Free webinars to discuss concussion

A pair of free webinars hosted by a Belmont clinic later this month will share the latest in concussion research, based on the new worldwide guidelines.

Neurological Physiotheraphy Geelong is presenting the two sessions to the general public with updates from the sixth concussion consensus statement, formed after the 6th International Conference on Concussions in 2022 and released last month.

The statement represents the latest evidence-based position on concussion and follows five previous conferences by the Concussion in Sport Group over the past 20 years.

The two webinars will present sideline assessment tools, up-to-date advice for the immediate and early recovery period from concussion, new symptom thresholds to tailor recovery and rehabilitaton, and indications for specialist rehabilitation.

To be held on July 14 from 1-1.45pm, the first webinar is most relevant for people under the age of 18 and is intended for sports trainers, coaches, parents,teachers and healthcare professionals working with children or adolescents at risk of or experiencing concussion injuries.

It will cover any sport or injury mechanism related to concussion, and will have an additional focus on academic supports.

The second webinar, on July 17 from 12.45-1.30pm, will be specific to Australian rules football and is intended for sports trainers, coaches, parents and healthcare professionals working with footballers of any age, at risk of or experiencing concussion injuries.

This webinar will also include information on improving sideline detection with learnings from the latest AFL guidelines.

Neurological Physiotheraphy Geelong director Rosie Marsiglio and concussion clinical lead Amy Thomson will present the two webinars.

Writing on the Neurological Physiotheraphy Geelong website, Ms Marsiglio said concussion injuries could affect anyone – from elite sporting injuries, to children’s playground accidents, to an older person falling over – and anyone in between.

“Concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury and needs to be taken seriously in order to achieve a full and swift recovery.

“Awareness of concussion signs and symptoms is greater than ever, but knowing how to manage it is a work in progress; the best thing about seeking help early is receiving up-to-date advice about what to do after a concussion, specific to your situation.

“Once symptoms settle, your rehab can ramp up in order to get you back to doing what you love as soon as possible.

“For athletes, there are different concussion guidelines depending on your age and the sport you play, and a skilled concussion physio will be across each of these.”

For more information on the two webinars or to register, head to facebook.com/neuro.physio.geelong