Common sports injury concerns we treat
- Pain that limits walking, lifting, or sleep
- Stiffness, swelling, or reduced range of motion
- Sports injuries — acute or overuse
- Arthritis or post-traumatic joint changes
- Conditions other doctors couldn't resolve
Sports Medicine · Conditions A–Z
Concussion / Post-Concussion Syndrome head-impact injury
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body, common in contact sports and falls — most resolve in weeks, some develop persistent post-concussion symptoms. Same-day or next-day evaluations across eight LA-area offices.
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Experts in sports injury care.
Surgical and non-surgical options at LAOSS.
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What sets LAOSS apart
- Same- or next-day appointments at eight Los Angeles–area offices
- On-site imaging; PT coordinated with your in-network provider
- Conservative-first care, surgery only when needed
- Board-certified specialists, not generalists
Key takeaways
- Concussion / Post-Concussion Syndrome is one of many sports injury conditions our specialists evaluate every day.
- Most concussions resolve over days to weeks with a short period of physical and cognitive rest followed by a stepwise return to activity.
- Never return to play the same day — our sports medicine team runs the graduated return-to-play protocol and provides clearance.
- On-site imaging at most offices and same-day appointments across eight Los Angeles–area locations.
Overview
What is concussion / post-concussion syndrome?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body, common in contact sports and falls — most resolve in weeks, some develop persistent post-concussion symptoms. Symptoms can develop gradually or after a specific injury, so early evaluation matters when function starts to decline.
Concussion treatment is not surgical — it centers on 24 to 48 hours of relative physical and cognitive rest, then a gradual, symptom-guided return to school, work, and sport. No athlete should return to play the same day as a suspected concussion. Our sports medicine team manages the graduated return-to-play protocol, monitors symptoms at each step, and treats lingering problems — headaches, dizziness, visual and vestibular symptoms — when recovery stalls into post-concussion syndrome.
Below, we walk through the anatomy involved, the symptoms and causes we most often see, how we diagnose concussion / post-concussion syndrome, and the full range of treatment options — from the simplest to the most involved.
Patient education
Watch: Concussion
This is a serious brain injury. It happens when your brain bumps back and forth violently inside your skull. A concussion can affect the way your brain functions. It can cause permanent problems.
Animations licensed from ViewMedica · Swarm Interactive
Sports injuries can affect any joint — cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and bone.
Anatomy
Inside a concussion.
Sports injuries can affect any joint, but they share a common pattern: a sudden overload or repetitive stress that exceeds what the tissue can absorb. The damaged tissue might be cartilage, a ligament, a tendon, a meniscus, or bone. Our sports medicine team treats the injury — and just as importantly, finds the mechanics or training load that caused it so it doesn't come back.
Self-orient
When concussion / post-concussion syndrome shows up.
Symptoms
Common symptoms
- Headache, dizziness, or balance problems
- Confusion, slowed thinking, or memory issues
- Light or noise sensitivity
- Sleep disturbance, irritability, or mood changes
Causes
Common causes
- Sports collisions (football, soccer, hockey)
- Falls — especially in older adults and children
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Whiplash-type acceleration without direct head impact
Diagnostics
How we diagnose concussion / post-concussion syndrome
You want answers, fast — and we're built to give them. Most patients leave their first LAOSS visit with a clear diagnosis and a written plan, not another referral chain.
Here's what your initial visit for concussion / post-concussion syndrome typically looks like:
- Detailed history — when it started, what makes it better or worse, what you've already tried
- Focused neurological exam — balance, eye movements, memory and concentration screening
- Symptom scoring to set a baseline we track at every follow-up; CT or MRI only when red flags suggest a more serious injury
- A written plan for rest, recovery milestones, and graduated return to school, work, and sport, in plain English
Schedule your evaluation with a trusted Greater Los Angeles orthopedic expert today.
Treatment options
How we treat concussion / post-concussion syndrome at LAOSS
Once we've confirmed the diagnosis, the next step is matching the right treatment to your situation. We start with the least-invasive option that fits — and escalate only when it doesn't.
Conservative care
Step 1Acute concussion care
The first days set the trajectory — relative rest, symptom management, and close follow-up.
- Immediate removal from play — no same-day return to sport
- 24–48 hours of relative physical and cognitive rest
- Headache and sleep management
- Light, symptom-guided activity afterward — strict prolonged rest delays recovery
Surgical care
When neededRecovery & return to play
A stepwise, monitored progression back to full activity — with treatment for symptoms that linger.
- Graduated return-to-play protocol with clearance at each stage
- Return to school or work before return to sport
- Vestibular and visual therapy for persistent dizziness
- Treatment of coexisting neck (whiplash-type) injury
- Referral for neurocognitive testing when symptoms persist
Surgeon expertise
Why experience matters.
Why experience matters
Sports injury care is highly technique-dependent. Volume, training, and judgment together determine the outcome you actually feel six months later.
- Precise diagnosis from imaging and exam
- Conservative-first care that avoids unnecessary surgery
- Surgical technique refined over thousands of cases
- On-site imaging + coordinated PT through your in-network provider
The LAOSS approach
Our sports injury specialists move stepwise — start with the least-invasive option that fits your situation, escalate only when it doesn't.
- Same-day imaging at most offices
- PT coordinated in your insurance network
- Board-certified surgeons performing the procedures themselves
- Direct access to your specialist between visits
Candidacy
Am I a candidate?
If most of these match your situation, an evaluation with a sports injury specialist is the next step.
You may be
You may be a candidate if
These signs typically point toward an in-person evaluation with a sports injury specialist.
- Pain or stiffness in the sports injury that lasts more than a few days
- Swelling, instability, or noticeable change in function
- Symptoms that limit walking, lifting, sleep, or work
- Previous treatment that didn't fully resolve the problem
- Imaging or exam findings that suggest an underlying issue
Evaluation
What evaluation includes
Your first visit is built to give you an answer the same day, not just another referral.
- Detailed history — onset, mechanism, what makes it better or worse
- Hands-on exam focused on the affected joint or region
- On-site imaging at most offices (X-ray, ultrasound)
- Clear plan with options ranging from conservative to surgical
- Same-day or next-day scheduling for any follow-up tests
ImportantGo to the emergency room for concussion red flags: worsening headache, repeated vomiting, slurred speech, one pupil larger than the other, increasing confusion or drowsiness, weakness or numbness, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
Recovery
Your sports injury recovery roadmap.
Recovery is rarely a straight line — but a clear plan with measurable milestones makes the path predictable.
01Days 0–14
Right after care
In the first two weeks we focus on protecting the sports injury, calming inflammation, and restoring basic motion.
- Activity modification with clear do/don't guidance
- Ice, elevation, and pain control as needed
- Gentle range-of-motion within safe limits
- Follow-up scheduled to track healing
02Weeks 2–8
Rehabilitation
Targeted physical therapy rebuilds strength, mobility, and confidence in the sports injury.
- Progressive strengthening and neuromuscular work
- Manual therapy and soft-tissue treatment
- Sport- or job-specific movement re-training
- Coordinated PT through your in-network provider
03Months 2+
Long-term care
Once function is restored, the focus shifts to keeping you there — and catching any recurrence early.
- Return-to-activity plan with measured benchmarks
- Home program tailored to your sport or job
- Maintenance visits or imaging if symptoms change
- Direct line back to your specialist if needed
Risks & considerations
What to weigh before you decide.
We talk through the risks and benefits with every patient — informed consent is a conversation, not a form.
General
General considerations
Every orthopedic intervention carries a small set of standard risks. We screen, prepare, and monitor for these on every patient.
- Infection (rare with modern technique and prophylaxis)
- Bleeding or bruising at the treatment site
- Reaction to anesthesia or medications
- Need for additional procedures in some cases
Specific
Sports injury-specific considerations
Some risks are tied to the structures we're treating in the sports injury. We discuss these in detail at your visit so you can weigh them against the benefits.
- Temporary stiffness or weakness during recovery
- Incomplete pain relief in a small percentage of cases
- Nerve or vessel irritation near the treatment area
- Need for follow-up therapy to fully restore function
Your care team
Meet our sports injury doctors in the Greater Los Angeles area
At LAOSS, our sports injury specialists combine advanced surgical expertise with a patient-first approach. From minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to joint replacement and arthritis management, our physicians bring decades of experience to every case. Trusted across Los Angeles, our team is dedicated to restoring mobility, relieving pain, and helping you return to the activities you love.
Specialists
Meet your sports injury specialists.
4 providers
About this care
Reliable Concussion / Post-Concussion Syndrome pain relief starts here
Don't let concussion / post-concussion syndrome be something you just power through. At LAOSS, expert care is close to home. With same- or next-day appointments at multiple Los Angeles locations, you'll never wait weeks or months for answers. Our team offers comprehensive treatment from diagnosis through recovery. Whether you need return-to-play clearance, treatment for lingering headaches and dizziness, or vestibular therapy, you'll receive coordinated, personalized care every step of the way.
Call or schedule online today to begin your recovery with a trusted sports injury specialist in Los Angeles. Relief, confidence, and renewed strength are within reach.
FAQ
Common concussion / post-concussion syndrome questions
- Concussion is a clinical diagnosis — there is no single test. We use a detailed history, a neurological exam, and balance, eye-movement, and cognitive screening. CT or MRI is ordered only when red flags suggest a more serious injury; a normal scan does not rule out concussion.
- Never the same day. After an initial period of rest, we guide a graduated return-to-play protocol — light aerobic activity, sport-specific drills, non-contact practice, full-contact practice, then competition — advancing only when each stage stays symptom-free. Most athletes are back within a few weeks, and our sports medicine team provides the medical clearance schools and leagues require.
- If sports injury pain lasts more than a few days, limits movement, or interferes with daily activities, it's time to see a doctor. Sudden injuries, swelling, or weakness should be evaluated right away.
- If you have a PPO plan, no referral is needed — book directly with any of our specialists. HMO plans require a referral from your PCP. If you are unsure, call us at (323) 264-7600 and our team will walk you through it.
Ready when you are
Don't wait on pain.
Book a visit with a sports injury specialist at any of our eight Los Angeles–area offices.
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