#035 Sports medicine/physio series - Concussion rehabilitation with Dr Julia Treleaven

Episode Title: Concussion Rehabilitation with Dr. Julia Treleaven

🎙 Host: Carolyn Kent
🎙 Guest: Dr. Julia Treleaven, Associate Professor at the University of Queensland and Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists

🔹 Episode Overview:
In this episode of the Women's Football Hub podcast, host Carolyn Kent speaks with Dr. Julia Treleaven, a leading researcher in neck dysfunction, post-concussion rehabilitation, and sensory motor control. With over 150 publications and extensive clinical experience, Dr. Treleaven provides expert insights into concussion rehabilitation, return-to-play protocols, and long-term brain health in athletes.

🔹Key Topics Discussed:
✅ What happens during a concussion – beyond a direct blow to the head
✅ The key signs and symptoms players, coaches, and clinicians should watch for
✅ Differences in concussion response between male and female athletes
✅ Why complete rest in a dark room is outdated advice
✅ The role of aerobic exercise in early recovery
✅ How the neck, vestibular, and visual systems influence symptoms
✅ The rehabilitation process – screening, treatment, and return to play
✅ The link between concussion and musculoskeletal injuries like ACL tears
✅ The importance of multidisciplinary care in concussion management
✅ The latest research on long-term concussion risks

🔹 Key Takeaways for Clinicians & Coaches:
💡 “If in doubt, sit them out.” – When unsure about a concussion, always prioritise safety
💡 Rehab is essential – Concussion is a rehabilitative injury, not just a rest-and-recover issue
💡 The neck matters! – Strength, proprioception, and coordination play a huge role in reducing concussion risk
💡 Multiple concussions increase risk – Time between injuries matters, and rehabilitation must be thorough
💡 Check for subtle impairments – Even when symptoms resolve, reaction time, balance, and vision may still be affected

🔹 Resources Mentioned:
📌 Parachute Canada – Concussion guidelines for youth athletes https://parachute.ca
📌 Headway UK – Brain injury and concussion resources https://www.headway.org.uk
📌 FIFA Concussion Guidelines – Latest protocols for footballers https://inside.fifa.com/campaigns/concussion

🔹 Connect with Dr. Julia Treleaven:
🐦 Twitter/X: @JuliaTreleaven
🌍 University Profile: University of Queensland

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🌐 Website: www.womensfootballhub.com