Back to Podcast
Why Traditional Balance Therapy Often Fails Concussion Patients with Natasha Wilch | E16

Why Traditional Balance Therapy Often Fails Concussion Patients with Natasha Wilch | E16

May 5, 202554m 15s
Concussionstraumatic brain injuriesTBIpost-concussion syndromeconcussion symptomsbrain injuriesAyla WolfNatasha Wilchfunctional neurologyphysical therapyvestibular therapyvestibular rehabsports medicine

About This Episode

Natasha Wilch, physical therapist and concussion specialist, breaks down why traditional balance therapy often fails concussion patients and explains her approach to addressing persistent vestibular issues through a functional neurology lens. She shares insights from her five-day intensive treatment program and reveals the missing links that often prevent full recovery.

• Dizziness after concussion isn't always a spinning sensation, but rather feeling unsteady, dissociated, or bothered by everyday movements
• The otolithic system is frequently overlooked in vestibular assessment yet crucial for sensing linear movement and gravity
• Simply practicing difficult balance positions doesn't address why balance is compromised in the first place
• VOR (vestibular-ocular reflex) exercises may be inappropriate without first stabilizing eye movements and addressing asymmetries
• Balance requires proper integration of visual, vestibular and somatosensory systems

For free resources including twice-monthly group coaching calls and a library of educational materials, visit Natasha's Concussion Mini School program or contact her through Instagram @Natasha.Wilch.


Topics Covered

Concussionstraumatic brain injuriesTBIpost-concussion syndromeconcussion symptomsbrain injuriesAyla WolfNatasha Wilchfunctional neurologyphysical therapyvestibular therapyvestibular rehabsports medicine

Full Transcript

E16 Natasha Wilch 00:00 That dizziness feeling that people tend to complain about it is I feel unsteady. I feel kind of dissociated. Escalators bother me. Elevators bother me. Getting up and down off the ground bothers me. It is very much those other movements, and it's never described in my least, for most of my clients, as like I'm spinning, Dr. Ayla Wolf 00:24 welcome to life after impact the concussion recovery Podcast. I'm Dr Ayla Wolf, and I will 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 one understands what you're going through, kno…

Enjoyed this episode?

Share this conversation with someone who may need it.