Concussion Management
Expert concussion assessment, management and graduated return to play at Physio Tullamore — using neurocognitive testing to guide evidence-based decisions.
Book a Concussion Assessment in TullamoreExpert concussion assessment, management and graduated return to play at Physio Tullamore — using neurocognitive testing to guide evidence-based decisions.
Book a Concussion Assessment in Tullamore
At Physio Tullamore, we provide specialist concussion assessment and management in Tullamore, Co. Offaly
for athletes and active individuals of all ages. Using the ImPACT neurocognitive testing framework alongside comprehensive clinical
assessment, we deliver objective, data-driven concussion care from the moment of injury through to a safe, confident return to play.
Our approach integrates baseline and post-injury ImPACT testing, vestibular and ocular motor screening, balance assessment and a structured graduated return to play protocol — ensuring no aspect of your recovery is left to guesswork.
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a direct or indirect blow to the head, face, neck or body that transmits an impulsive force to the head. Importantly, concussion results in a disturbance of brain function rather than a structural injury — which means that standard imaging such as CT or MRI scans are typically normal.
Concussion affects how the brain works. It can impact memory, reaction time, attention and cognitive processing speed. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light and noise, balance problems, concentration difficulties, irritability, sleep disturbances and a feeling of being "foggy". Recovery typically occurs within 7–14 days but can be longer, especially in children and adolescents.
ImPACT (ImPACT Applications, Inc.) is an FDA-cleared computerised neurocognitive assessment tool backed by the largest database of clinical research on concussion. It provides objective data about cognitive function by measuring areas such as verbal and visual memory, visual motor speed, reaction time and impulse control. ImPACT is available for ages 12–59, with ImPACT Pediatric for younger children. For more information visit impactconcussion.com.
Baseline testing records an athlete's healthy brain function before an injury occurs. The test takes approximately 20 minutes and is completed online. It establishes a baseline across verbal memory, visual memory, visual motor speed, reaction time and impulse control — giving clinicians a personalised reference point to compare against in the event of a future concussion.
After a concussion, the athlete repeats the ImPACT test. By comparing post-injury results to the baseline, clinicians can make objective, data-driven treatment and return-to-play decisions. This removes the guesswork — rather than relying solely on self-reported symptoms, the ImPACT data provides objective evidence of cognitive recovery.
This objective data is a game-changer for concussion management. It takes the guesswork out of return to play decisions, giving athletes, parents and coaches confidence that the brain has recovered before a full return to contact sport.
At Physio Tullamore, we use ImPACT testing alongside a comprehensive clinical assessment that includes vestibular screening, balance testing, cervical spine assessment and ocular motor examination.
Advanced concussion reporting integrates neurocognitive data (ImPACT), symptom tracking, vestibular/ocular screening and balance assessment to create a comprehensive picture of each athlete's recovery. This multi-modal approach ensures no aspect of concussion recovery is overlooked.
The clinic can provide detailed reports to athletes, parents, coaches and referring doctors documenting the recovery trajectory and clearance — ensuring everyone involved has a clear, evidence-based understanding of progress and readiness to return.
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The clinic follows a structured, evidence-based graduated return to play (GRTP) protocol. The GRTP progresses through clearly defined stages:
Each stage must be completed symptom-free before progressing to the next. If symptoms recur, the athlete drops back to the previous stage. ImPACT post-injury testing is used alongside the GRTP to provide objective confirmation of cognitive recovery before return to full contact. The clinic also uses performance testing to assess physical readiness.
Aimee Bard is an advanced practitioner with specialist training and expertise in concussion management, neurocognitive testing (ImPACT) and the graduated return to play protocol. Her advanced level of training and experience in this area means patients are in expert hands from initial assessment through to full return to sport.
Whether you are a rugby player, boxer, GAA athlete or the parent of a young sportsperson, Aimee provides a thorough, individualised and evidence-based concussion management pathway.
Rugby has a high incidence of concussion due to the contact nature of the sport. The clinic follows World Rugby and IRFU concussion protocols, including immediate removal from play, the HIA (Head Injury Assessment) process and a structured return to play. Baseline ImPACT testing is particularly valuable for rugby players, providing an objective reference point should a concussion occur during the season.
Boxing carries a unique concussion risk due to the intentional nature of head impact. The clinic provides specialist concussion management for boxers including baseline neurocognitive testing, post-fight assessment and a structured return to training and competition. Baseline testing is especially important for combat sports athletes given the cumulative nature of head impact exposure over a career.
Baseline ImPACT testing, post-injury assessment and a return to play pathway aligned with World Rugby and IRFU concussion protocols for players at all levels of the game.
Specialist neurocognitive baseline testing, post-fight assessment and structured return to training and competition for boxers and other combat sports athletes.
Concussion assessment and graduated return to play for Gaelic football and hurling players, with sport-specific progressions tailored to the demands of the game.
ImPACT baseline and post-injury testing alongside a graduated return to training and match play for soccer players of all ages and levels.
Specialist concussion care for children and adolescents, including ImPACT Pediatric testing, with a cautious, age-appropriate approach to return to play.
On-site baseline testing programmes for schools and sports clubs, helping to safeguard young athletes by establishing neurocognitive baselines before the season begins.
Whether you need a baseline ImPACT test before the season starts or specialist management following a concussion, our clinic in Tullamore, Co. Offaly provides expert concussion care for athletes and active individuals across Tullamore, Offaly and the Midlands.
Book an Appointment Online