The Concussion Nerds Podcast

Are you overlooking the most important part of your concussion assessments?

If you're a clinician working with concussion patients and you're not fully evaluating the neck—you're missing a critical piece of the puzzle.

The truth is, many providers stop short when assessing cervical involvement. You might check range of motion, maybe even do some manual therapy—but what about sensory motor control? Joint position sense? Proprioception? These deeper layers of neck function not only impact symptoms like dizziness and disorientation… they can even increase risk for future concussions.

But here's the good news: there is a better way to assess and treat the neck—and it's going to radically elevate the way you support your clients with complex concussion.

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

• Why range of motion and palpation alone are NOT enough to rule out cervical involvement

• How joint position sense and sensory motor control can impact symptoms like dizziness and eye movement dysfunction

• Simple clinical tests to help determine whether the neck is driving your client's ongoing symptoms

• How new research is shaping baseline testing and return-to-play decisions for athletes

Whether you're a PT, chiropractor, or clinician supporting clients post-concussion, this episode is packed with tools and insights that will help you go deeper in your assessments and get your clients better, faster.

🎉 ANNOUNCEMENT: Don't forget—Rethink Rehab Live is happening May 30th! This hands-on workshop is for clinicians who are ready to lead the future of concussion care. You'll walk away with the confidence and clarity to treat complex cases with skill—and start creating epic outcomes. Click here to learn more + save your spot.

Until next time, keep being the forward-thinking provider your clients need. 💥

Let's connect!

Instagram:

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

Email: [email protected] 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

Episode Sponsor: JANE APP

To learn more about how Jane's intake forms can help, head to jane.app/guide to book a 1-on-1 demo with a member of their team. If you're ready to get started, you can use the code SYMPHONY1MO at the time of sign-up to get a 1-month grace period applied to your new account.

Have you ever felt like you're doing everything right in your concussion recovery—and still not making progress?

You're not imagining it. And you're definitely not alone. One of the biggest mistakes people make after a concussion is focusing only on symptoms, without addressing the actual root causes—especially when it comes to how the brain and nervous system are functioning underneath the surface.

In today's episode of the Concussion Nerds Podcast, we're joined by Dr. David Hardy, a chiropractor and functional neurologist with a passion for helping people come back to life—literally—after brain injury. From stories of patients who couldn't walk across a room to those who graduated from walkers to high heels (yes, really!), this episode is a heart-opening look at what's actually possible when we approach concussion recovery from a truly neurological perspective.

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

• Why so many concussion symptoms linger for years—and how functional neurology can break that cycle

• What it means when you look "fine on paper" but still feel totally off

• How the nervous system influences healing, emotions, and recovery (and why rehab must address all three)

• The surprising impact of intensive care programs—and the real reason they work when nothing else does

If you've been struggling to find answers, hope, or lasting results on your post-concussion journey… this one's for you.

Connect with Dr. David: Want to learn more from Dr. Hardy or get in touch?

🎧 Listen to his podcast: The Hardy Brain — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google, or wherever you tune in. 📱 Follow on social: @thehardybrain on all major platforms 📍 Looking for treatment? Dr. Hardy practices at Hope Wellness in Sylvan Lake, Alberta

Let's connect!

Instagram:

@concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/

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

Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

Learn how to connect & understand your nervous system so you can have greater outcomes in your health & healing journey: Grab a copy of the workbookhttps://www.natashawilch.com/understanding-connecting-your-nervous-system-1

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:

• Mini School: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school

• Membership: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school-the-membership

Episode Sponsor: JANE APP

To learn more about how Jane's intake forms can help, head to jane.app/guide to book a 1-on-1 demo with a member of their team. If you're ready to get started, you can use the code SYMPHONY1MO at the time of sign-up to get a 1-month grace period applied to your new account.

Have you ever wondered if your headaches or migraines are actually something deeper — and if there's more you could be doing to truly heal?

So many people think headaches and migraines are just "normal" or something they have to push through. Worse, they get stuck bouncing from specialist to specialist, trying endless medications without real answers.

But here's the truth: When it comes to headaches, migraines, and even post-concussion symptoms, understanding the root cause — not just treating the symptom — is what actually changes lives. And that's exactly what today's guest, Dr. Jimmy Pang, dives into.

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

• How chronic pain and migraine personally shaped Dr. Jimmy Pang's approach to healing

• Why migraines are more than just "bad headaches" — and the surprising symptoms you might not know about

• The real difference between headaches and migraines (and why the distinction matters for your treatment!)

• How to move from managing triggers to building true neurological resilience after concussion and migraine

If you've been feeling stuck, unheard, or overwhelmed in your recovery journey, this conversation will give you fresh hope — and a whole new way to look at your healing.

Connect with Dr. Jimmy Pang:

Webiste: https://pangphysicaltherapy.com

Instagram: @PangPhysicalTherapy

You can purchase the Vagal Nerve Stimulator here: https://hoolest.com/?sca_ref=8229723.zXtTYw4w863N

Let's connect!

Instagram:

@concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/

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

Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

Learn how to connect & understand your nervous system so you can have greater outcomes in your health & healing journey: Grab a copy of the workbookhttps://www.natashawilch.com/understanding-connecting-your-nervous-system-1

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:

• Mini School: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school

• Membership: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school-the-membership

Episode Sponsor: JANE APP

To learn more about how Jane's intake forms can help, head to jane.app/guide to book a 1-on-1 demo with a member of their team. If you're ready to get started, you can use the code SYMPHONY1MO at the time of sign-up to get a 1-month grace period applied to your new account.

Are you a clinician who's ever stared at your assessment sheet thinking, "Where do I even start?"

You're not alone—and if persistent concussion cases make you second-guess your skills, you're definitely in the right place.

Here's the hard truth: just because you've taken a vestibular course or passed your board exams doesn't mean you're fully prepared to treat complex concussion clients. And that's okay. What's not okay? Staying stuck in that discomfort without building a better foundation.

In this episode, Dr. Rachel joins me to get real about the confidence gaps clinicians experience when treating persistent concussion. We're sharing our own stories (yep, even after years in the game), the pitfalls to avoid, and the mindset shifts you must make to grow in this space.

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

• Why even experienced clinicians still hit those "WTF do I do now?" moments

• How to stay humble and open when you don't have all the answers

• The real reason community and mentorship matter in concussion care

• How to pause, reassess, and create intentional treatment plans for complex clients

Confidence isn't something you magically gain after a course—it's something you build through practice, reflection, and collaboration. If you're ready to step into that growth and show up better for your clients, hit play.

Let's connect!

Instagram:

@concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/

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

Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

Learn how to connect & understand your nervous system so you can have greater outcomes in your health & healing journey: Grab a copy of the workbookhttps://www.natashawilch.com/understanding-connecting-your-nervous-system-1

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:

• Mini School: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school

• Membership: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school-the-membership

Episode Sponsor: JANE APP

To learn more about how Jane's intake forms can help, head to jane.app/guide to book a 1-on-1 demo with a member of their team. If you're ready to get started, you can use the code SYMPHONY1MO at the time of sign-up to get a 1-month grace period applied to your new account.

Are You Rushing Back to Sport Too Soon After a Concussion? Here's What You Need to Know.

Getting back in the game after a concussion can feel like a race against time. But are you risking long-term damage by returning too soon? Too many athletes rely solely on their symptoms to determine if they're ready—when in reality, their brain may not have fully healed.

Ignoring the proper return-to-play protocols can set you up for chronic issues, prolonged recovery, or even more severe injuries. The good news? There's a better way to navigate recovery safely and confidently.

In this episode, we're diving deep into cutting-edge strategies with Dr. Rachel Parker, an expert in brain health and rehabilitation. From concussion recovery to optimizing brain function, Dr. Rachel shares science-backed tips to help you or your clients thrive.

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

• Why relying only on symptom resolution is a major mistake.

• The hidden pressures athletes face—from coaches, teammates, and even parents—that push them back too soon.

• What an ideal return-to-play process should actually look like.

• The critical role of early intervention in speeding up recovery and preventing long-term issues.

Returning to sport after a concussion isn't just about feeling fine—it's about making sure your brain is truly ready. Tune in to learn how to protect yourself (or your athlete) and make a smart, safe comeback.

Let's connect!

Instagram:

@concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/

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

Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

Learn how to connect & understand your nervous system so you can have greater outcomes in your health & healing journey: Grab a copy of the workbookhttps://www.natashawilch.com/understanding-connecting-your-nervous-system-1

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:

• Mini School: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school

• Membership: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school-the-membership

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.

Is Your Patient's Heart Rate the Problem—Or Just a Symptom?

Clinicians, have you ever focused on treating a patient's heart rate without stepping back to see the full picture? If you're only looking at tachycardia, you might be missing a crucial piece of the puzzle.

Too often, persistent concussion symptoms lead to a misdiagnosis of POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) when the real issue could be something else entirely—like orthostatic hypotension driven by vestibular dysfunction. Without addressing the root cause, your patient's symptoms may persist, no matter how much salt and hydration they consume.

So, what if their vestibular system holds the key to better cardiovascular stability?

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

• The key difference between POTS and orthostatic hypotension—and why it matters in concussion care.

• How the vestibular sympathetic reflex influences blood pressure regulation.

• Why dysfunction in the otolith organs can drive persistent symptoms like dizziness, brain fog, and fatigue.

• How targeted vestibular interventions can stabilize heart rate and improve patient outcomes.

When working with concussion patients, it's not just about managing symptoms—it's about understanding their root cause. Tune in to learn how a deeper vestibular assessment can help you make breakthroughs where others have hit roadblocks.

Let's connect!

Instagram:

@concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/

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

Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

Learn how to connect & understand your nervous system so you can have greater outcomes in your health & healing journey: Grab a copy of the workbookhttps://www.natashawilch.com/understanding-connecting-your-nervous-system-1

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:

• Mini School: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school

• Membership: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school-the-membership

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.

You're not alone. Many concussion patients work with different professionals—physical therapists, chiropractors, nutritionists, doctors—but those providers often don't talk to each other. That lack of communication can slow your healing.

And here's the kicker: It doesn't have to be that way.

In this episode, we're taking a fresh look at how to build a multidisciplinary team that actually works together to support your recovery. We'll talk about the importance of having a "quarterback" to help coordinate care, why networking between providers is key, and how you can make sure you're getting the best possible treatment.

✅ Why a truly collaborative team can be a game-changer in your recovery ✅ The role of a "quarterback" provider and how they can streamline your care ✅ How to make sure your healthcare team is actually communicating with each other ✅ The power of networking and why building relationships with providers leads to better care

Your recovery deserves more than a disconnected team—let's build one that works for you, not against you.

🎧 Tune in now and take control of your healing journey!

Let's connect!

Instagram:

@concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/

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

Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

Learn how to connect & understand your nervous system so you can have greater outcomes in your health & healing journey: Grab a copy of the workbook https://www.natashawilch.com/understanding-connecting-your-nervous-system-1

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:

• Mini School: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school

• Membership: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school-the-membership

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.

What if your concussion recovery isn't just "taking longer" but has actually stalled? How do you know when you've shifted into persistent concussion symptoms—and more importantly, what can you do about it?

If you or your clients have been struggling for months (or even years) with lingering symptoms, it's not just about doing more therapy—it's about doing the right therapy, in the right order, with the right approach.

✅ Why quick access to a concussion specialist can make or break recovery timelines ✅ The 3-part framework that every persistent concussion case needs (but most miss!) ✅ Why some patients can't tolerate treatment—and what that means for rehab ✅ The overlooked lifestyle and psychological factors that impact healing capacity

Persistent concussion recovery isn't just about treating symptoms—it's about addressing the whole person. Whether you're a clinician or someone on the healing journey, this episode is packed with insights to help you move from stuck to thriving.

Let's connect!

Instagram:

@concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/

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

Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

Learn how to connect & understand your nervous system so you can have greater outcomes in your health & healing journey: Grab a copy of the workbook https://www.natashawilch.com/understanding-connecting-your-nervous-system-1

🎤 Did you hear? The next live Rethink Rehab workshop is happening again soon! If you're a PT, chiro, AT, acupuncturist, or health professional looking to build confidence in concussion care, this is your chance. You'll get a deep dive into my Concussion Nerds Framework with lifetime access to the replay! Grab your spot here: https://www.natashawilch.com/offers/bZpLjsjs/checkout

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery:

• Mini School: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school

• Membership: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school-the-membership

How Do You Rebuild Your Life After a Concussion Turns Everything Upside Down?

Imagine waking up in a hospital, confused, unable to remember most of your life, and realizing everything has changed. For many concussion survivors, the struggle isn't just physical—it's emotional, mental, and deeply tied to identity. Are you unintentionally holding onto your old self, making recovery even harder?

The truth is, healing from a concussion isn't just about rest—it's about rebuilding your life, your habits, and even your sense of self. If you're stuck trying to force your way back into the life you had before your injury, you might be missing the key to real progress.

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

• How a concussion can completely shift your identity—and why that's not necessarily a bad thing

• The importance of intentional recovery and why energy management is your new superpower

• The crucial mindset shifts that make all the difference in post-concussion healing

• Why putting yourself first isn't selfish—it's necessary for your long-term health and happiness

Jessica Ciampini's journey from athlete and high-achiever to concussion survivor and psychologist is nothing short of inspiring. Her story will remind you that healing isn't just about getting back to where you were—it's about evolving into who you're meant to be next.

Press play now to rethink how you approach concussion recovery!

Connect with Jessica: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ciampini/

Let's connect!

Instagram:

@concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/

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

Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

Learn how to connect & understand your nervous system so you can have greater outcomes in your health & healing journey: Grab a copy of the workbook https://www.natashawilch.com/understanding-connecting-your-nervous-system-1

🎤 Did you hear? The next live Rethink Rehab workshop is happening February 28th at 9 AM PT! If you're a PT, chiro, AT, acupuncturist, or health professional looking to build confidence in concussion care, this is your chance. You'll get a deep dive into my Concussion Nerds Framework with lifetime access to the replay! Grab your spot here: https://www.natashawilch.com/offers/bZpLjsjs/checkout

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery:

• Mini School: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school

• Membership: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school-the-membership

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.

Is Rest Really the Best Approach to Concussion Recovery?

You've probably heard it before—"Just rest, and your concussion will heal on its own." But what if that advice is actually slowing down your recovery?

The reality is that many outdated myths about concussion recovery still linger, leading people to take a passive approach when they could be actively improving their healing process. If you've been told to simply wait it out, you might be missing key opportunities to speed up your recovery and get back to feeling like yourself again.

In this episode, we're diving into the evidence-based approach to concussion recovery and debunking the outdated myths that are still circulating. Because let's be honest—bad information is everywhere, and it's time to set the record straight.

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

• Why the "cookie-cutter" approach to concussion rehab doesn't work—and what actually does.

• The truth about rest: when you need it and when it's actually holding you back.

• Why symptom resolution does NOT mean full brain recovery—and how to know when you're truly ready to return to activity.

• How to navigate the delicate balance of pushing your limits without overdoing it.

If you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and start taking a smarter, science-backed approach to concussion recovery, this episode is for you!

Let's connect!

Instagram:

@concussionnerds https://www.instagram.com/concussionnerds/

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

Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.natasha-wilch.com

Learn how to connect & understand your nervous system so you can have greater outcomes in your health & healing journey: Grab a copy of the workbook https://www.natashawilch.com/understanding-connecting-your-nervous-system-1

🎤 Did you hear? The next live Rethink Rehab workshop is happening February 28th at 9 AM PT! If you're a PT, chiro, AT, acupuncturist, or health professional looking to build confidence in concussion care, this is your chance. You'll get a deep dive into my Concussion Nerds Framework with lifetime access to the replay! Grab your spot here: https://www.natashawilch.com/offers/bZpLjsjs/checkout

Join the Concussion Mini School and Membership! Get the support and resources you need for concussion recovery:

• Mini School: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school

• Membership: https://www.natashawilch.com/concussion-mini-school-the-membership

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.