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Explore every episode of the podcast The Concussion Nerds Podcast

Dive into the complete episode list for The Concussion Nerds Podcast. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
EP 137: The Assessment Trap: Why Most Concussion Clinicians Are Treating Before They Fully Understand What They're Treating12 oct. 202600:29:25
Ever wonder if that breakthrough treatment plan you handed your client on day one is actually keeping them stuck on a recovery plateau?
If you're a clinician treating complex or persistent concussions, chances are you've felt the self-imposed pressure to deliver an immediate treatment plan during your very first session. It's easy to catch an obvious symptom—like neck tension or a headache—and start treating it right away, assuming you've found the root of the problem.
The reality? When we rush to treat the most obvious symptom before seeing the entire picture, we end up treating a compensation mechanism rather than the actual driver. This "assessment trap" leads to plateaued progress, frustrated clients, and wasted clinical effort. To break this cycle, clinicians must shift away from chasing individual symptoms and commit to a complete, multi-system assessment—even if that means taking two full sessions to map out what's truly driving your patient's presentation.
(Note: This is a pre-recorded episode, and the Fired Up About Concussion event mentioned in the audio has concluded.)
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:
  • What the "Assessment Trap" is and why clinician bias, educational conditioning, and patient pressure push us to treat too quickly.
  • Why symptoms like headaches are not drivers, and how subtle issues—like ocular instability or otolith dysfunction—can trigger cervical tension and dysautonomia.
  • The hidden connection of the myodural bridge and how suboccipital connective tissue impacts dural mobility and persistent neck pain.
  • How to implement the Two-Session Assessment Framework to set proper client expectations, eliminate first-visit pressure, and build a high-impact treatment plan that gets results.
Let's connect! Instagram: @natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/ Email: hello@natashawilch.com Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com   Want to deepen your concussion assessment and treatment skills? Learn more about the Concussion Nerds Fellowship here: https://www.concussionnerds.com/concussion-nerds-fellowship
EP 136: The Otolith Organs: The Most Underassessed Structure in Concussion Care11 oct. 202600:19:41

In this episode, we're taking a closer look at the otolith system, including the utricle and saccule, and how understanding their role can lead to more specific assessment and treatment. You'll learn what to look for when traditional vestibular testing doesn't fully explain a patient's symptoms and how to incorporate otolith screening into a more complete concussion assessment.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN:

  • How the otolith system supports balance, spatial orientation, eye stabilization, and postural control

  • Why otolith dysfunction can contribute to dizziness and symptoms with linear movement

  • The difference between utricle and saccule function and why it matters for rehabilitation

  • How to screen for otolith dysfunction using tools such as ocular counter-roll, skew deviation, subjective visual vertical, orthostatic vitals, and VEMP testing

A more complete vestibular assessment can help uncover the pieces of concussion recovery that are easy to miss.

Let's connect!

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

Want to deepen your concussion assessment and treatment skills? Learn more about the Concussion Nerds Fellowship here: https://www.concussionnerds.com/concussion-nerds-fellowship

EP 135: Reading the Nervous System: What HRV, Heart Rate, and Autonomic Signals Are Actually Telling You in Clinical Practice28 sept. 202600:29:55
Why are your concussion clients still struggling even after their symptoms have completely vanished?
You might be making the common mistake of basing a client's return to play or recovery timeline solely on symptom resolution, completely missing the invisible physiological dysfunction happening underneath.
Even when patients feel better, their autonomic nervous system often remains stuck in a sympathetic-dominant state, leaving them vulnerable to secondary injuries and persistent fatigue. In this episode, we dive deep into the science of autonomic health, how to use Heart Rate Variability (HRV) as a window into real physiological healing, and why creating a "safety effect" in rehab changes everything.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:
  • What HRV actually measures and why it is the go-to biomarker for concussion research and autonomic health.
  • How concussions cause autonomic dysregulation that lags far behind symptom resolution.
  • Alternative ways to spot autonomic dysfunction during your sessions when you don't have fancy wearable tech.
  • How to build autonomic literacy with your clients to foster self-efficacy without letting wearable tech override how they actually feel.
Tune in to master the "chapter two" of complex concussion care and elevate your clinical outcomes!   Want to take your complex concussion care to the next level? Join Natasha for the free "Fired Up About Concussion" live event on October 1st at 4:00 PM Pacific to work through a live case and grab your spot for the fall cohort (limited to 25 clinicians).   Register here: https://www.natashawilch.com/fired-up-for-concussion
EP 134: The Missing Medication Discussion22 sept. 202600:19:19

Could medication actually help support concussion recovery, or could it sometimes make things more complicated?

When you're dealing with persistent concussion symptoms, it can be easy to rely on medication without fully understanding what each medication is targeting or whether it's still needed. With multiple medications potentially being prescribed for different symptoms, keeping track of how they interact and affect recovery becomes especially important.

In this episode, we break down the role medications can play in concussion recovery, why they should be viewed as a tool alongside rehabilitation, and why understanding the purpose and effects of each medication matters.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN:

  • Why there is no medication that directly treats concussion and how medications are instead used to target specific symptoms
  • Common medication categories used for headaches, sleep, mood, cognitive symptoms, and autonomic issues
  • How medication overuse, side effects, and polypharmacy can complicate concussion recovery
  • Why understanding a patient's medications is important when assessing symptoms and planning rehabilitation

Medication can have a place in concussion recovery, but understanding what it is treating and working with your physician is key to making informed decisions.

Ready to raise your standard of care and stop hitting clinical ceilings?

Join the waitlist for the revamped Concussion Nerds Fellowship 2.0! Doors open this fall for our brand-new cohort, limited to just 25 clinicians. Joining isn't a commitment—it simply gives you first priority to claim your seat before they're gone.

👉 Join the Waitlist Here: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-nerds-waitlist

Let's connect!

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

EP 133: The Identity Thief: Who Are You When Concussion Takes What Defined You14 sept. 202600:23:39

Have you ever looked in the mirror after an injury and wondered where the "real you" went?

When a concussion strikes, we tend to pour all our energy into tracking physical symptoms and managing clinical protocols. But in doing so, we often ignore the quiet, devastating rupture happening beneath the surface: the sudden loss of your identity. Whether you were the early-bird athlete, the high-achieving professional, the dependable parent, or the life of the party, a brain injury can strip away those roles in a single day, leaving you feeling like a stranger to yourself.

Trying to force your way back into your old life—or rushing to find a "silver lining" before you've even processed the loss—only leaves you feeling isolated, stuck in limbo, and drowning in invisible guilt. True healing requires more than just symptom management; it requires the space to mourn who you were so you can discover who you're becoming. In this episode, host Natasha breaks down the messy, unspoken emotional side of concussion recovery and shares a practical framework to help you rebuild a meaningful identity on your own terms.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • Why identity loss after a concussion is a direct physical and emotional consequence of brain injury, not just a psychological reaction.

  • The 5 identity archetypes most impacted by concussion—and why pushing through symptoms actually traps the "resilient" personality type.

  • The 4 stages of identity reconstruction and how to navigate "Suspension," the awkward in-between phase where most recovery journeys stall out.

  • Practical strategies to anchor your recovery in core values, adjust your sense of contribution, and properly grieve your old self.

Hit play to step out of the recovery limbo and start reclaiming your narrative today!

Ready to raise your standard of care and stop hitting clinical ceilings?

Join the waitlist for the revamped Concussion Nerds Fellowship 2.0! Doors open this fall for our brand-new cohort, limited to just 25 clinicians. Joining isn't a commitment—it simply gives you first priority to claim your seat before they're gone.

👉 Join the Waitlist Here: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-nerds-waitlist

Let's connect!

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

EP 132: The Parent's Guide: What to Ask, Who to Push, and How to Get Your Kid the Right Care31 août 202600:28:13

Are you struggling to navigate your child's concussion recovery without a clear roadmap from their doctors?

Most parents are left feeling overwhelmed by a confusing healthcare system that wasn't built for family advocacy, leaving them unsure of which specialists to see or whether their child is actually receiving the right treatment.

Watching your child suffer from months of persistent symptoms—while missing out on school, sports, and their social life—is agonizing. Pushing through the pain or waiting for symptoms to magically disappear only delays healing, but with a targeted multi-system approach, early advocate intervention, and the right care team, you can actively guide your child back to the activities they love.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • The crucial questions to ask at every stage of care—from the emergency room to your follow-up provider.

  • Why normal MRI and CT scans do not rule out a concussion, and what typical youth recovery timelines actually look like.

  • How to spot the green and red flags of concussion treatment so you know if your child is getting proper, progressive care.

  • Practical strategies to support your child's nervous system and social well-being at home without making recovery harder.

Scroll up, hit play, and arm yourself with the map you need to get your child the expert care they deserve!

Ready to raise your standard of care and stop hitting clinical ceilings?

Join the waitlist for the revamped Concussion Nerds Fellowship 2.0! Doors open this fall for our brand-new cohort, limited to just 25 clinicians. Joining isn't a commitment—it simply gives you first priority to claim your seat before they're gone.

👉 Join the Waitlist Here: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-nerds-waitlist

Let's connect!

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

EP 131: Harnessing The Power of Visual Feedback with Dr. Eric Dinkins24 août 202600:28:38

Are you relying on subjective symptom reports to clear your post-concussion patients, only to have them relapse or struggle with lingering issues?

Many clinicians fall into the trap of using basic screening tools like the VOMS or standard cardinal-plane tests as a complete diagnostic assessment—missing critical deficits in joint position sense, proprioception, and off-axis movement.

This surface-level approach leaves severe, persistent gaps in your patient's recovery, but integrating objective visual feedback tools and multi-planar, sensory-motor testing can reveal hidden deficits and transform your clinical outcomes.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • Why standard concussion screening tools like the VOMS aren't enough to build a comprehensive, multi-system treatment plan.

  • How real-time laser visual feedback accelerates motor learning, restores proprioception, and exposes hidden head-movement biases.

  • The critical role of joint position sense and out-of-neutral torsional testing in treating persistent post-concussion symptoms.

  • Why persistent concussion statistics are shifting as we evaluate the general population beyond elite athletic settings.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Dr. Eric Dinkins, PT, DPT, MSPT, OCS, MCTA, is a physical therapist, international educator, and co-owner of Motion Guidance. A Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and Certified Mulligan Practitioner, Dr. Dinkins has treated athletes ranging from youth competitors to Olympic and professional levels. Since co-founding Motion Guidance in 2014, he has pioneered the integration of laser-based visual feedback, gamification, and sensorimotor rehabilitation across orthopedic, sports medicine, vestibular, concussion, and neurological settings.

Tune in to discover how Dr. Erik Dinkins and Motion Guidance are revolutionizing visual feedback and sensory-motor rehabilitation to fix the hidden gaps in post-concussion care!

Connect with Dr. Eric:

Ready to raise your standard of care and stop hitting clinical ceilings?

Join the waitlist for the revamped Concussion Nerds Fellowship 2.0! Doors open this fall for our brand-new cohort, limited to just 25 clinicians. Joining isn't a commitment—it simply gives you first priority to claim your seat before they're gone.

👉 Join the Waitlist Here: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-nerds-waitlist

Let's connect!

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

EP 130: When Concussion Takes Your People: The Relationship Cost Nobody Talks About17 août 202600:23:14

Are post-concussion relationship struggles leaving you and your loved ones feeling distant, misunderstood, or completely exhausted?

You or someone you love might be falling into the trap of treating post-concussion relationship friction as purely a "social" or "personality" issue—or worse, brushing these hard conversations under the rug in fear of becoming a burden.

When invisible symptoms like cognitive fatigue, emotional dysregulation, and word-finding struggles go unnamed, resentment quietly builds, leaving partners isolated and families feeling fragmented. The solution starts with pulling these raw truths out of the closet, putting clear language to the hidden neurological strains, and proactively naming the issues together so you can rebuild connection instead of growing apart.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • Why post-concussion relationship strain is rooted in real physiological and neurological shifts—not a lack of effort or caring.

  • How unaddressed symptoms like reduced social capacity, word-finding issues, and emotional dysregulation accidentally trigger family role changes and ambiguous loss.

  • The critical difference between letting invisible resentment build and taking the uncomfortable first step of naming your struggles to initiate true relationship repair.

  • How clinicians and support networks can actively bridge the communication gap to help families heal together rather than falling apart.

No matter where you are on this healing journey, remember that naming the uncomfortable stuff is where true connection begins—so share this episode with someone who needs it, keep the conversation open, and we'll see you next week!

Ready to raise your standard of care and stop hitting clinical ceilings?

Join the waitlist for the revamped Concussion Nerds Fellowship 2.0! Doors open this fall for our brand-new cohort, limited to just 25 clinicians. Joining isn't a commitment—it simply gives you first priority to claim your seat before they're gone.

👉 Join the Waitlist Here: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-nerds-waitlist

Let's connect!

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

EP 129: When Caring isn't Enough - Acknowledging our Blind Spots as Clinicians10 août 202600:25:04

Are you giving your complex concussion clients your absolute best care, or are you secretly running out of ideas when they hit a plateau?

It's an uncomfortable truth: while every healthcare provider goes into practice genuinely wanting to help, caring deeply for your patients simply isn't enough when you reach the limits of your clinical knowledge. Far too often, when progress stalls, clinicians default to telling clients "it's just part of the concussion" or writing off lingering symptoms as purely psychosocial—leaving patients confused, frustrated, and stuck in treatment for months or years without actual recovery.

When you settle for "good enough" care or miss hidden clinical blind spots, you risk breaking your patient's trust and holding them back from true healing. But hitting your clinical ceiling doesn't mean you can't push past it—by getting curious about your limitations, auditing your practice, and learning how to look deeper into complex, overlooked systems, you can step up to become the clinician your clients truly need.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • Why compassion alone isn't enough to solve complex concussion cases—and how to identify when you've hit your clinical ceiling.

  • The danger of writing off patient plateaus as "psychosocial" or "just concussion symptoms" instead of looking for deeper root causes.

  • The major clinical blind spot most providers miss: how TBI impacts the central auditory processing system and impacts cognitive health.

  • How to bridge the fragmentation gap across multidisciplinary care so PTs, OTs, Chiros, and Osteos can speak the same clinical language.

Scroll down, hit play, and learn how to uncover your clinical blind spots and elevate your standard of concussion care today!

Ready to raise your standard of care and stop hitting clinical ceilings?

Join the waitlist for the revamped Concussion Nerds Fellowship 2.0! Doors open this fall for our brand-new cohort, limited to just 25 clinicians. Joining isn't a commitment—it simply gives you first priority to claim your seat before they're gone.

👉 Join the Waitlist Here

EP 128: The Litigation Trap: How Legal Proceedings Change the Concussion Recovery Picture03 août 202600:20:14

Have you ever wondered why some of your concussion clients suddenly hit a total plateau in their recovery, or why bringing up an insurance claim or lawsuit creates an immediate wall of tension in the room?

Navigating concussion care is complex enough, but when you add insurance disputes, personal injury claims, and legal battles into the mix, the healing process often grinds to a halt. As clinicians, it is far too easy to fall into the trap of assuming a patient in litigation is "malingering," or to get caught in a chart-note tug-of-war that disrupts your care. On the flip side, clients are left feeling constantly judged, hypervigilant, and stuck in a system that forces them to fight for their limitations instead of celebrating their wins.

This unspoken friction keeps the nervous system locked in fight-or-flight, leaving clinicians second-guessing their documentation and patients terrified that showing signs of healing will ruin their legal claim. But you don't have to choose between legal realities and clinical progress. By understanding how legal stress actively amplifies physical symptoms and creates a massive nocebo effect, you can protect the therapeutic alliance, chart with objective confidence, and help your clients heal—even while their case is ongoing.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • The crucial difference between rare malingering (1–5%) and symptom magnification—and why baseline stress, not deception, is usually what drives amplified pain and dizziness.

  • How the legal system's demand to "prove your disability" creates a nocebo effect that directly counteracts a brain-healing mindset.

  • Practical documentation strategies for clinicians to stay accurate, keep your professional boundaries clear, and avoid getting caught in the legal crosshairs.

  • How to guide clients through the profound nervous system reset and identity shift that happens once the heavy weight of a legal claim is finally lifted.

Hit play to discover how to navigate the complex overlap of legal battles and concussion recovery so you can confidently guide your clients toward deep, lasting healing.

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

EP 127: What Nobody Tells You About Going Back to Driving After a Concussion20 juil. 202600:20:50

Have you ever pulled into your driveway and suddenly realized you don't even remember the actual drive home?

We've all gone on autopilot during a routine commute, but behind the wheel, your brain is actually running a high-stakes, multi-system marathon. When you or your clients are recovering from a concussion, driving isn't just a daily task—it's an incredibly heavy, cognitively exhausting hurdle. Yet, despite how critical driving is for an individual's independence, it remains one of the biggest blind spots in clinical practice, leaving patients to dangerously figure out their readiness entirely on their own.

Navigating an intersection, tracking a pedestrian on the sidewalk, and managing headlight glare require peak performance from the visual, vestibular, and cognitive systems—the exact areas most vulnerable after a head injury. Returning to the road too soon risks a subsequent accident, while avoiding it entirely out of fear leads to long-term anxiety and isolation. The solution isn't to guess or wait until someone "feels fine" in their living room; it's about breaking down the complex neurological demands of the road and utilizing a structured, progressive framework to rebuild that independence safely.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • The Hidden Cognitive Marathon of Driving: Why a routine trip to the grocery store demands an intense combination of divided attention, rapid visual processing, and executive function.

  • The Clinical Blind Spot: Why standard clinic visits often fail to accurately assess driving readiness, and how occupational therapy driver rehab services can bridge the gap.

  • A 5-Stage Progressive Return-to-Driving Framework: A step-by-step roadmap to transition safely from a passenger to a confident driver without overloading the nervous system.

  • The Co-Pilot Strategy and Safety Boundaries: Crucial rules for practicing on the road, including how to handle "bad brain days" and when to safely pass the keys back to a partner.

Whether you are a clinician looking to step up your care and confidently guide your complex clients, or a survivor trying to navigate your own healing journey, this episode is going to change the way you look at the road.

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

EP 126: Why Your Child's Concussion Is Not the Same as an Adult13 juil. 202600:26:24

Did you know that a child's brain doesn't fully mature until they are 25 years old—and that this completely changes how they recover from a concussion?

As parents and clinicians, we often treat a youth concussion as if it's just a smaller version of an adult injury, expecting the same symptoms and the same rapid recovery timelines. But relying on an adult framework means you might completely miss crucial, subtle behavioral red flags in a toddler, overlook why an adolescent is suddenly struggling in school, or accidentally prolong their healing process simply through your own anxiety.

Fearing the unknown can cause us to overprotect and isolate our kids, which research shows actually stalls their recovery. The good news is that concussions are fully treatable, but navigating the road to healing requires understanding the unique, developing brain it lands in. In this episode, we break down exactly how concussions present from toddlers to teens, how to spot the critical ER red flags, and how to become the calm, supportive safe space your child needs to fully recover.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • Why a child's metabolic recovery timeline naturally takes longer than an adult's, and why a four-week recovery window is completely normal.

  • How to spot concussion symptoms in children under eight using keen behavioral observations—like rigid posture or "unicorn sunglasses"—when they lack the words to tell you what hurts.

  • The surprising hormonal differences in puberty that cause adolescent females to experience a higher symptom burden and longer recovery times.

  • The powerful, research-backed link between parental anxiety and prolonged youth recovery, and how managing your own fears actively helps your child heal faster.

Click play to learn how to confidently navigate pediatric concussion care and give your child the exact support they need to safely get back to school, sport, and life.

This episode is brought to you by Headquarters Health. Headquarters Health is on a mission to make world-class concussion care accessible to everyone. Through its virtual concussion clinic, patients can connect with concussion specialists and receive evidence-based, personalized care without the long wait. For healthcare providers, Headquarters Health also offers an AI-powered platform that streamlines multidisciplinary concussion management and supports better patient outcomes.

Learn more at https://headquarters.health/nerds

 

Let's connect!

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

 

EP 125: The Weather and Barometric Pressure Problem: Why Your Symptoms Spike When the Storm Rolls In06 juil. 202600:27:08

Have you ever noticed your concussion symptoms get worse right before a storm, in bright light, or on a hot day? If so, you're not imagining it.

It's easy to brush these moments off as coincidence or assume you just have to live with them. Many people even start avoiding the things that trigger their symptoms, like going outside, exercising, or being in bright environments.

In this episode, we're breaking down what the latest research says about environmental triggers after concussion. You'll learn why changes in weather, light, and temperature can affect your symptoms, what's happening inside your brain and nervous system, and simple strategies that can help you build tolerance instead of avoiding the world around you.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN:

  • Why barometric pressure changes can trigger headaches, brain fog, and other concussion symptoms.

  • How your autonomic nervous system and vestibular system respond to environmental changes.

  • Why constantly wearing sunglasses may make light sensitivity worse, and what to try instead.

  • Practical ways to manage heat, weather, and other environmental triggers while continuing your recovery.

The more you understand your symptom patterns, the better equipped you'll be to manage them with confidence.

 

This episode is brought to you by Headquarters Health. Headquarters Health is on a mission to make world-class concussion care accessible to everyone. Through its virtual concussion clinic, patients can connect with concussion specialists and receive evidence-based, personalized care without the long wait. For healthcare providers, Headquarters Health also offers an AI-powered platform that streamlines multidisciplinary concussion management and supports better patient outcomes.

Learn more at https://headquarters.health/nerds

 

Let's connect!

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

EP 124: When Concussion and ADHD Collide: Untangling Two Conditions that Look Identical29 juin 202600:25:03

Have you ever wondered if your concussion symptoms are really from your brain injury, or if something else could be contributing to the way you're feeling?

Many people assume problems like poor focus, forgetfulness, irritability, or mental fatigue are simply part of concussion recovery. Others are told it's "just ADHD." The reality is that these two conditions share many of the same symptoms, making it difficult to know what's really going on.

In this episode, we're unpacking the surprising overlap between concussion and ADHD, why symptoms alone don't tell the full story, and what clinicians, patients, and families should be looking for instead. Understanding the difference can lead to more accurate treatment, better recovery, and fewer people falling through the cracks.

This episode is brought to you by Headquarters Health. Headquarters Health is on a mission to make world-class concussion care accessible to everyone. Through its virtual concussion clinic, patients can connect with concussion specialists and receive evidence-based, personalized care without the long wait. For healthcare providers, Headquarters Health also offers an AI-powered platform that streamlines multidisciplinary concussion management and supports better patient outcomes.

Learn more at https://headquarters.health/nerds

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • Why concussion and ADHD can produce nearly identical symptoms, and why that matters.
  • How a concussion can uncover previously undiagnosed ADHD or make existing ADHD symptoms worse.
  • Why symptom checklists aren't enough to distinguish between concussion and ADHD.
  • The key questions, assessments, and treatment considerations that can lead to better recovery outcomes.

Whether you're recovering from a concussion, caring for someone who is, or working with patients, this episode will help you better understand the connection between concussion and ADHD so you can make more informed decisions about recovery.

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

EP 123: Why Car Accident Concussions Aren't the Same as Sports Concussions22 juin 202600:15:19

Have you ever wondered why recovering from a concussion after a car accident can feel so much harder than recovering from a sports injury?

Many people assume that all concussions follow the same recovery path. As a result, motor vehicle accident (MVA) concussions are often managed using frameworks designed for athletes, leaving important factors overlooked.

The reality is that car accident-related concussions come with unique challenges. From whiplash and delayed access to specialized care to the stress of insurance claims and the increased risk of another accident, these factors can significantly impact recovery. Understanding these differences is the first step toward getting the right support and improving outcomes.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • Why concussions from motor vehicle accidents differ from sports-related concussions

  • What new research reveals about the increased risk of repeat car accidents after a concussion

  • The factors that may contribute to longer recovery timelines following an MVA

  • Why early assessment and individualized concussion care are critical for recovery

Whether you're recovering from a concussion, supporting someone who is, or working with concussion patients, this episode offers important insights into why one-size-fits-all concussion care simply doesn't work.

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

EP 122: The Emotional Toll of an Invisible Brain Injury15 juin 202600:34:52

Have you ever found yourself trying to explain your concussion symptoms—only to be met with doubt, confusion, or the dreaded "But you look fine"?

Living with an invisible injury can be incredibly isolating. Whether it's an employer questioning your ability to work, a doctor dismissing your concerns, a family member who doesn't understand, or even your own inner critic making you question your experience, constantly feeling like you have to prove your symptoms can become one of the biggest barriers to healing.

In this episode, we're unpacking why people struggle to understand persistent concussion symptoms, how to navigate these difficult conversations with confidence, and the practical tools you can use to advocate for yourself without carrying the emotional burden alone.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • Why invisible injuries like concussion are so often misunderstood—and why that disbelief isn't a reflection of your reality.

  • Practical scripts and communication strategies for talking with employers, doctors, family members, and insurance providers.

  • How to advocate for the accommodations and support you deserve without feeling like you have to justify your symptoms.

  • Why finding the right support system and challenging your own inner critic can become one of the most powerful parts of your recovery journey.

You don't have to convince everyone to believe you—but you do deserve to be heard, supported, and equipped with the tools to navigate a world that can't always see what you're carrying.

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

EP 121: What If It Isn't Dementia? The Hidden Impact of Falls and Concussion08 juin 202600:25:29

Could your elderly patient or loved one be living with a concussion that no one ever diagnosed?

Too often, we associate falls in older adults with broken hips or "just getting older," overlooking the possibility of a brain injury. When memory problems, balance issues, or mood changes appear after a fall, they're frequently dismissed as normal aging instead of signs of a treatable concussion.

In this episode, we explore why older adults are one of the most overlooked populations in concussion care, how age-related assumptions can delay recovery, and what clinicians and families can do to recognize the signs and advocate for better outcomes.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:
  • Why falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury in older adults—and why concussions are often missed.

  • How concussion symptoms can be mistaken for normal aging or even early dementia.

  • The unique challenges and opportunities for concussion recovery in the aging brain.

  • The simple question every clinician and family member should ask after a fall that could change someone's recovery journey.

Whether you're a healthcare provider, caregiver, or someone supporting an aging loved one, this episode will challenge the way you think about falls and empower you to recognize the hidden signs of concussion that deserve attention.

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

EP 120: Unveiling Triple PD: Insights from Dr. Abbie Ross and Dr. Dani Tolman01 juin 202600:38:03

Have you been told your dizziness is "just anxiety" — and wondered why you still don't feel like yourself months or even years later?

Many people living with persistent dizziness make the mistake of assuming they simply have to learn to live with it. That's exactly why vestibular physical therapists Dr. Abbie Ross and Dr. Danielle Tolman are joining me on the podcast today. Together, we unpack Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (3PD), one of the most misunderstood conditions affecting people with chronic dizziness, vestibular disorders, and persistent concussion symptoms.

The longer dizziness goes unexplained, the more overwhelming and isolating it can become. Dr. Abbie Ross and Dr. Danielle Tolman explain why 3PD develops, how the brain can become stuck in a heightened state of threat detection, and why recovery requires more than simply pushing through symptoms. They share practical insights on nervous system regulation, graded exposure, and rebuilding trust in your body so you can regain confidence and get back to the activities that matter most.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • What Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (3PD) is and how to recognize its most common symptoms

  • Why concussion, vestibular migraine, BPPV, and other vestibular conditions can contribute to chronic dizziness

  • How Dr. Abbie Ross and Dr. Danielle Tolman approach treatment by addressing the whole person—not just the diagnosis

  • Why recovery starts with nervous system regulation, education, and the right sequencing of rehabilitation

Whether you're a clinician supporting patients with chronic dizziness or someone navigating these symptoms yourself, this episode will leave you with a deeper understanding of 3PD and renewed hope for recovery.

Connect with Dr. Abbie & Dr. Dani:

Social media: Email: info@balancingactrehab.com   Website: 

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

EP 119: Cognitive Intolerance: The Concussion Symptom We Don't Talk About Enough25 mai 202600:25:34

Have you ever wondered why your brain feels completely exhausted after answering emails, sitting in a Zoom meeting, or trying to multitask after a concussion?

So many people think they're "resting" after a concussion because they're not exercising or playing sports—but meanwhile, they're doom scrolling, juggling tasks, taking calls, and overloading their brain without even realizing it.

The problem? Your brain doesn't distinguish between physical effort and cognitive effort. Thinking, processing information, emotional stress, multitasking, and screen time all demand energy from an already overwhelmed system. In this episode, Natasha breaks down what cognitive load really is, why it can delay recovery, and how to safely navigate return to work without pushing your brain past its limits.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • Why cognitive work can be just as exhausting as physical activity after a concussion
  • The hidden ways multitasking, screen time, and emotional stress overload the brain
  • What "cognitive intolerance" actually means and how to recognize it
  • How to create a structured, supportive return-to-work plan that sets you up for success

If you've been feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or confused about why your brain still feels "fried" after a concussion, this episode will help you better understand what's happening—and why recovery requires more than just physical rest.

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

EP 118: The Brain Health Test Everyone Should Be Doing18 mai 202600:18:44
 

What if we approached brain health the same way we approach our dental checkups or yearly eye exams?

Most people wait until they're dealing with brain fog, concussion symptoms, cognitive decline, or burnout before paying attention to their brain health. But by the time symptoms show up, changes may have already been happening behind the scenes for years.

In this episode, we're diving into why proactive brain health assessments could completely change the future of concussion recovery, cognitive performance, and neurodegenerative disease prevention. From EEGs and eye-tracking technology to the impact of subconcussive hits in sport, this conversation explores what's possible when we stop being reactive and start paying attention before things go wrong.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • Why brain health baselines may become as important as annual physicals
  • How tools like EEGs, saccadic eye testing, and reflex assessments can measure cognitive function
  • What subconcussive hits may be doing to the brain even without a diagnosed concussion
  • Why supporting your brain health now could impact your recovery and resilience later in life

Your brain is involved in every single thing you do — and this episode might just change the way you think about caring for it.

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

Presence Over Pressure Meditation15 mai 202600:02:25

What if raising your energy didn't require pushing harder… but simply slowing down long enough to reconnect with yourself?

So many of us try to shift our mood, mindset, or frequency through force. We hustle for healing, chase productivity, and pressure ourselves to "feel better" faster. But true energetic shifts often happen in the quietest moments — through presence, softness, and allowing.

In this gentle guided meditation, you'll be invited to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the light already within you. Through calming visualization and grounding awareness, this practice helps you move from pressure into peace and from striving into ease.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • How to create an energetic shift through presence instead of pressure
  • A simple visualization to help you feel calmer, lighter, and more grounded
  • Ways to reconnect with your inner warmth and sense of ease
  • How breath and awareness can help raise your frequency naturally
  • A gentle reminder that healing and alignment don't have to feel hard

Whether you're starting your morning, resetting during a busy day, or winding down in the evening, this meditation offers a soft space to return to yourself.

Take a breath, settle in, and let your inner light expand from the inside out.

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

Concussion Nerds: The Roundtable S2 EP 5: The Brain Keeps the Score: A Roundtable on Concussion Recovery13 mai 202600:43:17

What if the symptoms you've been fighting for years aren't "just stress" or "just a concussion"?

Too many people are told to simply rest, push through, or wait it out after a brain injury or traumatic event. But when symptoms like migraines, dizziness, anxiety, sleep struggles, nervous system dysregulation, and chronic pain continue to linger, it's often a sign that something deeper is being missed.

In this powerful roundtable discussion, concussion professionals from multiple disciplines come together to unpack the complex overlap between concussion, trauma, PTSD, gut health, vision, nervous system regulation, and brain recovery. From cutting-edge neuro technology to the importance of movement, nature, and whole-body healing, this conversation challenges outdated approaches and offers hope for people who feel stuck in their recovery journey.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • Why concussion recovery is about far more than just the brain
  • How trauma and nervous system dysregulation can mimic concussion symptoms
  • The surprising connection between gut health, inflammation, and chronic pain
  • What the future of brain health and concussion recovery could look like

If you've ever wondered why healing feels so complicated — or why you still don't feel like yourself — this episode will leave you feeling seen, informed, and hopeful about what's possible.

Let's Connect!

 

Dr. Jacque Moser - Naturopathic Health Expert & Doctor of Chiropractic

Website: https://www.docjacque.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doc_jacque/

 

Dr. Paul Rollett - Board Certified in Vision Development & Rehabilitation

Website: www.okanaganvisiontherapy.ca

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okanaganvisiontherapy/

 

Jan McNeil - Registered Clinical Counsellor, Trauma and Somatic Therapist

Website: https://covalentcounselling.com

 

Natasha Wilch - Concussion Mentor & Clinician

Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
  

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

EP 117: Why Community Matters in Healing, Business & Life11 mai 202600:33:36

Have you ever felt like nobody truly understands what you're going through—whether you're navigating concussion recovery, building a business, or trying to support others without burning yourself out?

Too many people try to "do it all" alone. Clinicians isolate themselves instead of leaning into collaboration, entrepreneurs carry the weight of leadership in silence, and those on a healing journey often stay stuck in communities that reinforce hopelessness instead of growth.

But here's the truth: healing, growth, and success were never meant to happen in isolation. The right community can change everything—from your recovery journey to your business trajectory to your sense of purpose and connection. In this episode, Natasha shares personal stories, powerful reflections, and real-life examples of how finding the right people can transform your life in ways you never expected.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • Why community plays a critical role in concussion recovery, entrepreneurship, and mental well-being
  • The difference between supportive communities that help you grow and toxic spaces that keep you stuck
  • How collaboration and connection can help clinicians better support their patients and avoid burnout
  • Why stepping into uncomfortable rooms and new environments can lead to life-changing opportunities

If you've been craving connection, support, or a reminder that you don't have to navigate life alone, this episode is for you.

   

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

Softening Into Now (Instead of Pushing Through Again)08 mai 202600:03:03

What if you gave yourself permission to pause… without needing to earn it first?

So many of us carry the belief that we always need to be doing, fixing, striving, or proving something. Even during rest, our minds keep racing and our bodies stay braced for what's next.

But living in constant motion can leave you disconnected from yourself, exhausted in your body, and craving a moment of softness. This guided meditation is an invitation to slow down, release the pressure to perform, and remember that your worth is not tied to productivity. You don't need to change anything in this moment. You simply get to be here.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL:

  • Feel more grounded, calm, and present in your body
  • Release tension and soften the need to constantly "do"
  • Reconnect with the idea that rest is allowed and safe
  • Leave with a greater sense of peace, softness, and self-compassion

Take this breath, this pause, this moment… and let yourself remember: just being is enough.

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

 

Concussion Nerds: The Roundtable S2 EP 4: The Truth About Nervous System Work (That No One's Saying)06 mai 202600:48:35

Are you focusing so much on calming your nervous system that you might actually be slowing down your recovery?

If you've been doing all the "right" things—breathwork, tapping, somatics, sound healing—but still feel stuck, you're not alone. There's a growing trend in the concussion space to label everything as a nervous system issue… and while that's part of the picture, it's not the whole story.

Here's the hard truth: constantly regulating without addressing the root problem can turn into a subtle form of avoidance. Instead of progressing, you stay in a loop of managing symptoms without truly moving the needle. In this Roundtable episode, we unpack the difference between management and treatment—and why both matter if you actually want to heal.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • Why nervous system regulation alone isn't enough for concussion recovery
  • The key difference between managing symptoms and actually treating the problem
  • How "doing all the healing things" can sometimes keep you stuck
  • Where technology and innovative tools fit into real, effective care

If you've ever felt like you're doing everything right but still not getting better, this episode might just change the way you approach your recovery.

Let's Connect!

 

Dr. Jacque Moser - Naturopathic Health Expert & Doctor of Chiropractic

Website: https://www.docjacque.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doc_jacque/

 

Dr. Paul Rollett - Board Certified in Vision Development & Rehabilitation

Website: www.okanaganvisiontherapy.ca

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okanaganvisiontherapy/

 

Jan McNeil - Registered Clinical Counsellor, Trauma and Somatic Therapist

Website: https://covalentcounselling.com

 

Natasha Wilch - Concussion Mentor & Clinician

Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
  

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

   
EP 116: From Tunnel Vision to Transformation: The Missing Piece in Concussion Care04 mai 202600:30:26

What if the reason your clients (or you) aren't improving isn't a lack of effort—but a too-narrow approach to healing?

You might be doing everything "right"—seeing the best specialists, targeting specific symptoms, following structured plans—yet still hitting a frustrating plateau.

Here's the uncomfortable truth: when care stays siloed, progress stalls. Focusing on one system at a time can help… but without integrating how the brain and body work together, you're just building partial solutions. The real breakthrough happens when you zoom out, connect the dots, and treat the full system as an orchestra—not isolated instruments.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

- Why hyper-specialized, "niche-only" treatment often leads to plateaus in concussion recovery

- The real reason multiple great providers still might not get you lasting results

- How integrating systems (not just treating them) unlocks faster, deeper progress

- What actually created dramatic change in just one intensive week—without traditional exercises

If you've been stuck, the missing piece may not be what you're doing—but how everything is being put together.

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

 

Meditation in Motion01 mai 202600:03:24

This week's meditation invites you to step away from stillness and into intuitive movement. Instead of guiding the mind, this practice encourages you to reconnect with your body—allowing it to lead, express, and release in its own natural way.

There's no background music provided in this session. Instead, you're encouraged to choose your own playful, freeing song and let it shape your experience. This is about trusting your body's wisdom, following subtle impulses, and letting go of expectations.

✨ What to expect:

  • A gentle arrival with breathwork to ground your awareness
  • A shift from thinking to feeling
  • Free, intuitive movement guided by your body (not instructions)
  • Space to explore expression without judgment
  • A soft return to presence through sensation and ease

🎶 What you'll need:

  • A comfortable space where you can move freely
  • A song that makes you feel light, playful, or expressive
  • An open mind and willingness to let go of "doing it right"

💭 Intention for this practice:
To build trust with your body, deepen self-awareness, and reconnect with a sense of freedom and play.

🧘 Tip:
Start small. Even the slightest movement counts. The goal isn't performance—it's presence.

Take this practice at your own pace, and remember: your body already knows the way.

 

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

Concussion Nerds: The Roundtable S2 EP 3: You Look Fine — But You're Not: Understanding Concussion29 avr. 202600:48:32

What if the hardest part of concussion recovery isn't what you feel… but what no one else can see?

So many people living with concussion are stuck in this exhausting loop—pushing through because they "look fine," downplaying symptoms, or waiting for progress to magically happen just by showing up to appointments. On the outside, life might look normal. But internally? It's a constant negotiation with energy, symptoms, identity, and overwhelm.

And here's where it gets even harder—when you don't feel believed, supported, or safe with your providers, healing slows down. When you rely only on in-session work without doing the real-life integration, you stay stuck. When you resist accepting where you are, you delay where you could go.

This episode cracks open the truth: concussion recovery is not passive, it's not linear, and it's definitely not "mild." But when you combine the right support, honest acceptance, and consistent action outside the clinic—you start to reclaim control, rebuild trust in your body, and actually move forward.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • Why concussion is called an "invisible injury"—and how that impacts healing
  • The biggest mistake patients make that keeps them stuck in recovery
  • What true acceptance looks like (and why it's not the same as "being okay")
  • How the right support system—and feeling safe—can accelerate healing

Healing from a concussion isn't about proving you're fine—it's about finally giving yourself permission to do what it actually takes to get better.

 

Let's Connect!

 

Dr. Jacque Moser - Naturopathic Health Expert & Doctor of Chiropractic

Website: https://www.docjacque.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doc_jacque/

 

Dr. Paul Rollett - Board Certified in Vision Development & Rehabilitation

Website: www.okanaganvisiontherapy.ca

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okanaganvisiontherapy/

 

Jan McNeil - Registered Clinical Counsellor, Trauma and Somatic Therapist

Website: https://covalentcounselling.com

 

Natasha Wilch - Concussion Mentor & Clinician

Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
  

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

EP 115: 85% of Concussion Clients Have This… And We're Missing It27 avr. 202600:23:29

Are you overlooking the neck as a major driver of your client's persistent concussion symptoms—even when you think you've already treated it?

So many clinicians (and even clients themselves) assume the neck has been "dealt with" because pain was addressed or manual therapy was done. But if you're only looking at range of motion, muscle tension, or pain levels, you're likely missing huge pieces of the puzzle—and that could be exactly why progress has plateaued.

Here's the reality: with research showing that 85% of persistent concussion cases involve the cervical spine, it's not just about treating the neck—it's about treating it properly. When we fail to assess motor control, joint position sense, and integration with other systems, we leave major drivers of symptoms untouched. The good news? Once you know what to look for, you can completely transform outcomes.

 

 

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

➡️ Why 85% of persistent concussion clients have cervical spine involvement—and what that actually means for your treatment approach

➡️ The 3 most commonly missed elements in neck assessment and rehab (and why they matter)

➡️ How poor motor control and compensatory patterns are silently limiting your client's recovery

➡️ Why joint position sense and sensory integration are critical—and how they impact dizziness, coordination, and overall function

 

 

If you've been treating the neck but not seeing the results you expect, this episode will shift how you assess, think about, and integrate cervical spine work—so you can finally stop missing what matters most.

 

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool



A Gentle Reset: Guided Weekly Meditation24 avr. 202600:03:11

What would change if you gave yourself full permission to pause—even for just a few minutes?

So often, you're caught in the cycle of doing more, proving more, and meeting every expectation… leaving little to no space for yourself. You may think rest is something you have to earn, or worse, that taking time for yourself is selfish.

But the truth is, constantly pushing without pausing only disconnects you further from what you actually need. This meditation is your invitation to step out of that cycle—to soften, breathe, and return to yourself without pressure or performance. In this space, you're reminded that choosing yourself isn't indulgent… it's foundational.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • How to gently bring your body into a state of ease and support
  • A simple breathing rhythm to anchor you in the present moment
  • How to release expectations and reconnect with your authentic self
  • Why taking time for yourself is essential—not selfish

Give yourself this moment to reset—you can always come back to this space.

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

Concussion Nerds: The Roundtable S2 EP 2: Right Care, Wrong Time: The Hidden Cost of Concussion Confusion22 avr. 202600:38:58

What if the reason your concussion recovery feels stuck… isn't your body—but the way you've been navigating it?

Too many people wait, guess, or follow the wrong advice after a concussion—bouncing between providers, trying random solutions, or doing nothing at all—only to end up months (or years) later still struggling with symptoms that could've been addressed sooner.

In this episode, we unpack why so many concussion patients feel lost early on—and how that delay, confusion, or misdirection can quietly turn into long-term suffering. More importantly, we explore what should happen instead: the right timing, the right referrals, and the power of a truly integrative approach to recovery.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • Why early guidance (even when symptoms seem "manageable") can prevent long-term complications
  • The key signs that tell you which professional you should see—and when
  • How vision, gut health, and nervous system regulation all play a role in concussion recovery
  • Why "new normal" doesn't have to mean worse—and how growth can come after injury

Recovery from a concussion isn't linear—but with the right support, it doesn't have to feel like you're navigating it alone.

Let's Connect!

 

Dr. Jacque Moser - Naturopathic Health Expert & Doctor of Chiropractic

Website: https://www.docjacque.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doc_jacque/

 

Dr. Paul Rollett - Board Certified in Vision Development & Rehabilitation

Website: www.okanaganvisiontherapy.ca

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okanaganvisiontherapy/

 

Jan McNeil - Registered Clinical Counsellor, Trauma and Somatic Therapist

Website: https://covalentcounselling.com

 

Natasha Wilch - Concussion Mentor & Clinician

Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
  

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

 

Concussion Nerds: The Roundtable S2 EP 1: The Round Table Returns: Real Stories, Real Clinicians, Real Concussion Care15 avr. 202600:48:56

What if everything you've been told about concussion recovery… is actually slowing you down?

Too many people are still being told to "just rest," sit in a dark room, and wait it out—only to find themselves months (or years) later still struggling with symptoms that no one seems to understand.

And that's the problem. Concussions aren't just a "brain issue." They're complex, multi-system injuries—and when you treat them like a one-size-fits-all problem, you miss the very things that actually lead to healing. In this episode, we're breaking down the biggest myths, sharing real clinical perspectives, and showing you what concussion recovery shouldlook like when it's done right.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • Why "just rest" is outdated advice—and what to do instead in the first 7 days

  • The biggest myths about concussion recovery that are still keeping people stuck

  • How different systems (vision, nervous system, gut, trauma) all play a role in healing

  • Why validation, collaboration, and individualized care are the missing pieces in recovery

This is where real stories meet real clinicians—and where the conversation around concussion care finally starts to change.

 

Let's Connect!

 

Dr. Jacque Moser - Naturopathic Health Expert & Doctor of Chiropractic

Website: https://www.docjacque.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doc_jacque/

 

Dr. Paul Rollett - Board Certified in Vision Development & Rehabilitation

Website: www.okanaganvisiontherapy.ca

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okanaganvisiontherapy/

 

Jan McNeil - Registered Clinical Counsellor, Trauma and Somatic Therapist

Website: https://covalentcounselling.com

 

Natasha Wilch - Concussion Mentor & Clinician

Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
  

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

 

EP 114: Complexity isn't chaos (but you might be treating it this way)13 avr. 202600:16:36

What if the reason you feel stuck with complex concussion cases isn't the client—but how you're organizing the problem?

You might be trying to treat every symptom individually—chasing headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and brain fog as separate issues—only to feel overwhelmed, frozen, and unsure where to start.

The truth is, persistent concussion cases aren't simple—and when you approach them without a clear framework, complexity turns into chaos. But when you shift from symptom-chasing to system-based thinking, everything changes. You stop guessing, start prioritizing, and finally move forward with clarity and confidence.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

➡️ Why persistent concussion cases feel overwhelming—and why it's not because you're doing it wrong

➡️ The critical difference between "chaos" and "complexity" in clinical practice

➡️ How to shift from symptom-based treatment to a systems-based framework

➡️ How to identify the biggest "needle movers" to create meaningful progress for your clients

When you learn to organize complexity instead of reacting to it, you stop feeling stuck—and start making real impact.

 

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool



EP 113: The Symphony of Healing:Why Your Brain Needs Integration, Not Isolation06 avr. 202600:16:59

What if your recovery—or your patient's recovery—isn't stuck… but simply out of sync?

You might be doing "all the right things"—treating the neck, addressing vision, working on vestibular rehab—yet still hitting frustrating plateaus that don't make sense.

Because here's the truth: when each system is treated in isolation, even brilliantly, the brain never fully relearns how to coordinate them. Progress happens… until it doesn't.

Recovery isn't about perfecting one instrument—it's about conducting the entire orchestra. When you shift from siloed treatment to integrated, layered care, that's when real momentum—and real healing—begins.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • Why treating concussion systems individually can lead to progress—but also plateaus
  • The powerful "orchestra" analogy that explains how the brain truly heals
  • What recent research reveals about multi-system involvement in persistent concussion
  • How to move from siloed care to an integrated, coordinated recovery approach

Because healing isn't about playing louder on one instrument—it's about creating a symphony.

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

 

EP 112: The Moment Everything Clicks in Concussion Rehab30 mars 202600:22:26

What if the symptoms you've been trying to fix aren't actually the problem?

If you've been chasing individual concussion symptoms—dizziness, fatigue, brain fog—without real progress, you might be stuck in the cycle of treating what's obvious instead of what's actually driving the issue.

Here's the truth: when you treat symptoms in isolation, you risk missing the deeper system interactions underneath them. That's where confusion, overwhelm, and stalled recovery happen. But when you understand how systems like the vestibular and autonomic nervous systems work together, everything starts to click—and that's when real, targeted progress begins.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

* Why treating symptoms alone can keep both clinicians and patients stuck
* How the vestibular system can mimic or drive autonomic dysfunction
* The critical role of the otoliths in balance, blood pressure, and symptom patterns
* Why a multi-system assessment is the key to clarity and effective treatment

When you shift from chasing symptoms to understanding systems, the chaos turns into clarity—and you finally know exactly where to start.

 

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

Embrace Yourself: Heartfelt Meditation27 mars 202600:03:23

When was the last time you truly saw yourself with kindness instead of criticism?

So many of us move through life focused on what we're not doing well enough—constantly pushing, fixing, and judging ourselves—while completely overlooking the quiet, steady effort it takes just to keep showing up each day.

That constant self-criticism can leave you feeling disconnected, exhausted, and never quite "enough." But what if the shift you need isn't more discipline or productivity—what if it's learning to meet yourself with compassion? This meditation helps you slow down, reconnect with your body, and begin seeing yourself through a gentler, more supportive lens.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • How to ground yourself using breath and body awareness
  • A simple way to reconnect with your heartbeat and inner calm
  • Gentle affirmations to practice self-love and appreciation
  • How to shift from self-criticism to self-compassion in just a few minutes

A small moment of kindness toward yourself can change the way you move through your entire day.

 

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

EP 111: The Intricacies of Vestibular Dysfunction: Beyond Dizziness25 mars 202600:22:44

What if your "not dizzy" symptoms are actually coming from a hidden vestibular problem?

You might be overlooking a major piece of your recovery by assuming vestibular dysfunction only shows up as dizziness—or by relying on vague descriptions like "I feel off" without digging deeper.

And here's the catch: that misunderstanding can keep you stuck. If you're treating the wrong thing—or missing something like BPPV entirely—you could be doing all the "right" rehab and still not making progress. The solution? Step back, reassess, and understand the full scope of how the vestibular system impacts your body beyond just dizziness.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • Why you don't need to feel dizzy to have vestibular dysfunction
  • How "dizziness" means wildly different things—and why that matters for diagnosis
  • The hidden role of BPPV (and why it can show up weeks or months after a concussion)
  • Why incomplete vestibular assessments may be the reason you're still stuck

If you've been spinning your wheels in recovery, this episode might just change how you see your symptoms—and your next steps.

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

Embracing the Present: A Guided Meditation20 mars 202600:06:18

What if you didn't need to fix anything right now—only breathe and gently accept where you are?

In moments of stress or uncertainty, you may find yourself trying to control your thoughts, push away discomfort, or rush toward solutions—forgetting that constant resistance can leave you feeling even more overwhelmed and disconnected.

This guided meditation invites you to pause, soften that resistance, and explore acceptance—not as giving up, but as a way to create space, restore your energy, and reconnect with a quiet sense of hope and forward movement.

 

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

EP 110: Acceptance and Urgency: The Hidden Traps in Healing16 mars 202600:19:53

What if the very mindset you think is helping your concussion recovery is actually slowing it down?

Many people on a concussion healing journey are told they need to "accept their new normal" or feel pressure to heal within a certain timeline. And while those ideas might sound supportive on the surface, they can quietly become barriers that keep you stuck, frustrated, and overwhelmed.

In this episode, we unpack two common themes that show up again and again in rehabilitation: acceptance and urgency. When misunderstood, acceptance can feel like giving up hope, while urgency can push your nervous system into stress and pressure that actually works against healing. But when these concepts are reframed the right way, they can become powerful tools that help move your recovery forward.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • Why "acceptance" does not mean settling for a "new normal"

  • How acknowledging the truth of where you are today can actually create a path forward

  • Why putting a timeline on your healing may be increasing stress on your nervous system

  • How shifting from urgency to trust can support real, sustainable progress in recovery

Healing after a concussion isn't about giving up or rushing the process — it's about understanding your nervous system, meeting yourself where you are, and taking the next step forward from there.

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

 

Embracing Resilience: A Guided Meditation Journey13 mars 202600:06:34

In this short guided meditation, take a moment to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with the resilience that already lives within you. Through gentle breathing, self-compassion, and a heart-centered visualization, this practice invites you to soften self-judgment and meet yourself with kindness.

Resilience isn't about pushing through or being hard on yourself—it's the quiet strength that allows you to keep showing up, learning, and moving forward at your own pace.

A gentle reminder: you don't have to become resilient. You already are.

 

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

EP 109: Building Capacity: The Path to a Dynamic Nervous System09 mars 202600:27:53

What if the real reason your concussion rehab isn't progressing… has nothing to do with the exercises you're doing? 🤔

Many people struggling with persistent concussion symptoms focus only on pushing harder in rehab—more exercises, more effort, more cognitive work—without realizing their nervous system may not have the capacity to integrate that progress yet.

When your nervous system is stuck in a heightened state of stress or "fight-or-flight," it can lower your tolerance for symptoms, increase brain fog, and make even the best rehab strategies feel like they aren't working.

The good news? That "ceiling" isn't fixed. By learning how to regulate and expand your nervous system's window of tolerance, you can create the conditions where real recovery and performance improvements become possible.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

➡️Why your nervous system sets the "ceiling" for how much progress you can make in concussion rehab

➡️What heart rate variability (HRV) can reveal about your autonomic nervous system and cognitive performance

➡️A simple grounding exercise that helps bring your body out of fight-or-flight and into a calmer state

➡️ How clinicians and patients can build nervous system capacity to improve rehab outcomes

This episode will change how you think about concussion recovery—showing you that sometimes the key to moving forward is learning how to regulate before you rehabilitate. 🧠✨

 

 

 

 

​​Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool



EP 108: Navigating Concussion Recovery:The Nervous System's Role02 mars 202600:27:38

Are you trying to rehab vision, balance, or exercise tolerance… but secretly ignoring the one system that sets the ceiling for all of it?

If you're a clinician piling on protocols without addressing nervous system state—or you're on a healing journey wondering why "all the right exercises" still flare your symptoms—you might be missing the foundation. Because no matter how advanced the intervention, if the nervous system feels threatened, it won't integrate change.

And here's the hard truth: there is no 15-minute reset. No six-week magic switch. Nervous system regulation isn't sexy. It's consistent, daily work. But when you understand how state drives physiology, symptoms, and capacity, everything about concussion rehab starts to make more sense.

In this episode, we explore how the nervous system truly sets the stage for recovery—through the lens of the Stephen Porges Polyvagal Theory—and why safety (or even just "okay-ness") must come before performance.

 

 

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • Why concussion often leads to sympathetic dominance—and what that actually means physiologically

  • The difference between ventral vagal (safety), sympathetic (mobilization), and dorsal vagal (shutdown) states

  • Why you can't rehab peripheral vision, sound sensitivity, or vestibular symptoms effectively in a threat state

  • How shifting from "I need to feel safe" to "I can feel okay" changes the entire recovery trajectory

The nervous system isn't the side quest—it's the foundation. And when you start there, everything else becomes possible.

 

 

 

 

​​

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

EP 107: Why Doing Everything Right Still Feels Hard: A Concussion Journey23 févr. 202600:19:55

Are you doing everything right for your concussion recovery… and still feeling like you're getting absolutely nowhere?

You're booking the appointments. You're doing the exercises. You're cleaning up your sleep, your diet, your supplements. Maybe you're even adding breathwork and therapy on top of it all. And yet—you're exhausted, overwhelmed, foggy, and wondering why it still feels so dang hard.

Here's the truth no one talks about: more rehab isn't always better rehab. When your nervous system is already overloaded, piling on every "right" intervention at once can actually slow you down. If you've ever felt lost, forgotten what your doctor told you, or like you're spinning in a hamster wheel of appointments with no progress—you are not alone. And you are not broken.

In this episode, we're kicking off a brand-new season of Concussion Nerds by diving into the real reason recovery can stall: multi-system overload, siloed care, and a nervous system that simply doesn't have the capacity for it all—yet.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • Why "doing everything right" can still keep you stuck

  • The hidden cost of siloed concussion care (and how it overwhelms your nervous system)

  • Why information overload after concussion leaves so many people feeling lost

  • How to recognize when it's time to pause, zoom out, and restructure your rehab plan

If recovery feels harder than it should, this episode might just give you the permission—and the strategy—to do less, better.

 

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

Grounding into Earth Meditation20 févr. 202600:07:32
Grounding into Earth Meditation

Feeling overwhelmed or disconnected? This gentle meditation helps you slow down, release tension, and reconnect to steady, grounded strength.

Through breath awareness and a visualization of roots growing into the Earth, you'll be guided to let heaviness melt downward while drawing calm, enduring support upward into your body.

Repeat softly to yourself:
I am supported. I am connected. It is okay to slow down.

Come back to this practice anytime you need to feel steady, present, and held. The Earth is always here.

 

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

  •  

EP 106: Empowering Brain Health: A Conversation with Cognitive Protocol with Scott Thomson02 févr. 202600:41:41

What if the symptoms you've been "living with" for years aren't something you have to accept at all?

If you've ever been told to just shake it off, sit in a dark room, or wait out your concussion symptoms—chances are you've been missing one of the most foundational pieces of brain recovery.

In this episode, I'm joined by Scott Thomson, co-founder of Cognitive Protocol, to unpack a hard truth: ignoring nutrition (or oversimplifying it) keeps people stuck in inflammation, brain fog, headaches, mood changes, and fatigue—sometimes decades after their last hit to the head. The solution isn't doing nothing… it's reclaiming agency. Strategic, targeted nutrition can calm the storm in the brain, reduce inflammation, and support real healing—without needing 25 different supplements or a full-time job in the kitchen.

 

 

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:
  • Why brain health was ignored for so long in sports—and how that mistake is still affecting adults today

  • How Scott Thomson's background in professional athletics and nutrition led to the creation of Cognitive Protocol

  • The critical role of omega fatty acids, creatine, and inflammation-reducing nutrients in brain recovery

  • How intentional nutrition gives concussion patients and caregivers back a sense of control and momentum in healing

 

 

Brain healing isn't passive—and as Scott Thomson shares, you don't have to live with lingering symptoms forever when you give your brain what it actually needs to recover.

Listener Discount Code: CONCUSSIONNERDS20
Website: https://cognitiveprotocol.com/

 

 

 

 

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

EP 105: Taking Time for Self-Care and Growth08 déc. 202500:11:53

Have you ever felt the pull to deepen your healing—but found yourself terrified of what might surface if you actually slowed down long enough to listen?

If you're like many people on a concussion or trauma-related healing journey, you might be unintentionally doing the very thing that keeps you stuck: staying in your head, trying to control every outcome, and avoiding the "box" of unresolved experiences you're afraid might burst open.

But here's the truth—healing rarely happens in the mind alone. And when you try to logic your way through everything, you disconnect from the very place your healing actually begins: your body.

In this episode, Natasha shares a raw and personal update as she heads into a 300-hour somatic-based trauma training in Spain—reflecting on what it takes to be open, curious, and courageous in your own healing… even when you have no idea what might come up.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • Why staying "in your head" can stall nervous system and concussion recovery

  • The deeper connection between trauma, the body, and persistent symptoms

  • What it really feels like to surrender control and let your healing unfold

  • How you can start reconnecting with your own body in small, safe, meaningful ways

Whether you're navigating your own recovery or supporting someone else, this episode is your reminder to slow down, breathe, and come home to yourself—one moment at a time.

 

 

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

EP 104: From Meditation to Mobilization: Engaging the Nervous System25 nov. 202500:31:05

What if the real reason your nervous system work isn't "working"… is because you've been aiming for the wrong goal?

So many people in the concussion and healing space are trying to "feel safe," "stay calm," or "get into parasympathetic mode" — only to end up more frustrated, more dysregulated, or even more disconnected from their bodies.

And here's the kicker:
It's not that you're doing it wrong… it's that you've been told to chase an outcome you can't physiologically access yet.

In this episode, Natasha breaks down the misconceptions around nervous system regulation and exposes the hidden ways our approach may actually be keeping us stuck. From meditation backfiring, to emotional suppression showing up as symptoms, to the importance of meeting your body where it actually is — we go there.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • Why "feeling safe" is often too big of a first step — and the realistic place to start instead

  • How to know when meditation and calming tools will help… and when they'll make you feel worse

  • What your body is really asking for when you feel snappy, irritable, wired, or "crawly" in your skin

  • Why repressed emotions turn into physical symptoms — and the journaling practice that helps move them out instead of storing them

Your nervous system isn't something to "fix." It's something to understand — and today, you get the clarity you've been missing.

 

 

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

Concussion Nerds: The Roundtable EP 4: Healing Paths Explored: Traditional vs. Contemporary Approaches19 nov. 202500:43:36

What if "evidence-based" isn't the only correct path — but picking the wrong alternative care could cost your client their recovery?

Too many patients and clinicians get stuck in a binary: either "only evidence-based" or "anything that feels good." That leaves vulnerable people chasing unproven fixes, paying lots of money, delaying effective care — or worse, getting harmed.

Here's the hard truth: the concussion space is messy and full of gray. Research often lags behind clinical observation, but that doesn't mean anything goes. The solution is evidence-informed, patient-centred care — blend what the best evidence shows, your clinical reasoning, objective outcomes, and informed consent so people safely get the care that actually helps them.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:

  • How to tell the difference between helpful complementary care and care that's actively harmful (financial, symptomatic, or delaying effective treatment).

  • Practical flags to watch for in a therapist's approach — e.g., inability to explain the treatment plan, no objective/subjective outcome measures, pressure sales, or discouraging other referrals.

  • Why trauma almost always plays a role in persistent concussion and how addressing it (EMDR, somatic, or other trauma-informed approaches) can unlock rehab progress.

  • How to prioritize and co-manage care (what to measure, how to test and retest in session, when to refer, and how to keep the patient's autonomy and safety front and centre).

If you're a clinician: use this episode as a checklist to tighten your referrals and explain your reasoning to patients. If you're on a healing journey: use it as permission to ask tough questions and refuse care that feels coercive, vague, or unmeasured.

Let's finish Season One by choosing curiosity over dogma — and by putting patient safety, clarity, and real outcomes first.

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Visit Natasha's Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Thank you to our sponsor Neuronic. Learn more about their photobiomodulation products and save $100 on your order by checking out their website here: https://www.neuronic.online/discount-handler?code=2568457

EP 103: Navigating Vision Challenges Post-Concussion with Dr. Paul Rollett13 nov. 202500:42:55

Have you ever wondered why your vision still feels "off" long after your concussion recovery was supposed to be complete?

You're not imagining it — and you're definitely not alone. So many concussion survivors go through the motions of rehab, only to find their eyes still struggle to track, focus, or process movement the way they used to. The problem? Vision issues are often an invisible piece of the concussion puzzle that goes undiagnosed or under-treated.

In this episode, Natasha sits down with Dr. Paul Rollett, a neuro-optometrist who understands this struggle on a personal level. After suffering a severe concussion during optometry school, Dr. Rollett experienced the same visual challenges he now helps his patients overcome. His story sheds light on how vision connects deeply to brain recovery — and why addressing it can make all the difference in your healing journey.

 

 

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER:
  • Why vision problems are so common — yet so often missed — after concussion

  • How neuro-optometry bridges the gap between vision and brain healing

  • The signs your eyes may still be struggling post-injury

  • How targeted vision therapy can accelerate your recovery and clarity

 

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
  • Even in environments focused on vision, post-concussion visual issues can go overlooked — awareness and specialized care matter.

  • Recovery is possible, but it often requires a collaborative approach between neuro-optometrists, physiotherapists, and other rehab professionals.

  • Vision therapy isn't just about the eyes — it's about retraining the brain to process visual information effectively.

  • Personal experience often fuels passionate, patient-centered care — and Dr. Rollett's journey is proof of that.

 

 

CONNECT WITH DR. PAUL ROLLETT:

🌐 Website: https://www.vividneurooptometry.com
📸 Instagram: @vividneurooptometry

 

 

If your world still feels visually "off" after a concussion, this conversation with Dr. Paul Rollett will help you understand why — and what you can do about it.

 

 

 

Let's connect!

 

Instagram: 

@natasha.wilch https://www.instagram.com/natasha.wilch/

Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom  here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership!
Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussionminischool

 

 

 

 

Connect with Dr. Paul Rollett

🌐 Website: www.okanaganvisiontherapy.ca

💬 You can use the contact form on the site to reach Dr. Rollett directly.

🎥 Bonus: Check out their 45-minute YouTube documentary on the main page to learn how vision plays a powerful role in concussion recovery.

 

Concussion Nerds: The Roundtable EP 3: Money Talk in Concussion Rehab12 nov. 202500:47:41

Have you ever hesitated to recommend a treatment because you weren't sure your patient could afford it — or worried your fees would look like you're putting profit before care?

Many private-practice providers freeze at the money conversation: we undercharge out of guilt, over-explain costs, or avoid talking about outcomes and value — and that leaves patients confused, underserved, or worse, exploited.

That discomfort is exactly why this episode matters. The Roundtable pulls back the curtain on pricing, billing, and ethical care — we name the tension between value and access, then give you practical ways to hold both at once: clear upfront conversations about outcomes, flexible "plan B" options, warranties/refund approaches for devices, pro-bono funnels, and clinician-level boundaries that protect both patient outcomes and your team's sustainability.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL LEARN:

  • How to frame cost conversations around value and outcomes (so patients see spending as investment, not just expense).
  • Concrete strategies for setting and defending fee schedules while staying ethical and compassionate (including transparency, team conversations, and when to push back on insurer-driven rates).
  • A practical, team-based clinical approach for complex concussion cases — what to assess first (vision, vestibular, neck, nervous-system regulation) and how to coordinate referrals.
  • Real ways to increase access without going broke: pro-bono slots, low-cost/online resources, sliding plans, and negotiating efficient treatment doses that still get results.

On this episode of The Roundtable we dig into the hard stuff — cost, billing, and caring for people in vulnerable positions — and we walk through a real, messy case study (Michelle's multi-system concussion) so you leave with both mindset shifts and actionable tools. 

 

Join the Clinician's Edge to have Your Weekly Taste of Neuro Wisdom here: https://www.natashawilch.com/clinicians-edge

 

Visit Natasha's Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

 

Thank you to our sponsor Neuronic. Learn more about their photobiomodulation products and save $100 on your order by checking out their website here: https://www.neuronic.online/discount-handler?code=2568457

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