Concussion Baseline Testing – The Facts 

Concussions, often referred to as mild brain injuries, have had increased attention in recent years due to their potential long-term consequences. They are known as mild because there is no problem visible or present on scans, however a concussion results in changes to how the brain functions. 

In this article, we’ll see how baseline testing and treatment using physiotherapy can help treat any issues resulting from concussion.  

How Can Baseline Testing Help? – Following a concussion, it’s essential to assess your brain function post-injury and compare it to your baseline brain function before the concussion occurred. This comparative analysis can help us determine when you’ve recovered from the injury. 

No Prior Baseline Test? No Problems – Our team are still able to evaluate your current brain function and compare your results to individuals with similar profiles, however, it’s always ideal to compare to yourself! 

Who Should Get One? – Anyone can get a baseline test done however we recommend it to those who play high impact sports. 

It’s easy to book a baseline test for concussion and they should be completed yearly at the start of each sporting season. They take around 30 minutes to complete and it offers peace of mind if you ever require a treatment plan for concussion.  

Remember, not getting assessed and treated can result in persistent concussion syndrome, limiting your ability to learn, work, play sport and carry out your day-to-day activities. Our physiotherapy team at Progressive Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy are trained in concussion management and can assist with treatment plans for all. Speak to our team today. 

Christopher (Chris) Han graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, and then completed the Doctor of Physiotherapy program at Macquarie University in 2018. Chris is currently undertaking his PhD at the University of Sydney and Institute for Musculoskeletal Health in the field of low back pain and is due to complete this in early 2024. 

Chris is currently an assistant Physiotherapist for the NRL Referees. Chris has previous experience as the head Physiotherapist at Panthers Premier League Netball and a number of elite sporting athletes in the private setting.

Through Chris’ experiences, he has a particular interest in all areas of the body and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, sports, vestibular rehabilitation, and Men’s Health (pre and post prostate surgery).

Suzanne graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Health Science (Sports and Exercise Science) in 2015. She then went on to continue her studies at Macquarie University graduating from the Doctor of Physiotherapy post-graduate degree in June 2019.

Since graduating, Suzanne has worked in the local Penrith area in both private practice and Sports Physiotherapy. Suzanne has worked with sporting teams including Penrith District Netball Association, Mt Druitt Rangers (NPL), Penrith Valley Figure Skating Club, and local dance and cheer schools. 

Suzanne has a particular interest in working with artistic athletes including cheerleaders and dancers. She has a professional background in both cheer and dance and has previously worked as both a cheer coach and dance teacher. Suzanne’s previous experiences are an invaluable resource to her as a physiotherapist, as she has a thorough understanding of the level of physical fitness and skill acquisition that these athletes must have in order to be successful on stage and in competition.

Suzanne’s other areas of clinical interest reside in lower limb musculoskeletal injuries, spinal pathologies and women’s health.

Nathanial graduated as a physiotherapist in 2012 which saw him work in private practice and hospital settings gaining experience in all areas of physiotherapy including hand therapy, splinting/casting, pre/post-operative care, Men’s Health and general musculoskeletal, occupational and sports physiotherapy. Since then he has gone on to complete further studies in physiotherapy enabling him to be the only dual titled Musculoskeletal, Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist in Penrith.

Nathanial has a strong background in sports physiotherapy achieving accreditation with NSWIS as a service provider and working with many elite sports teams.

Nathanial has a particular interest in working with elite athletes, complex cases and in particular assessment and management of knee, hip and shoulder pain.

Andrea graduated from the Australian Catholic University completing her Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science in 2018 and Master’s of Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2020. After graduating she attained accreditation with ESSA as an Exercise Physiologist.

During her studies she gained clinical experience in both hospital and private practice settings, in cardiac rehabilitation, neurological conditions, cancer and chronic musculoskeletal injuries.

Since working at Progressive, Andrea has a specialist interest in treating musculoskeletal injuries, helping people in the mid-late stage of rehab to get them to return to sport or work. As well as helping people manage chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis and diabetes.