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Strengthening Your Neck: The Key to Reducing Sports-Related Head and Neck Injuries Including Concussion

  • September 8, 2025
  • Dean Phelps

Want fewer head knocks and a longer playing career? Start with your neck.

Sports-related head and neck injuries — including concussions — are one of the biggest threats to athletes at every level. Whether you’re smashing tackles in rugby, heading the ball in soccer, or taking hits in footy, your neck is your first line of defence.

Good news? You can train it.

Recent research shows that simply strengthening your neck could reduce your concussion risk by up to 70%. Here’s how, why, and what to do next.

The Science Is In: Strong Necks = Fewer Injuries

A systematic review in Sports Medicine found a direct link between neck strength and reduced head and neck injury rates. For every extra pound of neck strength, concussion risk dropped by 5%.

Why? Because a strong neck stabilises your head during impact. It acts like a built-in shock absorber, reducing that violent whip that rattles your brain in contact sports.

A weak neck? It’s like driving without a seatbelt.

Proven Wins from Neck Training

Studies from high school to pro-level sport show consistent results:

• 70% drop in head and neck injuries with regular neck training
• Rugby players saw a significant drop in concussions after adding pre-season and in-season neck work
•  High school athletes showed dramatic reductions in sports-related concussions after neck-focused strength programs

It’s not hype. It’s high-performance injury prevention.

Who Needs Neck Strength the Most?

Everyone. But especially:

• Female athletes – higher concussion rates, possibly due to lower neck strength
• Teenage athletes – still developing neck and core strength
•  Anyone with a concussion history – because one makes you more likely to have another

This is a no-brainer (pun intended).

5 Neck-Strengthening Moves You Can Start Today

  1. Isometric Holds
    Push your head against your hand (front, back, sides) and hold for 10–15 seconds. Repeat.

  2. Neck Bridges
    Lie on your back, feet flat. Gently lift your head and upper back off the floor. Hold, lower, repeat.

  3. Resistance Band Presses
    Loop a band around a post and your forehead. Push forward, backward, and side-to-side against the tension.

  4. Shoulder Shrugs
    Grab dumbbells. Shrug your shoulders up toward your ears, squeeze, and lower with control.

  5. Neck Extensions
    Tilt your head slowly back, then return to neutral. Controlled reps only — no jerky movements.

This Is Where We Come In

At Fighting Fit Physiotherapy, we don’t just rehab injuries — we prevent them. Our team can build you a custom neck-strengthening plan, tailored to your sport, history, and goals.

Whether you’re chasing footy finals or just want to keep your brain safe, we’re here to help you stay in the game — safely.

 Book your neck screening today. Your future self will thank you.

 

Dean Phelps

Dean Phelps is the founding owner and senior physiotherapist at Fighting Fit Physiotherapy. He has a special interest in the highest physiotherapy care which focuses on progressive, results based treatments that ensures patients meet their goals, move optimally and enhance their health.

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Fighting Fit Physiotherapy is located at 3 / 25 Brendan Dr, Nerang, Gold Coast, QLD, 4211

Call Now: 0402 938 661

Email: admin@fightingfitphysio.com.au

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At Fighting Fit Physiotherapy, we recognise the impacts that pain and dysfunction can have on one’s personal and professional life. We are committed as primary healthcare professionals to help our clients resume their lifelong pursuit of health and well-being.

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Brenda Samosa
05:52 07 Nov 24
I had a really bad shoulder and had been seeing a different physio for 3 months (from a different place) I got told Tyson was good. After just a few sessions the movement was coming back. I’m 66 and was worried I would have to stop surfing. But with a lot of help from Tyson I’m back in the waves ( thank you so so much)
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Cyana Ferguson
08:16 30 Oct 24
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Steve Harris
22:33 15 Oct 24
Great team, all friendly, super helpful and first class clinical advice and a big shout out to my Physio Noah with my shoulder issue
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Andrea Bell
05:33 19 Sep 24
These guys are the best in the biz 🎉
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Ryan Brockett
04:20 18 Sep 24
Shout out to Max from fighting fit physio. He helped me out massively straight after shoulder surgery and back into work and sports in no time. Couldn’t recommend anyone better!
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Scotty
08:31 31 Jul 24
Five star service from Max & the team!
Professional & very thorough, you know that patient outcomes are of the highest priority.
I highly recommend this business.
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Riley Wilson
08:27 14 Jul 24
Be AWARE they’ll immediately try to commit you to multiple follow up sessions after your initial consultation. This happened to me and then I later found out that as it just so happens, they have a cancellation policy that says you have to pay 100% of the consultation fee for cancelling. They failed to tell me this when they were pushy in committing me to 6 sessions after my consult, so that was a really nice little surprise.

I was already uncomfortable with how pushy they were in having me commit to so many sessions, so when I heard about the policy I just cancelled all together. So, I can’t speak further to the quality of their service throughout therapy phase. FYI this was also a few months ago now, it’s possible (though unlikely) they may have changed the policy. Just ask the question.
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Megan Shelley
06:51 03 May 24
Fighting Fit Physiotherapy is hands down the best physio I've encountered. Having tried multiple physios for various injuries, I always find myself coming back to them. Their expertise consistently exceeds expectations, helping me get back to my sport faster than I thought possible. Their personalized approach and attention to detail make all the difference. I could not recommend a better or more exceptional physio team!
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Gina Matthews
08:41 24 Mar 23
Can't recommend this place high enough. I was in so much pain with my knee an had been for months through advise an exercises I'm now looking forward to returning to gym an back riding my horses in endurance thank you so much
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Courtney Halse
01:36 29 Nov 22
Kyle was knowledgeable, personable and professional. He saw me through my second pregnancy and continued to work with me until 6 months post partum on issues with my back. Would recommend anyone to go and see him.

Also shout out to Georgia on the front desk. She makes you feel welcome and brings a sense of warmth to the place!
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Alli Davenport
08:07 04 Nov 22
After hip replacement surgery in February I wanted toget back into weight training legs, I started with Mitch 18 weeks ago and after a lot of hard work and sweat I am able to safely train again, I cannot thank Mitch enough for his support,encouragement and knowledge. The staff are friendly and helpful and I always looked forward to my session's
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Robert Parkinson
10:50 15 Aug 22
This is the second time I have been treated by the team at FFP.
As a health professional myself I have been impressed with the level of care I have received from all members of the team.
The personalised treatment and rehabilitation programs have produced excellent results and I have completed both programs pain free and feeling stronger than before my injuries.
During the program there was constant communication and follow up and they were very accommodating with my work schedule.
All in all it was a very holistic experience and I would highly recommend the service.
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Kiri Canavan
07:30 08 Jun 22
Tyson was amazing! We came up with an 8 week plan at my first consultation with weekly check ins and updates to exercises. 8 weeks later, I am pain free and able to train harder than ever. Highly recommend and the staff are all fantastic and super accomodating!

Schedule an appointment with us today and discover the exceptional care that awaits you.

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Fighting Fit Physiotherapy provides the ultimate physiotherapy experience! No matter what type of injury or condition you suffer, we strive for all our patients to be ‘Fighting Fit’ and achieve peak performance in their sport and everyday life.

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Proudly Serving The Gold Coast for over 12 years.

Fighting Fit Physiotherapy Nerang Gold Coast

fighting fit
physiotherapy

call 0402 938 661

Fighting Fit Physiotherapy provides the ultimate physiotherapy experience! No matter what type of injury or condition you suffer, we strive for all our patients to be ‘fighting fit’ and achieve peak performance in their sport and everyday life.

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OUR SERVICES

  • Physiotherapy
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Women’s Health Physio
  • Tele Health
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  • VO2 Max Test
  • Resting Metabolic Rate Testing
  • NDIS Physio
  • Veterans DVA Program
  • Workcover Injury Treatment
  • Physiotherapy
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Women’s Health Physio
  • Tele Health
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • VO2 Max Test
  • Resting Metabolic Rate Testing
  • NDIS Physio
  • Veterans DVA Program
  • Workcover Injury Treatment

OPENING HOURS

Monday6:30am–8:00pm
Tuesday6:30am–8:00pm
Wednesday6:30am–8:00pm
Thursday6:30am–8:00pm
Friday6:30am–8:00pm
Saturday  CLOSED
Sunday  CLOSED

Our Location

3/25 Brendan Dr, Nerang QLD 4211

Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use

Fighting Fit Physiotherapy Nerang Gold Coast

fighting fit
physiotherapy

GOLD COAST PHYSIO

Fighting Fit Physiotherapy provides the ultimate physiotherapy experience! No matter what type of injury or condition you suffer, we strive for all our patients to be ‘fighting fit’ and achieve peak performance in their sport and everyday life.

Privacy Policy

Terms Of Use

Our Location

3/25 Brendan Dr, Nerang QLD 4211

Follow us on social

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OUR SERVICES

  • Physiotherapy
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Women’s Health Physio
  • Tele Health
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • VO2 Max Test
  • Resting Metabolic Rate Testing
  • NDIS Physio
  • Veterans DVA Program
  • Workcover Injury Treatment
  • Physiotherapy
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Women’s Health Physio
  • Tele Health
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • VO2 Max Test
  • Resting Metabolic Rate Testing
  • NDIS Physio
  • Veterans DVA Program
  • Workcover Injury Treatment

OPENING HOURS

Monday6:30am–8:00pm
Tuesday6:30am–8:00pm
Wednesday6:30am–8:00pm
Thursday6:30am–8:00pm
Friday6:30am–8:00pm
Saturday  CLOSED
Sunday  CLOSED

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