At Shannon Clinic – Melbourne Chiropractic and Sports Care, we specialize in the comprehensive assessment and management of sports-related concussions (SRC) and whiplash injuries, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach to optimize patient outcomes.
Understanding Sports-Related Concussion and Whiplash
Sports-related concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury resulting from a direct blow to the head, neck, face, or elsewhere on the body, transmitting impulsive force to the brain. This can lead to symptoms such as neck pain, headaches, dizziness, vertigo, unsteadiness, and blurred vision. These symptoms may arise from disruptions in the upper cervical spine’s motor control, postural, and vestibular-ocular systems.
Our Expertise
Dr. Nicholas Shannon, in collaboration with sports medicine physician Dr. Jon Patricios, co-authored a journal article highlighting the upper cervical spine’s role in concussion and the chiropractor’s contribution to SRC assessment and management. Published in December 2022 in Chiropractic and Manual Therapies, this work aims to pave the way for developing the first chiropractic SRC consensus statement. Dr. Shannon’s experience extends to working with concussed athletes and individuals suffering from whiplash injuries.
The Shannon Clinic – Melbourne Chiropractic and Sports Care uses a SRC cervical spine assessment protocol that was formulated by Dr. Shannon following the literature review for their paper This protocol can be used in athletes and patients with post concussion symptoms, persistent concussion symptoms and those who have suffered a whiplash injury to the cervical spine.
The Shannon Clinic – Melbourne Chiropractic and Sports Care Concussion/Whiplash Assessment Protocol
Our SRC cervical spine assessment protocol, developed by Dr. Shannon, is grounded in current evidence and evaluates:
Cervical Spine: Assessing range of motion, strength, and motor control to identify sources of neck pain and headaches.
Vestibular-Ocular Function: Evaluating gaze stability, saccadic and smooth pursuit eye movements, and conducting both static and dynamic balance assessments to address dizziness and visual disturbances.
Gait Analysis: Analyzing walking patterns to detect unsteadiness or protective gait adaptations.
Tailored Treatment Plans
Based on assessment findings, we develop individualized treatment programs that may include:
- Chiropractic Mobilization and Manipulation: Targeting the upper cervical spine to alleviate discomfort.
- Soft Tissue Therapy: Addressing muscular tension surrounding the neck.
- Rehabilitation Exercises: Focusing on enhancing positional sense, neck muscle strength, balance, and gait.
- Vestibular Rehabilitation: Implementing Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises to mitigate dizziness and improve visual stability.
We collaborate with other concussion specialists as needed, ensuring a multidisciplinary team approach for optimal recovery.
Contact Us
For more information or to schedule an assessment, please contact Shannon Clinic at Suite 9.16, Level 9, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000.
- Phone: 03 9041 9783
- Email: info@shannonclinic.com.au
Experience expert care in concussion and whiplash management at Shannon Clinic, where your health and well-being are our top priorities.