Rugby League Concussion: Return-to-Training Steps After Medical Clearance
Concussion is a medical diagnosis first
If you're reading this with fresh post-impact headache, confusion or vomiting — stop and seek urgent medical assessment. This page is about structured return-to-training support after appropriate medical clearance, not emergency care.
Where physiotherapy fits
After your doctor authorises graded progression, we can help manage associated cervical irritability within scope, load tolerance for running mechanics, and communication with coaching staff about stages of contact — always subordinate to your medical plan.
Dizziness needs differentiation
If cleared by ENT/GP for sport and residual positional vertigo exists, benign causes sometimes respond to vestibular-style care — see our BPPV / dizziness article for education; your clinician decides relevance.
Book non-acute rehab support
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you diagnose concussion in clinic?
No — diagnosis and medical clearance sit with an appropriate doctor. If acute symptoms are present, seek medical care immediately.
What do physios add after clearance?
Neck and vestibular-adjacent irritability (when referred), monitored aerobic progression discussions with club staff, and readiness for tackle drills once medically authorised.
Is this a substitute for club doctor?
Never — we work within your club and medical team's framework.
Kids and teens?
Stricter protocols often apply — parents and club should coordinate with sports physicians experienced in youth concussion.
Dizziness still?
See a doctor. If benign positional vertigo is suspected after proper assessment, education on BPPV-style causes may help — your clinician decides what applies; our dizziness article is linked above for general reading only.
