Concussion services

Home / Individuals & Families / Concussion services

Recovery after a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury - Fully funded by ACC

We understand how challenging life can feel after a concussion. Whether you’re struggling with daily activities or not quite feeling yourself, our specialist team is here to support your recovery and help you regain your independence.

We provide personalised, evidence-based concussion rehabilitation to help you achieve your goals and get back to the things that matter most. Our dedicated team works with you to create a plan that suits your lifestyle and recovery needs.

This service is 100% funded by ACC, so there’s no cost to you. If you’ve experienced a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury, speak to your GP or health provider about a referral to Geneva Wellbeing.

How do I access this service? 

  • Ask for a referral. Talk to your ACC case manager, GP or health provider about Geneva Wellbeing’s concussion and rehabilitation services.
  • We assess your needs. Our team works with you to identify the physical, social and emotional supports you need.
  • We build your plan. A tailored plan will focus on your goals, independence and quality of life.
  • We provide wraparound support. You’ll get consistent support from our expert team throughout your recovery journey.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that occurs when a blow, bump or jolt to the head—or a hit to the body that causes the head to move rapidly — causes the brain to move within the skull. This sudden movement can lead to chemical changes in the brain and sometimes damage to brain cells.

While concussions are usually not life-threatening, they can cause a range of physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms that may last for days, weeks or longer. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, memory issues, mood changes and sleep disturbances.

It’s important to understand that you don’t need to lose consciousness to have a concussion, and symptoms may not appear immediately. That’s why early assessment, rest and a structured recovery plan are key to managing a concussion effectively and preventing further complications.

Common concussion symptoms

Everyone experiences concussion differently, but some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Headaches or pressure in the head
  • Dizziness or balance issues
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Mood changes such as irritability, sadness or anxiety
  • Sleep disturbances

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms after a knock to the head or a fall, you may have a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury.

Stages of concussion recovery

Concussion recovery is a journey—some people bounce back quickly, while others may need more time and support. Our expert team is here to guide you through each stage, ensuring you feel safe, informed and supported every step of the way.

  1. Acute rest and recovery (0–2 days). Immediately following a concussion, your brain needs rest. This is a crucial window where low stimulation and reduced activity help prevent symptoms from worsening. We recommend avoiding screens, work, exercise and intense thinking.
  2. Symptom monitoring and support (2–10 days). As symptoms begin to settle, our clinicians can help you safely reintroduce light mental and physical activities. We track your recovery and ensure no red flags are present. If symptoms persist, our team will develop a tailored plan to support ongoing healing.
  3. Graduated return to activity. This stage involves slowly and carefully returning to daily life—including work, study, social interactions and light physical activity. Geneva Wellbeing can work with you to set achievable goals and adjust routines as needed so you can make progress without setbacks.
  4. Rehabilitation and symptom management. For some people, concussion symptoms like headaches, brain fog, fatigue or mood changes can last longer. Our multi-disciplinary team—including psychologists, occupational therapists and vocational specialists—provides targeted support to manage these symptoms and build resilience.
  5. Return to work, study or sport. Our return-to-work programmes are tailored to your needs and recovery pace. We work with you (and your employer, if needed) to ease the transition, rebuild confidence and prevent relapse. Our aim is for you to return not just safely—but sustainably.

What to do after a concussion

If you or someone you support has had a concussion, it’s important to take the injury seriously— even if symptoms seem mild at first. Early management can make a big difference in recovery.

  • Step 1: Prioritise rest. In the first 24 to 48 hours, allow the brain to rest. This includes limiting physical activity, screen time and mentally demanding tasks. Avoid activities that could risk another head injury.

  • Step 2: Seek medical advice. Always have a health professional assess the injury. A doctor or trained clinician can confirm a concussion diagnosis and check for any warning signs of more serious injury.

  • Step 3: Monitor symptoms. Watch for common symptoms like headaches, nausea, confusion, irritability and fatigue. If symptoms worsen or new ones appear—such as vomiting, seizures or trouble walking—seek urgent medical help.

  • Step 4: Gradually return to activity. Recovery should be step-by-step. Once symptoms begin to improve, gradually return to daily activities with support from a health professional. Don’t rush back to school, work or sport too quickly.

  • Step 5: Consider professional support. If symptoms continue or affect your ability to function, concussion rehabilitation services can help. Geneva Wellbeing can work with you to manage lingering symptoms, rebuild routines and support your return to work, study or daily life.

Testimonials

These inspiring stories have been shared by our Clients and Staff about the amazing work we do across New Zealand.

More Testimonials  

After my concussion, I was really struggling with headaches, fatigue and memory problems. I wasn’t sure how I’d get back to work or my normal life. Geneva Wellbeing’s team made all the difference — they listened, explained things clearly and supported me with a plan that actually worked for me.

Thanks to their specialist concussion service, I’ve regained my confidence and independence, and I’m back at work part-time. I can’t thank them enough for helping me get my life back on track.

Sarah

Geneva Wellbeing client

Enquiry

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.