Concussion Care isn’t one size fits all

Concussion Care Isn’t One‑Size‑Fits‑All

Understanding the Difference Between Standard Concussion Care and the Carrick Institute Model

Concussion is often described as a “mild” brain injury — but for many people, the symptoms are anything but mild. Headaches, dizziness, brain fog, fatigue, balance problems, light sensitivity, and difficulty concentrating can linger for weeks or even months.

If you’ve been told to “just rest and wait,” you’re not alone. That advice reflects the traditional or standard approach to concussion care, which is still common across Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty. However, newer models of care — including the Carrick Institute approach — take a very different path.

This article explains the key differences in a clear, patient‑friendly way.

The Standard Concussion Care Model

“Rest, Monitor, and Gradually Return”

Most concussion care in New Zealand follows international guidelines that focus on:

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Initial rest (physical and cognitive)
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Monitoring symptoms
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Gradual return to activity
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Referral only if symptoms persist
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What This Looks Like in Practice

Advice to rest and avoid screens, exercise, or work

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Pain relief for headaches
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General reassurance that symptoms will settle

A “wait and see” approach over weeks

Referral to specialists only if recovery stalls

Strengths of This Model

Appropriate for simple, short‑term concussions

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Reduces risk of early re‑injury
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Easy to apply across large populations
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Limitations

Assumes the brain will self‑correct without targeted input

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Does not identify why symptoms persist
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Treats concussion as a single condition rather than multiple subtypes

Limited objective testing of brain function

Can leave patients feeling stuck, frustrated, or unheard

For many people, symptoms resolve within a few weeks. But for others, recovery plateaus — and that’s where this model often falls short.

The Carrick Institute Model

“Assess, Identify, and Actively Rehabilitate”

The Carrick Institute approach views concussion as a functional neurological injury, not just a temporary disruption. Instead of waiting for symptoms to fade, this model asks a different question:

Which brain systems are not working properly — and how do we retrain them?

Key Principles

The brain is adaptable and trainable (neuroplasticity)

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Concussion affects people differently
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Persistent symptoms usually reflect specific neurological dysfunctions

Targeted rehabilitation can speed and improve recovery

How the Carrick Model Is Different

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 Detailed Functional Brain Assessment
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Rather than relying only on symptom checklists, this approach uses objective testing to assess:

Eye movements and visual processing; visual suppression

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Balance and postural control
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Autonomic function, sleep, affect- how it affects you

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Reaction time and coordination
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Sensory integration
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Cognitive load tolerance
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This helps identify which brain networks are underperforming.

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 Concussion Is Sub‑Typed
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Not all concussions are the same. The Carrick model recognises patterns such as:

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Vestibular‑dominant concussion
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Visual‑motor dysfunction
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Cervical‑driven symptoms
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Autonomic nervous system imbalance
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Cognitive fatigue patterns
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Understanding the subtype allows treatment to be specific rather than generic.

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 Active, Targeted Rehabilitation
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Instead of prolonged rest, patients are guided through:

Eye movement and visual tracking exercises

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Balance and vestibular retraining
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Controlled movement and coordination tasks

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Cognitive‑motor integration
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Gradual nervous system loading
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Everything is dosed carefully to stimulate recovery without overwhelming the brain.

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 Objective Progress Tracking
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Progress is measured using repeatable tests, not just symptom reports. This allows:

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Clear markers of improvement
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Adjustments to care based on response
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Confidence that recovery is moving forward

 Earlier Intervention for Persistent Symptoms

Rather than waiting months before escalating care, this model supports early assessment when recovery isn’t progressing as expected.

Side‑by‑Side Comparison

Standard Concussion Care	Carrick Institute Model
Rest‑focused	Active rehabilitation
Symptom‑based	Function‑based
One general pathway	Individualised care
Limited testing	Detailed neurological assessment
Wait‑and‑see	Identify and retrain
Best for short‑term recovery	Designed for persistent or complex cases

Why This Matters for Patients in Tauranga

In the Bay of Plenty, many people with concussion are active — working, parenting, playing sport, or managing busy lives. When symptoms linger, being told to “just give it more time” can feel disempowering.

The Carrick Institute model offers an alternative for those who:

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Aren’t improving as expected
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Have ongoing dizziness, headaches, or brain fog

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Feel limited by persistent symptoms
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Want a clearer explanation of what’s happening

The Takeaway

Both models have a place in concussion care.

Standard care works well for straightforward cases that recover quickly.

The Carrick Institute approach is designed for people who need deeper answers and targeted rehabilitation.

If concussion recovery feels stalled, it may not be about time — it may be about finding the right neurological inputs to help the brain heal.

David Wellington – I graduated from New Zealand College of Chiropractic and recently completed a Musculoskeletal Management Diploma from Christchurch College of Orthopedics (Otago University). My interests as I get older I am focusing falls prevention, and as I look back its to help younger patients who are having trouble reading, learning and achieving academically.

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