Back to Podcast
Neck Strength: The Missing Piece in Concussion with Dr. Theo Versteegh | E38

Neck Strength: The Missing Piece in Concussion with Dr. Theo Versteegh | E38

October 13, 202556m 43s
Neck PainHeadachesSports Medicine

About This Episode

What if the fastest path to fewer concussions and better performance starts with how we train the neck? We sit down with physiotherapist, inventor, and researcher Dr. Theo Versteegh to unpack a novel training device that targets rapid, eccentric stabilization—the exact kind of control impact sports demand. Instead of slow, single-plane moves, his device builds rate of force development in rotational and multiplanar directions, then tracks progress with clear metrics. The results are hard to ignore: multiple teams across genders report zero head and neck injury seasons after adoption, and many go on to win their conference within three years. On the clinical side, a randomized trial in persistent post-concussion syndrome shows 70%+ symptom reduction, alongside big gains in headache and neck disability scores.

We break down why Type II fast-twitch recruitment and proprioception are the missing links in concussion prevention, balance, and visual stability. You’ll hear how a simple, two-minute, twice-weekly protocol can raise resilience without adding grind to already packed schedules, and why more isn’t better—especially for those with headaches or dizziness. We also talk safety screening, learning curves, and how the self-limiting design only spins as fast as your system can control. 

The NFL granted Topspin Technologies the First and Future Innovations to Advance Athlete Health and Safety Award in 2019. The Detroit Lions took the charge, adopting this technology, and went on to win their division for the first time in 31 years. In this conversation we connect the dots between neck readiness, better awareness on the field, and fewer neck and head injuries per season.

Want to reduce injuries, calm chronic headaches, and sharpen performance with just four minutes a week? Hit play, share this with your team, and subscribe for more brain-savvy training. Your podcast review helps more people find tools that actually move the needle.

TopSpin360 website

Dr. Theo Versteegh LinkedIn

Neck rehab consulting for clinicians: Neck Revolution

Topics Covered

Neck PainHeadachesSports Medicine

Full Transcript

Dr. Theo Versteegh: 00:00 So we've had like m now multiple sports teams across both genders and multiple sports that after implementing training, in many cases, drop down to zero head and neck injury seasons the following year. But also pretty excitingly is so far in in I think every case within three years of adopting Topsten 360, they've gone on to win their conference championship. Dr. Ayla Wolf: 00:30 Welcome to Life After Impact, the Concussion Recovery Podcast. I'm Dr. Ayla Wolf, and I'll be hosting today's episode where we help you navigate the often confusing, frustrating, and overwhelming journey of concussion and brain injury recovery. This podcast is your go-to resource for actionable information, whether you're dealing with a recent concussion, struggling with post-concussion syndrome, or just feeling stuck in your healing process. In each episode, we dive deep into the symptoms, testing, treatments, and neurological insights that can help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We bring you leading experts in the world of brain health, functional neurology, and rehabilitation to share their wisdom and strategies. So if you're feeling lost, hopeless, or like no o…

Enjoyed this episode?

Share this conversation with someone who may need it.