What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a temporary disruption in brain function caused by a sudden movement of the brain inside the skull. This can happen from a direct hit to the head or even a forceful impact to the body that makes the brain shift rapidly. Despite how serious it may sound, concussions are highly manageable with the right care, and most people recover fully, especially with early assessment and the right treatment plan.
There’s a lot of misinformation out there about concussions, but here’s the good news: with proper management, recovery can be smooth and predictable. Early diagnosis and the right approach make all the difference.
How Do Concussions Happen?
Concussions don’t just occur from dramatic, high-impact collisions. Even a quick jolt, like a fall or a sudden stop in motion, can be enough to shift the brain inside the skull. This movement can briefly disrupt how brain cells communicate and trigger a short-term energy imbalance.
While that might sound alarming, the brain is incredibly resilient. It just needs the right conditions to reset and recover. That’s why recognizing and addressing symptoms early leads to the best outcomes.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms can vary widely, and they don’t always show up right away. Some appear immediately, while others might take hours or even days to surface. Common signs include:
Headache & Pressure in the Head – A feeling of tightness or discomfort.
Dizziness & Balance Issues – The brain’s balance system can be temporarily off.
Cognitive Changes – Difficulty concentrating, feeling foggy, or forgetfulness.
Light & Noise Sensitivity – Bright lights or loud environments may feel overwhelming.
Fatigue & Sleep Disturbances – Feeling unusually tired or struggling with sleep.
Mood Shifts – Irritability, anxiety, or even sadness can be part of the process.
Importantly, loss of consciousness isn’t required for a concussion to occur. Many people with concussions never black out at all.
Why Is It Important to Take Concussions Seriously?
While concussions are considered mild brain injuries, they still need proper care. The key isn’t to panic but to manage them correctly. When handled well, most people recover quickly. But returning to normal activities too soon, especially high-risk ones like sports, can prolong symptoms or lead to complications.
Multiple concussions over time can also increase the risk of prolonged symptoms (post-concussion syndrome) or, in rare cases and if in quick succession, severe consequences.. That’s why giving the brain time to heal properly is essential.
The Power of Early, Expert Care
The best thing you can do after a concussion? Get checked by someone who truly understands concussion management. Early assessment and educated care lead to excellent recovery outcomes.
Recovery often includes rest, symptom management, and a structured return to activity, guided by a professional who can ensure the right balance. Some people may need targeted therapies, like balance or vision exercises, but the vast majority make a full recovery when given the right support.
Concussions don’t have to be scary. With the right care, they’re a bump in the road, not a roadblock. If you or someone you know has had a head injury, don’t guess. Get expert guidance and recover with confidence.
Our Concussion Experience
Recovering from a concussion can be complex, and you need someone who truly understands the process. At Integrative Physio, our concussion care program is led by Dr. Matthew Winter, an expert with over a decade of experience in elite sports physiotherapy, pre-hospital immediate care, and concussion management. With his attention,, every patient gets treatment that’s not just effective but also tailored to their unique recovery needs.
His experience speaks for itself. As National Rugby Physio from 2012 to 2014, he was responsible for player welfare at the highest levels of the sport. He’s also led pitchside medical teams at some of the world’s biggest tournaments, including the HSBC Sevens, SCC Sevens, Super Rugby, and International Tier 1 Men’s 15s Rugby—making sure athletes get top-quality care both on and off the field.
Beyond treating patients, he’s spent over a decade training other medical professionals in prehospital immediate care, working with organizations like World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union (UK), and Asia Rugby. His passion for education helps keep concussion management at the forefront of sports medicine.
His expertise goes beyond the sidelines too. From 2013 to 2024, he played a key role in shaping player welfare policies as a member of the Singapore Rugby Union Medical Committee. That same knowledge and commitment to best practices guide the care patients receive at Integrative Physio.
As the first rehabilitation provider in Singapore to complete Complete Concussions Management training, he ensures that patients get cutting-edge care, whether they're dealing with a recent concussion or lingering symptoms. Staying ahead of the latest research, he’s always refining his approach, because when it comes to concussion care, you deserve the best.
Complete Concussions Programme at Integrative Physio
At Integrative Physio, we’re proud to offer the Complete Concussions Program, a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to concussion management. As a certified Complete Concussions™ clinic, we provide a full range of services designed to guide you through every stage of recovery. Whether you're an athlete, student, or someone who’s experienced a concussion due to an accident, we’re here to help you safely return to your daily activities, work, school, or sports.
Our concussion care program is designed with your total well-being in mind, ensuring not only physical healing but also addressing cognitive and emotional recovery. We take a holistic approach to concussion treatment, combining the latest treatments and rehabilitation strategies to help you recover fully and prevent any long-term complications.
We are here to help you recover properly. Concussions can be tricky, but with the right care, they’re very manageable. Our team takes the time to understand your symptoms and guide you through a treatment plan that actually works for you. No guesswork, no one-size-fits-all approach, just expert care to get you back to feeling like yourself.