It's in your head....or is it?

The Role of the Physiotherapist in Concussion

This is a blended-learning course containing 3 online learning modules and an optional 1-day practical course covering the physiotherapy assessment and management of concussion including the cervical spine, the autonomic system, the oculomotor and vestibular systems.

Online Course

The 3 online learning modules provide the background knowledge in neuroanatomy, pathophysiology, oculomotor and vestibular system function. (Approx 6 learning hours)


Module 1 | Pathology and Clinical Presentation

This first module covers the diagnostic criteria for concussion, epidemiology, the neurometabolic effects involved in concussion alongside the role of the autonomic nervous system on symptom severity and recovery.

 

Module 2 | Assessment of the Cervical Spine, Brain/Sensory Modulation, Vision and Vestibular Systems. 

This module is divided up into the cervical spine assessment and the neurosensory assessment. Each specific area of assessment will be described, and the implications of positive findings will be explained using clinical case studies and reference to the literature.


Module 3 | Concussion Treatment and Management

This module covers the rehabilitation programmes required for addressing sensory sensitivity and autonomic nervous system dysfunction, alongside vision, vestibular and information processing issues. It looks at prioritising the rehabilitation strategies including education of the client with self-management strategies to assist with recovery.


Practical Course

Click here for Practical Course dates and locations.  

The 1-day, optional practical course aims to provide physiotherapists with the confidence and skills to undertake and interpret a thorough assessment of the cervical spine, the autonomic system, the oculomotor and vestibular systems and implement appropriate treatment. 

The online learning modules are a pre-requisite for attendance at the practical course, but can also be done without attending the course. 

More About This Course....

  • Video presentations

    Engaging audiovisual video presentations.

  • Slide handouts provided

    Download and keep a copy of the slide handouts from the video presentations.

  • Quiz

    Test your understanding and find areas for review.

  • Study Time

    6 hrs (online learning)

  • CPD Certificate Provided

    Download your CPD certificate on completion.

  • Access to online course

    12 months.

Instructors

Instructor Dusty Quinn

MMPty, BSc (Hons)

Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist

Dusty graduated from the University of Ulster, Belfast in 1988. After 2 years working in Manchester, England Dusty travelled for 5 months before coming to work in Whangarei, New Zealand. In 1997 Dusty completed his Masters at the University of Otago.

Dusty has taught on the undergraduate and post graduate programmes at the University of Otago. Dusty Also taught on the NZMPA programmes.

Dusty has been in many sporting teams at a regional, professional and National level. At present he still has a role with football club where he also coached for 10 years.

The executive roles carried out by Dusty include being Vice President of Physiotherapy New Zealand and President of the NZMPA. At present Dusty is the NZ IFOMPT representative and he is currently the Chair of the Stables Trust which raises funds for kids in football.

Dusty is a Life Member of Physiotherapy New Zealand.

Dusty is an Honorary Fellow of the University of Otago.

Instructor Bronagh Quinn

BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy

Physiotherapist

Senior Physiotherapist for Back in Motion
Senior Physiotherapist for Advantage South Ltd
Clinical Service Coordinator for Active Rehab Group

Bronagh has over 30 years of experience in neuroscience assessment and rehab. She has trained through the Emory University, Atlanta in vestibular rehab and has attended numerous courses on concussion assessment and management over the years in New Zealand. She is an Ovio Mindfulness facilitator and a trauma therapist using FACT and somatic strategies.

Bronagh has taught vestibular rehab courses throughout New Zealand, teaches mindfulness classes, provides clinical supervision, and has blended her vast knowledge and experience into the assessment and management of concussion.