In this episode, Natasha Wilch, a licensed physical therapist from Nanaimo, British Columbia, discusses her experience working with concussion and brain injury patients. She has a clinic called Symphony Brain Performance and also has a company that trains medical professionals across the world on how to treat concussions. Natasha's motivation stems from her own struggles with mental illness and her father's work accident that resulted in brain injury. She underlines the significance of prioritizing one's needs, especially for working women. She also talks about business coaching within the Concussion Nerds network and their coaching services for people with ongoing concussion symptoms.

 About Our Natasha Wilch:

Natasha Wilch has been a Registered Physical Therapist since 2011. She attended the University of British Columbia where she earned a Bachelors in Health Science & Kinesiology and then her Masters in Physical Therapy.

Growing up in the small town of Cranbrook, BC, she always wanted to work in health care. You'd find her volunteering in the hospital’s extended care unit playing piano for the residents, decorating for the season, and reading. As a teenager, she volunteered throughout the hospital as a candy striper. 

The scope of physical therapy is massive and a therapist can choose to specialize in many different areas. From day one, Natasha has worked in neurology. She was inspired by her cousin, who became a quadriplegic after a motorcycle accident, and his stories about the amazing therapists who influenced him and helped him start a new chapter in his life. Natasha focused her clinical practice on working with individuals with spinal cord, stroke, Parkinson’s, and other neurological diagnoses. She continued to develop her toolbox in post-graduate education in neurological rehab, functional neurology, chronic pain, IMS, acupuncture, neuro-optometry, and more.  

When Natasha relocated to Nanaimo, BC in 2014 she wasn’t sure what to do next. She was on maternity leave with her 4-month-old son, Hudson... and this turned out to be a blessing. As she began to look for work in her new city it became clear that there was a massive care gap for the neurological population she loved to treat. She decided to open her own clinic. Symphony Rehabilitation became official in May 2015.  Today, Natasha's passion is evolving the conversation and culture of concussions around the world. She does that through her clinic, Symphony Brain Performance, her online mentorship program for clinicians, Concussion Nerds, and speaking engagements. 

 She believes powerfully that change will come from the front lines - the clinicians and clients. But for clinicians to do their best work they also need to take care of themselves. Natasha supports the WHOLE PERSON.

About Symphony Rehabilitation

They are located in Nanaimo, BC and they absolutely love getting to work with the island community as well as their clients who travel from all over North America. They will work with you 1:1 throughout your journey of concussion, neurological diagnosis, vestibular challenges, or simply wanting to optimize your health and wellness. They have also been offering virtual services since 2017 as location shouldn't be a barrier to you receiving the treatment you need, and it isn't! Connect with them online and they can help you take the next step forward in your journey of health, wellness, and rehab. Let's get you back to your life!

Connect with Natasha Wilch:

• Website | www.natasha-wilch.com and www.symphony-rehab.com

• Facebook | www.facebook.com/symphonyrehab

• Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-wilch

• Instagram | @natasha.wilch