ACC-funded rehabilitation for people recovering from concussion or mild to moderate traumatic brain injury — coordinated care, at your pace.
Concussion symptoms can be complex and varied, and recovery looks different for every person. At You First Physio, we can see anyone who has sustained a concussion and provide early self-management, education, and neck-related treatment.
Should symptoms last longer than four weeks, your GP can refer you into ACC's fully funded concussion service — a multidisciplinary programme where we provide the physiotherapy component of your care.
Concussion, also referred to as mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI), can occur following a blow to the head, a fall, a motor vehicle accident, or any impact that causes the brain to move within the skull.
While many people recover quickly, some experience symptoms that persist for weeks or months and affect their ability to work, study, or manage daily activities.
Two pathways to support your concussion recovery
If you have suffered a mild concussion, one of our physiotherapy team can assess you and provide education and management to support a speedy recovery. This may include:
If your symptoms are getting worse, not improving, or have lasted longer than four weeks, you may need access to a multidisciplinary team. Your GP can refer you into the ACC concussion service, which provides coordinated care at no cost to you.
You First Physio provides the physiotherapy component of the service, which may include:
Concussion can present in many ways. The service may be appropriate for people managing a combination of the following:
Post-concussion headache and associated neck pain are among the most common persistent symptoms following a head injury. Physiotherapy assessment may identify musculoskeletal contributing factors that can be addressed as part of your rehabilitation.
Vestibular dysfunction — affecting balance, spatial orientation, and eye movement — is common following concussion. Physiotherapy assessment and rehabilitation may be helpful for people experiencing dizziness, unsteadiness, or visual disturbance.
Many people recovering from concussion find that physical or cognitive exertion worsens their symptoms. A graded exercise programme, guided by physiotherapy assessment of your exercise tolerance, may be part of your rehabilitation plan.
Difficulties with memory, concentration, processing speed, and managing cognitive load are common following TBI. These are assessed and addressed within the wider interdisciplinary team, including neuropsychological input.
Emotional and psychological symptoms — including anxiety, low mood, and irritability — are a recognised part of the concussion presentation and are supported within the programme by psychological consultation alongside physiotherapy.
For cognitive symptoms, mood changes, and psychological support, these are addressed within the wider interdisciplinary team when you are referred into the ACC concussion service.
If you’re unsure which pathway applies to you, call reception and we can discuss your situation.
Highly skilled and compassionate physiotherapist
Thanks to Rosana's expertise and ongoing support, I have made significant progress and felt confident throughout my rehabilitation journey. I am extremely grateful for her care and would strongly recommend her services to anyone seeking a highly skilled and compassionate physiotherapist.
Karina Rebelo
Incredibly knowledgeable, warm and friendly – a top-tier physio
I have been seeing Claire J. for the past two years for persistent neck and back pain, and the results have been life-changing. Claire is incredibly knowledgeable, amazing at what she does, and brings a warm, friendly, and helpful approach to every session. If you are looking for a top-tier physio, Claire is the absolute best!
Zoe Garmonsway
Listened. Made a plan. Highly Recommended
Their management for back and neck pain is amazing. Nigel is helping my husband with his recovery for his return to work programme and he is very accommodating. The main thing is they all LISTENED and made a plan to help the patient improve their quality of life! I would highly recommend them for any pain that you may have – thank you team!
Alphine Joy Tronzon
If your injury was caused by an accident, ACC may cover part of your treatment cost. You'll pay a patient co-payment per appointment.
45 minutes
$57
(concession $52)
30 minutes
$49
(concession $44)
For injuries not caused by an accident, standard physiotherapy fees apply.
45 minutes
$112
(concession $107)
30 minutes
$87
(concession $82)
Questions about costs before you book? Call your nearest clinic, we're happy to help.
If you self-refer to see a physio for your concussion, ACC will fund part of the cost and you will pay a co-payment. This is the same as any other injury.
Should your concussion persist or be more significant and require a multidisciplinary team, you may be referred by a GP into the concussion service, which is fully funded by ACC (no co-payment).
You don't need a referral to see the physio, but you do need a referral from your GP to access the specific ACC concussion service for those persistent or more significant injuries.
The ACC concussion service lasts up to six months from the date it begins. If you are seeing us for direct physiotherapy (not through the service), the length of treatment depends on your individual recovery.
If you have been seeing us for physiotherapy and your symptoms are not improving or are getting worse, we will recommend you return to your GP to discuss whether a referral into the ACC concussion service is appropriate.
If your injury is not covered by ACC or you do not meet the eligibility criteria, please contact reception to discuss other options. Standard physiotherapy may still be available for some post-concussion presentations.
Book an initial appointment at your nearest clinic — online in minutes, or give us a call. Our 45-minute initial appointments are available across all five of our Christchurch clinics, and online booking is available at all locations.
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