
42 Pascoe Vale Road, Moonee Ponds 3039