The Concussion Nerds Podcast Natasha Wilch

Have you ever wondered if there’s a more precise, affordable way to assess neurological health in your clinic?
 
Many clinicians struggle with the high costs and subjectivity of traditional neurological assessment tools, leading to inconsistent and potentially inaccurate patient evaluations.
 
 Imagine having a tool that's not only accessible but also incredibly accurate, eliminating the guesswork and providing clear, objective data on your patients' autonomic nervous systems. Enter Reflex – an innovative app that transforms your iPhone or iPad into a powerful pupillometer, revolutionizing concussion management and beyond. Today, we are joined by Kurtis and Matthew to discuss everything you need to know about this amazing app. 
 
In this episode, you’ll learn:
👉 How Reflex offers a cost-effective solution for pupillometry using mobile devices.
👉 The science behind pupillometry and its significance in assessing brain function.
👉 Practical applications of Reflex in various clinical settings, from concussion management to stroke recovery.
👉 The benefits of using Reflex for both acute and persistent concussions, including remote assessments.
 
Don’t miss out on discovering how Reflex can enhance your clinical practice with cutting-edge technology that's as simple as using your mobile device. Tune in now and take your patient care to the next level.
 
Let’s connect!
 
Instagram:@natasha.wilch
Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com
 
SIGN UP FOR MINI-SCHOOL HERE: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school
Be the FIRST to know all the information for our upcoming CONCUSSION NERDS VIRTUAL SUMMIT this fall by joining the waitlist HERE https://www.natashawilch.com/summit-waitlist
Checkout Reflex App here: https://reflexapp.io/
 

Are you struggling to exercise due to persistent concussion symptoms? Does the thought of physical activity make your symptoms flare up, leaving you feeling defeated and unsure of how to move forward?
 
Many people with persistent concussion symptoms are told to "just go for a 20-minute walk every day." They try, only to end up feeling like they've been hit by a Mack truck, which discourages them from trying again.
 
Exercise can be beneficial for concussion recovery, but it needs to be approached correctly. It’s not as simple as following generic advice, especially when dealing with persistent symptoms.
 
In this episode, we dive into the nuanced approach required for safely incorporating exercise into your routine when you have persistent concussion symptoms.
 
In this episode, you’ll learn:
👉 How to start exercising without causing a symptom flare-up.
👉 The importance of choosing the right activity based on your specific symptoms and goals.
👉 Strategies for monitoring and managing your symptoms during exercise.
👉 How to gradually build up your exercise tolerance and make consistent progress.
 
Join us as we explore how to navigate the complexities of exercising with persistent concussion symptoms, ensuring you can move forward confidently and effectively on your recovery journey.
Let’s connect!
Instagram:@natasha.wilch
Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com
SIGN UP FOR MINI-SCHOOL HERE: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school
Be the FIRST to know all the information for our upcoming CONCUSSION NERDS VIRTUAL SUMMIT this fall by joining the waitlist HERE https://www.natashawilch.com/summit-waitlist
 

Are you struggling to stay passionate about your clinic while managing the business side of things?
 
Many clinicians start their practices with a vision and passion, only to find themselves overwhelmed and disconnected from their initial goals. The constant juggling of clinical work, business management, and personal life can make it hard to stay focused and joyful.
 
In this episode, I am sharing my vulnerable journey of building and almost losing my clinic. As well as about the challenges of expanding services, losing the core vision, and finding the courage to reconnect with my passion. My story is a powerful reminder that it's okay to pivot and refocus on what truly matters.
 
In this episode, you’ll learn:
👉 How Natasha overcame the fear of losing her clinic despite having a six-month waitlist.
👉 The importance of maintaining a clear vision and shared goals with your team.
👉 Strategies for effective networking and building strong client relationships without paid marketing.
👉 The impact of personal struggles on business and the importance of choosing joy in your work.
 
If you're feeling disconnected or unsure about the direction of your clinic, this episode is a must-listen. This story will inspire you to reflect on your own vision and take courageous steps toward bringing joy back into your practice.
 
Let’s connect!
 
Instagram:@natasha.wilch
Email: hello@natashawilch.com
Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com
SIGN UP FOR MINI-SCHOOL HERE: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school
Be the FIRST to know all the information for our upcoming CONCUSSION NERDS VIRTUAL SUMMIT this fall by joining the waitlist HERE https://www.natashawilch.com/summit-waitlist

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

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

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



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