Welcome back to The Concussion Coach Podcast! In this episode, we continue our insightful conversation with Shelley Latendresse, an occupational therapist from British Columbia who has bravely shared her personal journey with recurring concussions. If you missed Part 1, be sure to check it out first for the full backstory on her struggles, self-treatment, and breakthrough moments.

Today, Shelley dives deeper into her recovery, revealing how she transitioned from chronic concussions to reclaiming her adventurous spirit. She discusses the importance of mindset, neuroplasticity, and a balanced approach to activity, highlighting her key recovery strategies, from mindful movement and vestibular therapy to the power of cycling as a therapeutic tool. For those supporting a loved one with a concussion, Shelley also shares valuable advice on how to provide meaningful support without limiting their growth.

Connect with Shelley & Resources Mentioned:

• Website & Coaching:OTShelley.com

• THREE: Post-Concussion Recovery Program:Shelley’s Recovery Program

• Instagram:@ot_shelley

• Facebook:OT Shelley

• Yoga Classes & More:Shelley’s Linktree

• Mentorship Program for Clinicians:Natasha Wilch’s Program

  
  

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review to help others find the Concussion Coach Podcast.

If you would like to sign up for a free concussion coaching consultation with me to learn how you can understand and manage your symptoms, speed up your recovery, and get your life back following a concussion, go to my website: www.theconcussioncoach.com, or click on this link: https://theconcussioncoach.com/contact

Welcome back to the Concussion Coach Podcast! Today, I am thrilled to introduce you to a fellow occupational therapist who is deeply passionate about supporting individuals struggling with post-concussion syndrome. Meet Shelley Latendresse, a registered and practicing occupational therapist from Tsawwassen, BC, Canada. With a background specializing in neurological health, she has extensive experience in neurodevelopment, brain injuries, and sensory and reflex integration. Shelley is also a certified yoga instructor with a focus on nervous system management and injury recovery. In this episode, Shelley shares her personal experience with multiple concussions, the challenges of recovery, and how it ultimately shaped her approach as a therapist. We discuss everything from brain fog and nervous system regulation to tools like red light therapy and PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy. Shelley's journey is both eye-opening and inspiring, offering valuable insights into the realities of concussion recovery.

Resources Mentioned:

• Shelley's Website: www.otshelley.com

• Instagram: @ot_shelley

• Free 30-Minute Discussion Call & Additional Resources: linktr.ee/OT_Shelley

• Red Light Therapy & PEMF Therapy (for nervous system regulation and cellular recovery)

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review to help others find the Concussion Coach Podcast.

If you would like to sign up for a free concussion coaching consultation with me to learn how you can understand and manage your symptoms, speed up your recovery, and get your life back following a concussion, go to my website: www.theconcussioncoach.com, or click on this link: https://theconcussioncoach.com/contact

Cristabelle Braden is an award-winning singer/songwriter, speaker, writer, podcast host, and a passionate advocate for brain injury awareness. Having personally overcome multiple traumatic brain injuries, she has turned her journey of recovery into a powerful message of resilience, hope, and healing. Her story takes us from the depths of brain injury rehabilitation to national platforms where she shares her testimony through music and speaking engagements. As the founder of the online support community Hope After Head Injury and the host of the widely recognized podcastHope Survives®, Cristabelle has dedicated years to supporting brain injury survivors and their families. Join us as we dive into an inspiring conversation with Cristabelle Braden, where she shares her journey, insights on brain injury recovery, and the power of music in healing.

If you're looking for a supportive community or resources on brain injury recovery, be sure to check out Cristabelle’s work:

• Hope Survives Online Support Groups: hopesurvives.org

• Her Website: cristabellebraden.com

• Instagram: @christabelbrayden

• Hope After Head Injury Community & Podcast: hopeafterheadinjury.com

Cristabelle also mentions:

• Dr. Jeremy Schmoe - The Functional Neurology Center in Minnesota:www.thefnc.com

• Symptoms journaling

• Book recommendations: John Mark Comer: “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” and “Practicing the Way”

  
  

If you would like to sign up for a free concussion coaching consultation with me to learn how you can understand and manage your symptoms, speed up your recovery, and get your life back following a concussion, go to my website:www.theconcussioncoach.com, or click on this link:https://theconcussioncoach.com/contact

Today, my guest is Drago Romero. Drago lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and last year he experienced a life-changing concussion. His journey has been filled with physical and emotional challenges, but through it all, he has remained determined to heal and grow. In this episode, Drago shares his experience navigating post-concussion syndrome—the struggles, the setbacks, and the triumphs. He hopes to bring awareness to the lingering symptoms that many concussion sufferers endure and to offer encouragement to those who may feel lost in their recovery. His ultimate goal is to become an advocate for those facing similar experiences, letting them know that even in the darkest times, there is hope and healing ahead.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

If you would like to sign up for a free concussion coaching consultation with me to learn how you can understand and manage your symptoms, speed up your recovery, and get your life back following a concussion, go to my website: www.theconcussioncoach.com, or click on this link: https://theconcussioncoach.com/contact

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome back the remarkable Dr. Diane Spangler, a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience in both clinical and academic settings. Dr. Spangler has been a pivotal voice in advancing mental health care, particularly in addressing post-concussion mental health challenges. A former professor of psychology at Brigham Young University and visiting professor at Oxford University, she has published over 60 research papers and lectures globally.

This conversation covers such important topics as pain (physical and psychological) and dissociation following concussion, trauma related to Post Concussion Syndrome, as well as some of Dr. Spangler’s work involving cutting-edge treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and CO2 suits, enhancing the way we approach trauma, depression, and anxiety. Dr. Spangler’s insights are transformative, blending science and compassion to better serve individuals with complex psychological and physiological needs. Tune in for an episode filled with valuable insights and tools for improving mental health and well-being!

Listen to Episode 55: Dr. Spangler’s first appearance on the podcast, "Depression, Anxiety, and Mental Health Post-Concussion", is a must-listen. Watch it on YouTube.

Mindfulness for Chronic Pain: Explore Jon Kabat-Zinn’s resources on using mindfulness to manage chronic pain. Visit his website.

Relaxation Tools: For stress relief and relaxation, try the Calm app or Headspace app or Insight Timer app.

Contact Dr. Spangler:

You may call her practice at 801-882-2204.

For more information on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) or CO2 suits check out the Cognitive FX website.

If you would like to sign up for a free concussion coaching consultation with me to learn how you can understand and manage your symptoms, speed up your recovery, and get your life back following a concussion, go to my website: www.theconcussioncoach.com, or click on this link: https://theconcussioncoach.com/contact

In this episode of the Concussion Coach Podcast, host Bethany welcomes Ben Hjelle, a former patient at Cognitive FX, to share his compelling journey through post-concussion syndrome (PCS). Ben, a Midwesterner now residing in Puerto Rico, has a diverse background that includes a UN fellowship, corporate roles, high school teaching and coaching, and entrepreneurship. He currently co-runs a family consulting firm specializing in agricultural biotechnology.

Ben recounts the cycling accident that led to his concussion in February 2023, his initial recovery, and the unexpected resurgence of symptoms months later. He delves into the challenges of managing PCS alongside pre-existing anxiety and PTSD, and how these experiences have shaped his personal and professional life. This episode offers valuable insights into the complexities of concussion recovery, the importance of mental health awareness, and the resilience required to navigate life's unpredictable challenges.

If you want to be in touch with Ben, you can email him at: [email protected]

Cognitive FX: A post-concussion treatment center specializing in functional neurocognitive rehabilitation - https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/

Ben mentioned Matt in the podcast, please listen our previous podcast with Matt Traywick on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEYmNRRp3JM&t=1s

If you would like to sign up for a free concussion coaching consultation with me to learn how you can understand and manage your symptoms, speed up your recovery, and get your life back following a concussion, go to my website: www.theconcussioncoach.com, or click on this link: https://theconcussioncoach.com/contact

In this episode of the Concussion Coach Podcast, we sit down with Shannon Clark, a seasoned health and wellness consultant with over two decades of experience. After sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 2019, Shannon's life took an unexpected turn, leading her to establish Revive Coaching, LLC. Through a neurocentric approach, she now offers personalized coaching to TBI sufferers worldwide, empowering them to reclaim their lives. Join us as Shannon shares her inspiring recovery journey, insights into neuroplasticity in brain injury rehabilitation, and practical strategies for effective and affordable recovery, as well as snippets of her daughter’s recovery from the acquired brain injury of Long Covid.

You can find Shannon on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-clark-4a8a0a15b/  or on Instagram: @revivebrains or on Facebook at Revive Coaching or her website: www.revivebrains.com

Also mentioned in this episode: 

BrainHQ: www.brainhq.com

Shokz Bone Conduction Headphones: www.shokz.com

Brain Injury Association of America: https://biausa.org/

CognitiveFX: https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/

Z-Health Education: https://zhealtheducation.com/

Next Level Neuro: https://www.nextlevelneuro.com/

Norman Doidge Books: The Brain That Changes Itself, The Brain’s Way of Healing

If you would like to sign up for a free concussion coaching consultation with me to learn how you can understand and manage your symptoms, speed up your recovery, and get your life back following a concussion, go to my website: www.theconcussioncoach.com, or click on this link: https://theconcussioncoach.com/contact

This episode of The Concussion Coach Podcast features Sara Madsen, a NeuroMuscular Therapy assistant at Cognitive FX with over 20 years of experience as a certified fitness trainer. Sara shares her journey from working with clients in fitness to specializing in concussion recovery and neurological health. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Sara offers a unique perspective on the connection between the body, brain, and emotions. Tune in to explore Sara's insights on working with clients impacted by concussions, the surprising causes of brain injuries, and the transformative potential of cutting-edge research in recovery. Whether you're a healthcare professional, caregiver, or someone navigating your own healing journey, this conversation is packed with wisdom and inspiration.

Learn more about Cognitive FX: https://www.cognitivefxusa.com/

Sara would be happy to do speaking engagements, Contact her at: [email protected] if you’re interested.

If you would like to sign up for a free concussion coaching consultation with me to learn how you can understand and manage your symptoms, speed up your recovery, and get your life back following a concussion, go to my website: www.theconcussioncoach.com, or click on this link: https://theconcussioncoach.com/contact

Kaylee Blair is a dedicated Brain Injury Coach who brings personal experience, compassion, and expertise to her work supporting individuals recovering from brain injuries. Kaylee’s deep understanding of the physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges that accompany brain injuries allows her to offer practical tools, encouragement, and guidance to those struggling with lingering symptoms. Despite her own challenges, Kaylee has created a non-profit organization, BrainSparx, To connect people suffering from brain injuries with support through mentorship and support groups. 

You can find Kaylee Blair at www.braininjurycoach.com

You can find the BrainSparx organization at  https://www.brainsparx.org/ or on Instagram @Brainsparx_org

And find info on the support groups on Instagram at:  tbisupport_ut and stgeorgetbi_brainsparx

Kaylee would be happy to do speaking engagements. Contact her at [email protected] if you’re interested.

If you would like to sign up for a free concussion coaching consultation with me to learn how you can understand and manage your symptoms, speed up your recovery, and get your life back following a concussion, go to my website: www.theconcussioncoach.com, or click on this link: https://theconcussioncoach.com/contact

Annie Howard is a concussion physical therapist located in Park City, UT and owner of Happy Brain Physical Therapy. She is certified in concussion, vestibular therapy, and trained in treating visual and oculomotor deficits. After working as a PT for over 10 years, she had her own concussion injury and after struggling to get better, sought out learning all things concussion. She understands the struggles that people face when their concussion symptoms don't resolve quickly and seeks to educate people about what a concussion is and how they can get better. In this conversation, Annie shares her own experience with concussion and how that informs her treatment for people suffering with post concussion syndrome. One treatment she found particularly helpful is the LiveO2 oxygen therapy system. I think many out there will find this fascinating. Enjoy this conversation!

Annie mentioned the LiveO2 oxygen therapy. https://liveo2.com

You can find Annie at www.happybrainpt.com or on Instagram @happybrainphysicaltherapy or email her at [email protected].

If you would like to sign up for a free concussion coaching consultation with me to learn how you can understand and manage your symptoms, speed up your recovery, and get your life back following a concussion, go to my website: www.theconcussioncoach.com, or click on this link: https://theconcussioncoach.com/contact