Concussion: An Osteopathic Approach to Recovery and Care

At Osteopathy Nelson, we take concussion seriously. Often underestimated, concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that can have significant impacts on physical, cognitive, and emotional health. Whether you're recovering from a fall, sports injury, car accident, or other trauma, recognising the signs and supporting the healing process early can make a big difference. Osteopathy can play a valuable role in recovery.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion occurs when the brain experiences a sudden movement — usually from a direct blow to the head, or indirectly from a whiplash-type motion. This movement can cause the brain to shift or twist within the skull, affecting normal brain function. While it's classified as a "mild" brain injury, the symptoms can be anything but.

Concussion does not always involve loss of consciousness. It's possible to sustain a concussion and walk away feeling mostly fine — only to develop symptoms hours or even days later.

Recognising a Concussion

Immediate symptoms may include:

  • Confusion or disorientation

  • Headache or pressure in the head

  • Dizziness or balance issues

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Blurred vision or sensitivity to light/noise

  • Temporary memory loss or difficulty concentrating

  • Feeling "foggy," dazed, or slowed down

Delayed or post-concussion symptoms may include:

  • Ongoing fatigue or sleep disturbances

  • Mood swings, anxiety, or depression

  • Sensitivity to noise and light

  • Neck stiffness and muscle tension

  • Cognitive difficulties (e.g., struggling with reading or screens)

  • Headaches that don’t resolve

If you suspect someone has a concussion — particularly after a head injury — it’s important they are assessed by a medical professional. In rare cases, more serious brain injury can occur.

Case Study: Grace’s Recovery

Grace, a 38-year-old teacher, came to Osteopathy Nelson six weeks after a mild concussion following a cycling accident. She initially felt fine but later developed persistent headaches, neck pain, light sensitivity, and trouble focusing in class. She had been signed off work and was feeling frustrated and low.

Her osteopathic assessment showed restricted movement in the cervical spine, tension in the cranial membranes, and ongoing stress responses in her nervous system. Using a gentle combination of cranial osteopathy, soft tissue release, and nervous system regulation, her symptoms gradually improved. With home advice, pacing, and support, she was able to return to work part-time within three weeks of starting treatment.

The Role of Osteopathy in Concussion Recovery

Osteopathy is well-suited to support the healing of concussion and post-concussion syndrome, particularly when symptoms linger beyond the first week. Here’s how we help:

  • Cranial osteopathy gently releases tension in the membranes and bones of the skull that can become strained during a head injury.

  • Neck and spinal assessment addresses whiplash-related strain patterns that often accompany concussion.

  • Autonomic nervous system regulation supports recovery from fight/flight responses and helps improve sleep, digestion, and calm.

  • Whole-body approach acknowledges the interconnected nature of concussion symptoms — including physical, cognitive, and emotional effects.

  • Individualised care plans including pacing, breathwork, postural advice, and when safe, gradual return to activity.

Our goal is not to rush your recovery, but to support your body’s natural healing process with gentle, hands-on treatment and a clear plan.

The Importance of Proper Care

Concussion recovery isn’t “one size fits all.” While many people recover within 2–4 weeks, others experience symptoms for months. Returning to activity or work too quickly can set you back — or even increase risk of re-injury.

Early recognition, rest, gradual reintegration, and appropriate support are key.

Osteopaths can work alongside your GP or other healthcare professionals to monitor your progress and provide physical and emotional support during what can feel like a frustrating time.

Osteopathic Research on Concussion

Emerging research supports osteopathy’s role in concussion care:

  • A 2021 systematic review (Carreiro et al., Frontiers in Neurology) found that osteopathic manual therapy may reduce headache intensity, improve balance, and ease post-concussion symptoms in some patients.

  • Cranial osteopathy has shown potential in regulating cerebrospinal fluid flow and improving autonomic function — both commonly affected in concussion.

  • Clinical observations suggest that osteopathy helps reduce the muscular and fascial restrictions that can persist after mild traumatic brain injury.

More high-quality studies are needed, but the hands-on, whole-body approach of osteopathy makes it a supportive adjunct to conventional care.

In Summary

Concussion is more than a bump to the head — it’s a brain injury that deserves respect, care, and patience. At Osteopathy Nelson, we understand the complexity of concussion recovery and are here to help you navigate it with compassion, clarity, and clinical care.

If you or someone you care about is experiencing ongoing symptoms after a head injury, book an appointment with one of our experienced osteopaths to see how we can support your healing.