Specialist assessment for concussion and whiplash
For referrers who want quick clarity in cases of suspected concussion or whiplash—persistent symptoms after head injury, or uncertainty about the role of neck injury—Art of Physio offers a specialised, structured pathway.
We work with GPs, medical specialists, legal professionals, sports clubs, sports coaches, and sports massage therapists who want to refer directly for assessment, guidance, and a safe, graded return to activity.
For which referrers is this page intended?
This page is intended for professionals and organisations who need a fast, substantive assessment for head injury and subsequent symptoms.
Art of Physio works with:
- GPs
- medical specialists
- lawyers / personal injury specialists
- sports clubs
- sports coaches
- sports massage therapists
A referral is appropriate when additional clarity is needed about the nature of the symptoms, the role of the neck, load tolerance, or the progression towards sport, study, and work.
When is referral useful?
- in cases of suspected concussion or mild traumatic brain injury
- in cases of persistent symptoms after head injury
- in cases of headache, dizziness, or nausea after impact
- in cases of neck pain or symptoms consistent with combined neck injury
- in cases of problems with focus, visual load, or sensory processing
- in cases of uncertainty about load tolerance or return-to-play
- in cases of relapse during the build-up towards sport, study, or work
Especially when recovery is not progressing as expected, a targeted assessment helps to more quickly distinguish between concussion, neck injury, or a combination of both.
Why is early referral important?
With concussion or whiplash, early assessment often makes the difference. When symptoms are not properly mapped out in time, uncertainty about load tolerance, recovery pace, and next steps develops more quickly.
Early referral helps to:
- determine the right direction sooner
- limit unnecessary delays in recovery
- prevent overloading or underloading
- better support graded progression
- create clarity for the patient, athlete, and involved professionals
our approach
Art of Physio works assessment-first. The first step is a focused evaluation of the full symptom picture, with attention to cause, limitations, and load tolerance.
During the intake, we perform an assessment to clarify the underlying cause and to create a plan.
Depending on the clinical question, the assessment may include:
- symptoms and recovery course
- neck and cervical involvement
- balance and coordination
- visual load
- load tolerance of the brain and nervous system
- progression towards sport, study, and work
This broad approach is relevant because symptoms after head injury cannot always be explained solely by concussion or whiplash. The neck often plays an important role in both the symptom presentation and recovery.
Stina Sachse, fysiotherapist / concussion specialist
Nicolette van Wijk,
burn-out / concussion specialist
What can you, as a referrer, expect from us?
For referrers, good collaboration is about clarity, speed, and a concrete plan. That’s why the pathway is focused on outcomes that are practically applicable.
Art of Physio focuses on:
- a sharp initial assessment
- distinguishing between concussion, whiplash, or a combination
- a concrete plan for guidance and graded progression
- support with return-to-play and load tolerance
- clear alignment where needed
The goal is not only to reduce symptoms, but above all to function well again in daily life: what is going on, what is sensible, and what does a responsible progression look like.
Collaboration with medical referrers and the sports environment
Good care for concussion and neck injury requires collaboration. That’s why Art of Physio aligns with the referrer’s question and with the context in which recovery takes place.
This may involve coordination with:
- GPs
- medical specialists
- other treating clinicians
- sports clubs and medical staff
- sports coaches
- sports massage therapists
For sports clubs, this collaboration can also be broader than individual care—for example, rapid triage after an incident, clear care pathways, and better-supported decision-making around return-to-play.
Situations where a referral is appropriate
A referral to Art of Physio is appropriate in cases of:
- suspected concussion after sports-related trauma or head injury
- symptoms that do not follow a normal recovery course
- persistent headache, dizziness, or sensory overload
- neck symptoms in combination with complaints after head impact
- recurrent symptoms during return to training, study, or work
- uncertainty about load tolerance or return to sport
- the need for a specialised second opinion or additional assessment
Practical referral
For a fast and targeted start, it helps if the referral clearly states:
- what happened
- when the symptoms started
- how recovery has progressed so far
- which examinations or treatments have already been done
- what the specific question for Art of Physio is
This makes it easier to start the pathway quickly and with a clear clinical focus.
Official partner of:
Frequently asked questions
For whom is this page?
For referrers: GPs, medical specialists, personal injury experts, lawyers, sports clubs, sports coaches, and sports massage therapists.
When is referral to Art of Physio appropriate?
Can GPs and medical specialists refer directly?
Yes. GPs and medical specialists can refer directly for assessment, guidance, and graded progression.
This can be done via this link.
Can sports clubs, coaches, and sports massage therapists also refer?
What happens during the first appointment?
The first appointment consists of an intake and assessment, focused on clarifying the cause, limitations, and next steps.
Does Art of Physio only look at concussion and whiplash?
No. We also assess the role of neck injury, balance, visual load, and functional load tolerance.
Is referral only relevant for athletes?
No. A referral is also relevant for other people with symptoms after head injury, especially when recovery is delayed or the symptom presentation is complex.
Is collegial consultation possible?
Yes. Referrers can contact us for professional consultation or to refer directly.
For referrers, it is important to get quick clarity on the cause, load tolerance, and next steps.
Art of Physio provides a specialised assessment, a clear plan, and practical graded progression.
