Vestibular Rehabilitation for Concussion Recovery in Athletes
Helping athletes return to play safely and confidently

Sports-related concussions are increasingly recognised as complex injuries that can impact not only the brain but also the vestibular system—the network in the inner ear and brain that controls balance and spatial orientation. For athletes, this means that post-concussion symptoms may include dizziness, balance problems, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing, long after the initial head trauma has passed.

At Advanced Vestibular Clinics, we understand the unique needs of athletes and use targeted vestibular physiotherapy to support recovery and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

⚠️ Concussions and the Vestibular System

Following a concussion, up to 60% of individuals experience vestibular dysfunction, such as vertigo or balance problems (Alsalaheen et al., 2010). These symptoms can significantly affect an athlete’s:

• Postural control
• Reaction time
• Spatial awareness
• Ability to perform complex tasks on the field or court

Left untreated, vestibular dysfunction may contribute to delayed recovery, increased risk of re-injury, and mental health impacts including anxiety and loss of confidence (Lau et al., 2011).

🏃‍♂️ How Vestibular Physiotherapy Helps

Vestibular rehabilitation uses evidence-based exercises to improve:

• Balance and coordination
• Gaze stabilisation (keeping vision steady while moving)
• Motion sensitivity
• Dual-task performance (e.g. balancing while reacting or making decisions)

These therapies are tailored to each athlete’s sport, injury severity, and stage of recovery. Our goal is not just symptom relief but also safe return-to-play readiness.

👟 Athlete-Focused Care at Advanced Vestibular Clinics

At Advanced Vestibular Clinics, our approach includes:

• Comprehensive vestibular and balance assessment
• Sport-specific rehabilitation programs
• Close collaboration with coaches, GPs, and sports medicine professionals
• Education to reduce recurrence and promote long-term brain health

⏳ When to Seek Help

If an athlete has experienced a concussion and notices:

• Ongoing dizziness or unsteadiness
• Sensitivity to motion
• Trouble concentrating
• Difficulty returning to sport performance

…it may be time to book a vestibular assessment.

👉 Learn more or book your appointment at:
www.avcphysio.com.au

📚 References

• Alsalaheen, B. A., Mucha, A., Morris, L. O., Whitney, S. L., Furman, J. M., Camiolo-Reddy, C. E., et al. (2010). Vestibular rehabilitation for dizziness and balance disorders after concussion. Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy, 34(2), 87–93.
• Lau, B. C., Kontos, A. P., Collins, M. W., Mucha, A., & Lovell, M. R. (2011). Which on-field signs/symptoms predict protracted recovery from sport-related concussion among high school football players? The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 39(11), 2311–2318.
• Schneider, K. J., Meeuwisse, W. H., Nettel-Aguirre, A., et al. (2014). Cervicovestibular rehabilitation in sport-related concussion: A randomised controlled trial. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 48(17), 1294–1298.