The Concussion Nerds Podcast Natasha Wilch

Today, we're diving into a topic that's close to my heart: the myth that there is only one path to healing. As a physical therapist who specializes in concussions, I've seen too often how detrimental it can be when patients are told, "This is as good as it gets." Let's explore why this mindset needs to change and how embracing a holistic, multi-faceted approach can make all the difference in your recovery journey.
Many people, including clinicians, fall into the trap of thinking that once traditional treatments have been exhausted, there’s no hope for further improvement. This is a dangerous and disheartening message that can stifle a patient's belief in their own capacity to heal and grow.
Being told that your current state is your "new normal" can feel like a punch to the gut. It can sap your motivation, make you feel hopeless, and ultimately halt your progress. The truth is, healing is not linear and often requires exploring various methods and therapies. As clinicians, it's our duty to support this journey, not limit it.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
In this episode, you’ll learn:
👉The importance of a holistic approach in concussion recovery.
👉Why saying "this is as good as it gets" can be detrimental to patient progress.
👉Various alternative therapies that can support healing beyond traditional methods.
👉How to maintain hope and motivation throughout your healing journey
Let’s connect!
 
Instagram:@natasha.wilch
Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com
SIGN UP FOR MINI-SCHOOL HERE: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school
Be the FIRST to know all the information for our upcoming CONCUSSION NERDS VIRTUAL SUMMIT this fall by joining the waitlist HERE https://www.natashawilch.com/summit-waitlist
 

Have you considered the impact a concussion could have on your hormones?
 
It's easy to overlook, but concussions can lead to significant hormonal changes in men. If you're experiencing unexplained symptoms after a head injury, there's a chance they could be hormone-related.
 
While common concussion symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or cognitive issues are well known, hormonal imbalances may not be on your radar. Understanding these connections could be key to finding the right treatment and support.
 
On today's episode, we explore the link between concussions and hormone changes in men. Although research is limited, we share what we know, including studies on growth hormone and testosterone deficiencies after a head injury. The effects of these imbalances can be wide-ranging, impacting everything from energy levels to mood, and even muscle tone.
 
In this episode, you’ll learn:
👉 How concussions can lead to growth hormone and testosterone deficiencies in men
👉 The common symptoms associated with these hormone deficiencies
👉 The importance of seeking specialized testing and treatment for hormone-related issues
👉 How functional medicine or naturopathic care can help with hormone imbalances
 
Hormonal changes after a concussion are a complex topic with many potential causes and symptoms. Tune in to learn about the importance of proper testing and why a holistic approach to treatment can make a big difference in recovery. Don't miss this episode if you or someone you know is dealing with the aftermath of a concussion. It could be the missing piece to the puzzle.
 
Let’s connect!
 
Instagram:@natasha.wilch
Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com
Episode Sponsor: JANE APP
To learn more about how Jane’s intake forms can help, head to jane.app/guide to book a 1-on-1 demo with a member of their team. If you’re ready to get started, you can use the code SYMPHONY1MO at the time of sign-up to get a 1-month grace period applied to your new account.
 
SIGN UP FOR MINI-SCHOOL HERE: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school
Be the FIRST to know all the information for our upcoming CONCUSSION NERDS VIRTUAL SUMMIT this fall by joining the waitlist HERE https://www.natashawilch.com/summit-waitlist

Do you avoid certain activities because you fear an increase in concussion symptoms? Do you find yourself anxious about new experiences because you're worried about how your body will react? If you feel like your concussion symptoms are dictating your life, you're not alone—but there's a way to take back control.
 
Living with persistent concussion symptoms can be incredibly challenging. The symptoms can span physical, cognitive, and emotional realms, causing you to feel isolated, anxious, and even afraid of activities that used to be part of your everyday life. This can create a downward spiral, where fear leads to overthinking, which in turn triggers more symptoms.
 
It's time to shift the way you think about your symptoms. Instead of allowing them to control your life, what if you could see them as just another sensation? In this episode, Natasha Wilch, a registered physical therapist and concussion advocate, explains how somatic tracking can help you transform your relationship with your symptoms. By cultivating curiosity and trust in your body, you can start to break the cycle of fear and reclaim your freedom.
 
In this episode, you’ll learn:
👉 How fear of symptoms can create a positive feedback loop, leading to more symptoms and less freedom in your daily life.
👉 Why neuroplasticity can work against you if your brain starts associating certain symptoms with danger.
👉 The concept of somatic tracking and how it can help you shift your relationship with your symptoms.
👉 Practical tips for exploring your symptoms with curiosity, fun, and a sense of safety.



Let’s connect!
 
Instagram:@natasha.wilch
Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com
Episode Sponsor: JANE APP
To learn more about how Jane’s intake forms can help, head to jane.app/guide to book a 1-on-1 demo with a member of their team. If you’re ready to get started, you can use the code SYMPHONY1MO at the time of sign-up to get a 1-month grace period applied to your new account.
 
SIGN UP FOR MINI-SCHOOL HERE: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school
Be the FIRST to know all the information for our upcoming CONCUSSION NERDS VIRTUAL SUMMIT this fall by joining the waitlist HERE https://www.natashawilch.com/summit-waitlist

Are you leveraging technology to maximize your effectiveness as a clinician, or are you concerned about its impact on patient care and outcomes?
 
Many clinicians worry that technology might replace human touch and empathy in healthcare. They're also unsure whether technology is necessary for effective concussion rehabilitation, or if it’s just another costly add-on with little value.
 
If you’re hesitant to embrace technology in your practice, you might be missing out on valuable insights that can greatly enhance patient outcomes. While it's true that bedside skills and human empathy are irreplaceable, technology can complement and deepen your assessments, providing a more comprehensive picture of patient needs.
 
In this episode, I’ll explore the benefits of integrating technology into concussion rehabilitation while maintaining a focus on empathy and clinical reasoning. I’ll discuss key pieces of technology, like VOG (Video Oculography) goggles and NeuroCatch, and how they can provide critical insights that traditional methods might overlook.
 
In this episode, you’ll learn:
👉 Why technology can be an invaluable tool in concussion rehabilitation
👉 How to determine when it's time to add technology to your clinic
👉 What pieces of technology are most useful for clinicians working with concussion patients
👉 How technology and clinical expertise can work hand-in-hand to create effective treatment plans
 
Let’s connect!
 
Instagram:@natasha.wilch
Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com
If you’re a clinician who is ready to elevate your concussion confidence by becoming fluent in integrative concussion rehabilitation click HERE to join our upcoming FREE Masterclass
 
Be the FIRST to know all the information for our upcoming CONCUSSION NERDS VIRTUAL SUMMIT this fall by joining the waitlist HERE https://www.natashawilch.com/summit-waitlist
 
Episode Sponsor: JANE APP
To learn more about how Jane’s intake forms can help, head to jane.app/guide to book a 1-on-1 demo with a member of their team. If you’re ready to get started, you can use the code SYMPHONY1MO at the time of sign-up to get a 1-month grace period applied to your new account.
 

Are you experiencing prolonged concussion symptoms without understanding why? Do you know the potential impact of your menstrual cycle on concussion recovery?
 
Let's explore the connection between female hormones and concussion recovery. Research suggests that the timing of a concussion within the menstrual cycle can significantly affect symptom severity and recovery time.
 
In this episode, you’ll learn:
👉 The role of progesterone withdrawal in exacerbating concussion symptoms.
👉 How the timing of a concussion within the menstrual cycle can influence recovery.
👉 The potential impact of hormonal contraception on concussion recovery and cognitive function.
👉 The importance of asking clients about their menstrual cycle when assessing concussion.
 
Understanding the interplay between female hormones and concussion recovery is crucial for both clinicians and individuals navigating concussion symptoms. Until next time, take care and stay informed!




Let’s connect!
 
Instagram:@natasha.wilch
Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com
If you’re a clinician who is ready to elevate your concussion confidence by becoming fluent in integrative concussion rehabilitation click HERE to join our upcoming FREE Masterclass
 
Episode Sponsor: JANE APP
To learn more about how Jane’s intake forms can help, head to jane.app/guide to book a 1-on-1 demo with a member of their team. If you’re ready to get started, you can use the code SYMPHONY1MO at the time of sign-up to get a 1-month grace period applied to your new account.
 

Have you ever considered the impact of vision on your overall well-being, especially after a concussion?
 
Many people underestimate the significance of visual disturbances following a concussion, assuming that clear vision means everything is fine.
 
However, the truth is, functional vision and visual processing are often affected, leading to difficulties in tasks like reading, watching screens, and navigating busy environments. But fear not! By understanding the components of vision and implementing targeted strategies, we can effectively address these issues and facilitate recovery.
 
In this episode, you’ll learn:
👉 The misconception surrounding vision after a concussion and why it's crucial to assess functional vision beyond visual clarity.
👉 The various components of functional vision and how they contribute to post-concussion symptoms.
👉 Specific assessment tools and strategies for clinicians to evaluate and treat visual disturbances effectively.
👉 Practical management strategies for individuals experiencing visual symptoms, including palming, tracing, and binasal occlusion.
 
Whether you're a clinician seeking to enhance your understanding of visual rehabilitation or someone navigating post-concussion symptoms, addressing vision can be a game-changer in your recovery journey. Stay tuned for more insightful episodes, and until then, take care!
 
Let’s connect!
 
Instagram:@natasha.wilch
Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com
Episode Sponsor: JANE APP
To learn more about how Jane’s intake forms can help, head to jane.app/guide to book a 1-on-1 demo with a member of their team. If you’re ready to get started, you can use the code SYMPHONY1MO at the time