If you're a parent in Fourways, Johannesburg, chances are Saturday mornings mean dropping your kid off at rugby or soccer practice—watching them charge around the field with that unstoppable energy only kids have. It's brilliant for building confidence, teamwork, and fitness. But let's have an honest chat: concussions happen in community sports like rugby and soccer more often than we'd like, especially here in South Africa where the games are physical and passionate.
I've been a physio at Broadacres Physio in Broadacres, Fourways for years, and I've seen worried parents bring in their young athletes after a knock to the head. The good news? Most kids recover fully with the right care. The scary part? Missing the signs or rushing back too soon can turn a short setback into something longer-lasting. So, as someone who's guided many local families through this, here's what you really need to know about concussion signs, when to seek professional help (like from a physio), and the step-by-step return-to-play process. If your child plays sport in Johannesburg, bookmark this—it's info that could make all the difference.
Spotting the Signs: Not All Concussions Look Dramatic
You might picture a concussion as someone getting knocked out cold—like in the movies. But in kids' community sports, it's often subtler. No loss of consciousness, just a clash of heads or a hard fall, and your child says they're "fine" because they don't want to come off.
Common signs to watch for (from immediate to days later):
- Physical: Headache (the big one—kids often say their head feels "heavy"), dizziness, nausea or vomiting, balance problems, blurry vision, sensitivity to light or noise, fatigue.
- Thinking/Concentration: Feeling foggy, confused, trouble remembering the game rules or what happened, slower to answer questions.
- Emotional/Mood: Irritable, sad, anxious, or just "not themselves."
- Sleep: Sleeping more or less than usual, or trouble falling asleep.
In younger kids, it might show as excessive crying, clinging, or not wanting to play. Here in Fourways and broader Johannesburg, with rugby being huge at schools and clubs, we've seen plenty from tackles or scrums. Soccer headers or collisions can do it too.
If you suspect anything—remove them from play immediately. No "shake it off" or "walk it off." That's old-school thinking that can cause real harm.
When to See a Physio (And Why We're Often the Missing Link)
If symptoms last more than a day or two, or if there's any doubt, get checked by a doctor first to rule out anything serious. But here's where physiotherapy comes in—and why we're seeing more concussion referrals at Broadacres Physio.
Physios trained in concussion management (like our team) play a key role in assessing and treating symptoms like neck pain, dizziness, balance issues, and headaches that linger. We use things like vestibular therapy (fancy word for balance and eye-tracking exercises) to retrain the brain.
When to bring them to us:
- Persistent headaches, dizziness, or visual problems.
- Neck pain (often tied to concussion from the whiplash effect).
- Trouble with schoolwork or concentration.
- Not improving after initial rest.
In South Africa, programs like BokSmart (for rugby) and Sports Concussion South Africa emphasize multidisciplinary care—including physios—for safe recovery.
The Safe Return-to-Play Steps: No Shortcuts
Rushing back is the biggest mistake. The international guidelines (from the 2022 Amsterdam consensus, still current in 2026) and local ones like BokSmart recommend a graduated return-to-play protocol—usually over at least 7-14 days for kids, longer if symptoms persist.
Here's the typical 6-stage process we follow at the clinic:
- Rest and Recovery: 24-48 hours of physical and mental rest (no screens, school if needed). Light walking only once symptoms start easing.
- Light Aerobic Exercise: Walking or stationary bike, keeping heart rate low. No resistance.
- Sport-Specific Exercise: Running drills, no contact or head impact risk.
- Non-Contact Training: More complex drills, light resistance, coordination work.
- Full Contact Practice: Once cleared by a healthcare pro (doctor or experienced physio).
- Return to Game: Full play.
Progress only if symptom-free at each stage. We monitor closely at Broadacres Physio, often with baseline testing if available.
One parent's story: A 14-year-old rugby player from a Fourways school came to us after a concussion. We guided him through graded activity, vestibular rehab, and neck strengthening. He missed a few weeks but came back stronger—and his coach noticed better balance too.
Wrapping Up: Protecting Their Brains (And Your Peace of Mind)
Community sport is fantastic for our kids, but brains are irreplaceable. Know the signs, err on caution, involve pros like physios early, and follow return-to-play steps religiously.
If your child has taken a knock—or you're a coach/parent wanting more info—come chat to us at Broadacres Physio in Broadacres, Fourways. We're part of the Johannesburg community and passionate about keeping young athletes safe and strong.
Book an assessment at www.baphysio.co.za today. Better safe than sorry—let's keep the fun in the game.
Stay vigilant out there! The team at Broadacres Physio – supporting safe sport in Fourways and beyond.
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