The role of the physiotherapist in concussion

In the last decade, concussion research has exploded in multiple fields of scientific research. This has helped to clarify what causes, influences, and perpetuates human concussion, and displays the integral role physiotherapists play in concussion management. In this article we discuss the latest research relevant to the key role of physiotherapy in concussion management. A narrative review of the literature on concussion was conducted. The current review analyses how concussion has influenced physiotherapy in several categories: assessment, treatment, management, research rigour and building the profile of the profession. Scientific concussion research has largely converged in support of the role of physiotherapists utilising specific components including: (1) autonomic, (2) cervicogenic, (3) vestibulo-ocular and (4) psychological approaches to management. Latest research supports the critical role of physiotherapy in concussion care in the assessment, management, and prevention of concussion with scope for further interdisciplinary collaborations.