157. The Six Pillars of Concussion Recovery: A Holistic Approach to Healing

In this solo episode of the Concussion Coach podcast, host Bethany Lewis—a neurological occupational therapist and certified life coach—introduces her framework for holistic concussion recovery: The Six Pillars of Concussion Recovery. Drawing on years of experience working with concussion patients, she explains that because the brain impacts every aspect of a person's life, recovery must address the whole person—not just the physiological injury.The six pillars she identifies are:Nervous System Regulation – The foundational pillar. You cannot heal if your body is stuck in a survival state. Learning to bring the nervous system into safety and calm is essential before other therapies can take proper effect.Physiological Therapies – Addressing the physical symptoms and root causes of the injury (vision, vestibular, GI, dysautonomia, headaches, neck issues, etc.) through specialized providers who understand concussions holistically rather than in siloed care. (List of some of those types of providers below.)Mental Work – Includes both the cognitive side (executive function, memory, attention, planning) and the thought-work side (how you talk to yourself and frame your recovery). What we think becomes our reality.Emotional Work – Processing the heightened emotions that often follow concussion: irritability, anxiety, depression, emotional swings, or emotional numbness. Includes acknowledgment of serious concerns like suicidal ideation and the importance of getting help. Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988Spiritual Work – Not about religion, but about acceptance and openness. Accepting where you are (like a GPS acknowledging your starting point) while remaining open to hope and the possibility of good emerging from the experience. Acceptance is not passive resignation.Social Engagement – The importance of connection and community. Healing happens in connection, yet social situations can be overwhelming and isolating post-concussion. This pillar covers both engaging with society and nurturing intimate relationships, including learning to communicate needs and ask for help.Bethany emphasizes that all six pillars are interconnected and influence one another—none can be neglected. She encourages listeners to assemble a team of providers addressing each area, and offers her own coaching services as a guide through the entire journey.Resources Mentioned From the Host / CoachingFree Consultation – Sign up at the link in show notes or at www.theconcussioncoach.comConcussion Coaching Program – Bethany's mentoring program for understanding/managing symptoms, setting goals, and managing thoughts and nervous systemEmail – [email protected] – www.theconcussioncoach.comPhysiological Therapy ProvidersMental/Emotional ResourcesOccupational Therapy (OT)Physical Therapy (PT)Vestibular Therapy (offered by PTs and OTs)Speech Therapy / Cognitive TherapyVision Therapy (neuro-optometrists or therapists under their supervision)Chiropractors (especially upper cervical chiropractic care)Craniosacral TherapistsNeurologistsNeuropsychologistsSports Medicine DoctorsAthletic Trainers(Others not mentioned in this episode: Acupuncturists, Functional Neurologists, Yoga, Neurofeedback)Mental/Emotional ResourcesTherapistsTrusted friendsCoachesEMDR therapy (for PTSD)Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) / Tapping – YouTube videos available. Example here

Barney Davies is a former semi-professional rugby player whose career ended at age 23 — not because of his body, but because of his head. After years of playing through concussions in a culture that told him to "get on with it," he found himself living in post-concussion syndrome with very little support to get out of it. So he built the thing he needed.Barney is now the founder of The Concussion Journey, where he works one-to-one with people around the world who are stuck in post-concussion syndrome, helping them recover physically and mentally. He holds a certification in concussion and post-concussion syndrome guidance from Boston University, and his story was featured in the Rugby Paper under the headline "The Culture of Playing Through Pain Has Got to Stop."SummaryIn this episode, host Bethany Lewis (an occupational therapist and certified life coach) interviews Barney Davies about his journey through concussion and post-concussion syndrome (PCS). Barney shares how he started playing rugby at age six, sustained roughly 20 undiagnosed concussions over his career, and continued playing through symptoms in a culture that equated toughness with pushing through pain. His career ended after being knocked out twice in three games, culminating in a knockout where he saw double and everything went green.Key themes discussed:Reframing loss: Breaking down what rugby gave him and piecing those elements into a new life — leading to more joy than he ever experienced playingThe power of education: Removing fear through understanding that PCS symptoms are retrainable and not life-threateningHypnotherapy: How it calmed his nervous system, resolved PTSD symptoms, and helped with fear-avoidance (e.g., symptoms triggered simply by entering a gym)Workplace disclosure: His cautious approach to telling his boss and advice on making calculated decisions about who to tellAdvice to his younger self: Rest properly, get specialist help early, remove fear, and be kind to yourself — it's a brain injuryAdvice for loved ones: Be patient, be calm (nervous systems feed off each other), listen and try to understand, and recognize that light and noise are genuinely painful to someone with PCSHope and the word "chronic": Barney stresses that labeling PCS as "chronic" is damaging because people associate it with "permanent" and "untreatable" — he believes most, if not all, prolonged concussion cases are treatableResources & Contact Information MentionedBarney now runs The Concussion Journey, offering one-to-one coaching, an online rehab platform with assessment tools, routine planners, and access to a PhD concussion physiotherapist. He emphasizes bridging the gap between emergency care and ongoing recovery — especially for people without access to elite sports medical support.Barney Davies — The Concussion JourneyInstagram & TikTok: @The_Concussion_JourneyYouTube: The Concussion Journey (channel)Website: theconcussionjourney.comOffers: One-to-one coaching, free 30-minute introductory calls (book via DM or website), online rehab platform with assessment tools and routine plannersCredential: Certification in concussion and post-concussion syndrome guidance from Boston UniversityMedia feature: The Rugby Paper — "The Culture of Playing Through Pain Has Got to Stop"Other Resources MentionedCameron Marshall (The Concussion Doc) — online resource for concussion education; helped Barney understand the systems surrounding the brain and remove fearJacqueline Panchaud — hypnotherapist with a high-level sporting/dance background; helped Barney with PTSD, autonomic nervous system regulation, and fear-avoidance. Barney refers clients to her. Email: [email protected] Episode with Clare Sharpen: https://youtu.be/fHvi2BDjLjwConnect with Bethany:Website: https://theconcussioncoach.com/Free Consultation: https://theconcussioncoach.com/free-consultation

Guest IntroductionAyla Wolf, DAOM, L.Ac. is a functional neurologist and licensed acupuncturist specializing in concussion and brain injury recovery. With a doctorate in acupuncture and Oriental medicine and extensive training through the Carrick Institute in functional neurology, she brings a unique cross-disciplinary approach to helping people heal from post-concussion symptoms. Dr. Wolf is the author of two books: The Concussion Breakthrough (a comprehensive reference guide for understanding and addressing post-concussion symptoms) and The Art of Concussion Recovery (a beautifully written exploration of the emotional and psychological aspects of healing). She is also the host of the Life After Impact podcast, where she continues to educate and inspire people on their recovery journeys. Her clinic is located in Stillwater, Minnesota, where she offers five-day intensive programs for out-of-state patients.Summary: In this episode (the second half of a two-part conversation), Bethany Lewis continues her discussion with Dr. Ayla Wolf, DAOM, L.Ac., a functional neurologist and acupuncturist who specializes in concussion and brain injury recovery. Dr. Wolf shares the inspiration behind her first book, The Concussion Breakthrough, explaining how she wanted to create a comprehensive reference guide that helps people understand their symptoms, communicate effectively with healthcare providers, and advocate for themselves. She discusses her functional neurology approach, which leverages neuroplasticity to assess how different aspects of the nervous system work independently and together under stress. The conversation then turns to Dr. Wolf's second book, The Art of Concussion Recovery, which she describes as a "download" that came to her during a run. This book explores the emotional and psychological dimensions of recovery, using powerful analogies like learning a foreign language and driving through fog to help listeners understand their experiences. Key topics include the difference between awareness and hypervigilance, the power of language in shaping our recovery (e.g., "I have a brain injury" vs. "I'm healing from a brain injury"), acceptance versus resignation, the distinction between pain and suffering, and the importance of self-compassion and nervous system regulation. Dr. Wolf emphasizes that recovery is not a linear process and that our thoughts, mindset, and inner dialogue play a crucial role in healing. Resources MentionedWebsite: lifeafterimpact.comEmail: [email protected]: @lifeafterimpactYouTube: @lifeafterimpactTikTok: @life.after.impactSubstack: Life After ImpactPodcast: Life After ImpactBooks:The Concussion Breakthrough (reference guide for understanding and addressing post-concussion symptoms)The Art of Concussion Recovery (available as an audiobook)Clinic Location: Stillwater, Minnesota (offers five-day intensive programs for out-of-state patients)Connect with Bethany:Website: https://theconcussioncoach.com/Free Consultation: https://theconcussioncoach.com/free-consultation

Dr. Ayla Wolf is a doctor of acupuncture and oriental medicine and a leading specialist in neurological rehabilitation. She is the author of The Concussion Breakthrough: Discover the Missing Pieces to Recovery and The Art of Concussion Recovery. As the host of the Life After Impact podcast, she brings over 20 years of clinical experience to her integrative approach for treating complex conditions like post-concussion syndrome, dizziness, vertigo, chronic migraine, and dysautonomia. Dr. Wolf is an assistant professor of physical medicine at the Carrick Institute and is involved in ongoing clinical research on acupuncture for post-traumatic headaches. In her private practice in Stillwater, Minnesota, she combines applied clinical neuroscience with holistic therapies to deliver highly personalized care.In this first half of a two-part conversation, host Bethany Lewis sits down with Dr. Ayla Wolf to explore the profound personal and professional journey that led her to become a specialist in concussion recovery.Dr. Wolf shares her early fascination with natural healing, from making "potions" in the woods as a child to studying naturopathic medicine in Australia. She details her transition from a successful career in fertility and sports acupuncture due to a life-altering series of events that would redefine her purpose. After suffering multiple concussions—including two just ten days apart—Dr. Wolf found herself grappling with severe, unexplained symptoms like insomnia, brain fog, and emotional dysregulation while trying to run a thriving business.She candidly discusses a harrowing experience with a prescribed medication that triggered suicidal thoughts, and a turning point that ultimately led her to sell her business and home and move to Texas to study brain injuries. This episode is a powerful story of resilience, the dangers of pushing through injury, and the moment of discovery that set her on a new path to help others heal.Resources MentionedWebsite: lifeafterimpact.comInstagram & YouTube: @lifeafterimpactTikTok: @life.after.impactLife After Impact PodcastPrevious Interview with Dr. Kyla Pearce, PhD, MPH, RYT, CBIS: Watch HereConnect with Bethany:Website: https://theconcussioncoach.com/Free Consultation: https://theconcussioncoach.com/free-consultation

Dr. Kyla Pearce, PhD, MPH, RYT, CBIS is a neurological researcher and yoga/meditation teacher who has dedicated her career to bringing holistic, evidence-based healing to the brain injury community. Her work is deeply personal, inspired by her brother-in-law, professional snowboarder Kevin Pearce, who sustained a traumatic brain injury. She has developed TBI-specific curricula, trained thousands of professionals, and conducted extensive postdoctoral research at Dartmouth College on the benefits of yoga and mindfulness for neurological conditions. In this episode, host Bethany Lewis sits down with Dr. Kyla Pearce, the Senior Director of Programs, Research, and Operations for the Love Your Brain Foundation. They discuss the foundation's origin story, spurred by Kevin Pearce's journey after his life-altering accident, and how it has grown into a national nonprofit offering transformative, free programs.Dr. Pearce explains the power of in-person retreats and the six-week online "Mindset" programs, which focus on adaptive yoga, mindfulness, and the science of resilience. The discussion covers the profound impact of these practices on mental, cognitive, and social health after brain injury, as well as the importance of rebuilding interoception (internal body awareness) to manage chronic pain and emotions.They also explore the often-overlooked side of caregiving—Dr. Pearce shares her personal experience of being a "caregiver for a caregiver," offering poignant advice on the power of presence and the importance of self-care for supporters. The episode is a deep dive into finding hope, community, and a new sense of agency after a brain injury.Key Resources & Contact InformationWebsite: www.loveyourbrain.comSocial Media: @LoveYourBrainProgram Inquiries & Contact: [email protected] Book: Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life's Greatest Challenges by Steven M. Southwick and Dennis S. Charney.The Love Your Brain Foundation Programs:In-Person Retreats: 5-day holistic health retreats (free to attend).Love Your Brain Mindset: 6-week online programs (free), including specialized cohorts (e.g., Life After Concussion, Young Adults, Caregivers).Trainings: 20-hour certification for yoga teachers, clinicians, and facilitators.Learning Lab Speaker Series: Monthly free/by-donation educational webinars.Research: Ongoing studies to validate the effectiveness of their holistic methods.Connect with Bethany:Website: https://theconcussioncoach.com/Free Guide: "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" on the websiteFree Consultation: https://theconcussioncoach.com/free-consultation

Dylan Taylor is a former rugby player whose career was abruptly ended by a concussion in 2020. He has since lived with persistent symptoms for over six years, traveling the world to consult specialists and researching effective treatment for post-concussion syndrome. Now, he is the creator of Tackling Concussion, a documentary dedicated to raising public awareness about effective concussion treatment and management to protect contact sports and help others avoid his long, arduous path.In this episode, host Bethany Lewis (neurological occupational therapist and life coach) speaks with Dylan Taylor about his six-year journey with persistent concussion symptoms following a rugby injury. Dylan shares his experience of navigating the healthcare system, his initial setbacks, and his eventual understanding that concussion recovery requires a holistic approach to be effective. He discusses the importance of finding your “threshold,” tackling the injury’s root causes step-by-step, and the mindset needed to keep moving forward. The conversation highlights his work on the Tackling Concussion documentary and his mission to provide hope by showing that recovery is possible.Resources Mentioned:Email: [email protected]: @tackling_concussionNote: The guest also referenced clinics like Cognitive FX and a general approach to holistic recovery involving vision/vestibular therapy, neck rehabilitation, nutrition, and nervous system regulation.Connect with Bethany:Website: https://theconcussioncoach.com/Free Guide: "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" on the websiteFree Consultation: https://theconcussioncoach.com/free-consultation

Andy Beltz is a highly experienced physical therapist and vestibular rehabilitation specialist based in Canton, Ohio—home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. With over 26 years of clinical practice at Aultman Tusc Therapy, where he also serves as Assistant Manager, Andy has treated more than 20,000 patients struggling with dizziness, balance disorders, and post-concussion symptoms.He is a nationally recognized expert in BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) , vestibular migraines, and PPPD (persistent postural-perceptual dizziness) . Andy is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Mount Union, a clinical instructor for over 30 PT students, and has taught more than 60 continuing education courses on vestibular rehabilitation to healthcare providers nationwide. His mission is to help patients find the root cause of their dizziness and regain control of their lives.In this episode of the Concussion Coach Podcast, host Bethany Lewis (neurological OT and certified life coach) and Andy Beltz had a deep-dive conversation into one of the most common and distressing symptoms after concussion: dizziness.Andy breaks down the science behind post-concussion dizziness in an easy-to-understand way, covering:Why “dizzy” means different things to different people – and why triggers and timing matter more than the description.The 3 major vestibular syndromes after head injury: acute, triggered episodic, and spontaneous episodic.BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) – the most common cause of dizziness after concussion, caused by loose calcium crystals in the inner ear.Vestibular migraines – how they can cause spinning episodes even without a headache.PPPD (persistent postural-perceptual dizziness) – the “vicious cycle” where the brain becomes overly reliant on vision and neck input, leading to chronic imbalance and anxiety.Why nervous system health and sleep are critical for recovery—and why “trying softer” is often more effective than pushing harder.The role of vestibular therapy, Tai Chi, and nervous system training in treating dizziness, not just medication.Whether you're a concussion patient, a caregiver, or a healthcare provider, this episode offers hope, clarity, and actionable insights for managing dizziness after head injury.Resources MentionedAndy’s Blog (Fight Dizziness): fightdizziness.blogspot.comYouTube Channel (The Dizzy Busy PT): youtube.com/@thedizzybusyptLinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/andy-beltz-spinnomoreClinic Contact (Aultman Tusc Therapy): 330-363-6215Work Email: [email protected] with Bethany:Website: https://theconcussioncoach.com/Free Guide: "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" on the websiteFree Consultation: https://theconcussioncoach.com/free-consultation

Sarah Mireles, LPCC, CLC is a therapist and the founder of Sarah Mireles Therapy. She is a neurodivergent professional with over 10 years of experience helping neurodivergent teens and their families. Her clinical experience spans intensive hospital, residential, and outpatient settings. She specializes in working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, OCD, autism, ADHD, and other forms of neurodivergence. Central to her work is the belief that if the home environment isn't built for neurodivergent functioning, progress rarely lasts, which is why she created a parent training program to teach families the skills they need to support long-term change.In this episode of the Concussion Coach podcast, host Bethany Lewis and therapist Sarah Mireles discuss the significant overlap between post-concussion syndrome and neurodivergence. Sarah explains that concussions can either create or exacerbate symptoms like emotional dysregulation, executive dysfunction, anxiety, and rigidity. The conversation focuses on how parents and caregivers can create a supportive home environment to foster recovery.Sarah introduces four core principles for parents:Emotional Regulation: Learning foundational skills to manage one's own emotions and model calm, regulated behavior.Radical Openness: Being open to new experiences, vulnerability, and feedback to help teens step outside their comfort zones.Mental Flexibility: Pivoting and improvising when plans change or a teen is struggling, rather than adhering to rigid expectations.Healthy Relationships: Prioritizing connection and teaching communication skills to help teens maintain at least one healthy relationship.The episode emphasizes that symptom relief is temporary, but sustainable change comes from building foundational skills in both the teen and the family. Sarah provides practical tips like using check-ins, and utilizing self-regulation techniques (e.g., self-compassion, breathing) before difficult conversations.Resources Mentioned: Websites:Sarah Mireles Therapy (Individual Therapy for CA residents): www.sarahmirelestherapy.comParent Training Program Website: www.parentsofneurodiverseteens.comGuest's Social Media & Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmirelestherapy/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SarahMirelesTherapy/shortsPodcast: Spotify LinkContact Email: [email protected] with Bethany:Website: https://theconcussioncoach.com/Free Guide: "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" on the websiteFree Consultation: https://theconcussioncoach.com/free-consultation

Jackie Lithgow is a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor, advocate, and the founder of the Jackie Lithgow Foundation. His journey is a powerful testament to resilience, having overcome a life-altering assault that left him with the most severe classification of brain injury. Jackie’s mission is to give back to the community that supported him by providing resources and hope to other survivors, especially those who may not have the same level of support. In this episode of the Concussion Coach Podcast, host Bethany Lewis welcomes Jackie Lithgow, a severe TBI survivor whose story is one of incredible perseverance. Jackie shares the harrowing details of the assault that changed his life in 2014, his nine-month hospital stay, and the long road to recovery. He discusses the various therapies he underwent, including aquatherapy, equestrian therapy, and music therapy, and horticultural therapy.The conversation covers his decision to return to college after his injury, the accommodations that helped him succeed, and his eventual graduation with a degree in Mass Communications. Jackie also opens up about the founding of his nonprofit, the Jackie Lithgow Foundation, which provides scholarships and funding to support other TBI survivors and their families. The episode is a raw and honest look at the invisible struggles of brain injury, the importance of mental health, and the power of faith, positivity, and small victories. Jackie leaves listeners with a powerful message of hope, encouraging them to be patient with themselves and to always look for the light, even in the darkest moments.Resources Mentioned in the EpisodeOrganization Website: www.Lithgowfoundation.orgFoundation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/187AuF422c/?mibextid=wwXIfrJackie's Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DtXHFm4wR/?mibextid=wwXIfrInstagram: @jackie_lithgowConnect with Bethany:Website: https://theconcussioncoach.com/Free Guide: "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" on the websiteFree Consultation: https://theconcussioncoach.com/free-consultation

Today's guest is Lee Schwartz , a speaker, author, advocate, and proud father of two former NFL players. In his book Raising Giants, Lee shares the real-life story of how love, discipline, and vision helped shape his sons, Jeffrey and Mitchell, into elite athletes and grounded men. He serves on the West Coast Advisory Board of the Concussion and CTE Foundation , which is dedicated to researching the causes of CTE. Lee joined the podcast to share his powerful story and advocacy.In this episode, Lee discusses his family’s journey with football and his growing passion for CTE advocacy. Lee shares his "sobering" experience attending the CTE summit, which inspired him to join the advisory board of the Concussion and CTE Foundation. He discusses the difficult reality that CTE is currently only diagnosable postmortem and the importance for parents to be aware of the risks to their children of playing contact sports when young.Key Topics Discussed:Lee’s Journey: How writing the book Raising Giants led him to the Concussion and CTE Foundation.Youth Sports & CTE: The critical need for parents to educate themselves about the risks of contact sports, emphasizing the statistic that approximately 1.1 million high school football players exist, yet only about 11 go on to play 10 years in the NFL.The Science of CTE: An explanation of how the brain moves and sustains damage from both concussive and sub-concussive hits. A recent study mentioned in the episode found that "neurodegenerative mortality was nearly four times higher in NFL players."Warning Signs: Symptoms to watch for (like memory issues, headaches, depression, and personality changes) and a reminder that the youngest case of CTE diagnosed so far was in a 15-year-old.Relevant Prior Episodes:Interview with Julia Manning from the Concussion and CTE Foundation.Interview with Laura Dyer (personal story of a brother diagnosed with CTE).Resources MentionedLee's Book: Raising Giants: My Extraordinary Journey with TWO NFL Sons Author Website: www.raisinggiantsbook.com Social Media:X (Twitter): @RaisingGiants_Instagram: @raising_giants_bookFacebook: Raising GiantsFoundation: Concussion and CTE Foundation (formerly Concussion Legacy Foundation) Website: concussionfoundation.org Free Support: Available via the CLF HelpLine (free, personalized support via phone, text, or email): https://concussionandcte.org/helpline/Additional info from Lee:Ø  Study re: the connection between CTE & ALS (July '26) - https://concussionandcte.org/news/press-release/largest-study-finds-former-nfl-players-under-50-are-42x-more-likely-to-die-from-als-than-general-population/Ø  Neurodegenerative study (July '26) - https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(26)00304-4/fulltextØ  CTE stages visual When pathologists refer to "brown spots" in the context of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), they are visually describing the presence of tau proteins. During post-mortem examinations, brain tissue is chemically stained so these abnormal proteins appear as a dark brown color. [1]This specific discoloration indicates several key features of the disease: [1]§  Abnormal Protein Build-up: The brown spots reveal hyper-phosphorylated tau (p-tau) proteins that have clumped together to form neurofibrillary tangles. [1, 2]§  Perivascular Location: These protein tangles have a highly specific pattern; they cluster densely around the small blood vessels deep within the grooves (sulci) of the brain's cortex. [1, 2]§  CTE Diagnosis: The presence, shape, and unique location of these brown-stained tau tangles are the official pathognomonic lesions used to definitively diagnose CTE. [1, 2]§  Cellular Degeneration: These tangles disrupt normal cell communication, causing brain tissues in the frontal and temporal lobes to slowly waste away (atrophy) over time. Connect with Bethany:Website: https://theconcussioncoach.com/Free Consultation: https://theconcussioncoach.com/free-consultation