S2 E58: Conquering Concussions with Melissa Biscardi from the Rehab Lab

Written By Eryn Martin

Recovering from post concussion symptoms? Then we don’t need to tell you how challenging that can be. Melissa Biscardi, osteopath and registered nurse joins us from the Rehab Lab to talk about recovery. In her practice, she focuses on treating concussion through movement, vestibular training, nutrition, and mental health. Listen to learn about treatment, common myths, and what to do instead.

In this episode:

  • Melissa Biscardi is a registered nurse and osteopath.  She is the founder of Rehab Lab- Concussion Clinic Ontario.

    • She got into neuro rehab after having a scary experience with side effects from sleeping medications containing benadryl (diphenhydramine).  It caused her to lose her memory.  Despite reaching out for help from the medical community, Melissa’s providers were not able to pin down what was wrong.  Melissa eventually figured out what was causing the issue and discontinued use.

    • This experience helped her gain empathy towards others who may be marginalized in the medical community or experiencing issues with mentation. It birthed her opening the Rehab Lab.

  • What is an osteopath?

    • In Canada it is very different from the US.  

    • Osteopaths in Canada cannot prescribe medication. They think of the body as a unit, have a holistic approach, and believe that the body has what it needs to heal itself.  Medication is a last resort for osteopaths in Canada

    • There is a large manual therapy component

      • Manual therapy in osteopathy is a gentle manipulation starting superficially, working from the outside moving in.  Chiropractors are different as they go straight to the joint, working on the inside moving out.

    • The focus is on the whole body and realizing it is all connected.  Osteopaths look at how tissue restriction effects the underlying organs 

      • For example with concussions there will be something happening in the neck.  The neck has multiple nerves running through it so an issue with the neck could be causing a problem with an organ affecting a body function (like digestion)

  • Pillars for Concussion Care

    • 1. Movement

    • 2. Vestibular training: looking at balance and head and eye movements

    • 3. Nutrition: reduce gluten, dairy, refined sugars.  Eat whole foods.  Supplements as needed (omegas, magnesium, creatine can help with mood after concussion)

    • 4. Mental health: guided meditations, deep breathing

  • Myths in concussion care

    • The dark room: staying in a dark room actually causes harm after a concussion.

      • What to do instead:

      • In the first 48 hours after a concussion you should be resting.  Less than an hour on screens for days after.  Walk around your house.  Drink fluids.  Go to sleep at your normal bedtime. 

      • After the first 48 hours you can start moving more.  You have to modulate yourself not letting symptoms climb above a 3 out of 10.  Try a 20 minute walk. Gradually increase over time based on tolerance. Those that have difficulty tolerating activity early on tend to have a longer recovery. 

    • “There’s nothing you can do, you’ll recover over time”

      • What can you do:

      • Hydrate: your pee should be a clear yellow.  The darker it is, the less hydrated you are. Adding a small pinch of salt to your water (not enough to taste) will help you hold onto water longer

    • “Just push through it”

      • Recovery takes time. You have to give into the process.

      • You have to be self aware and not push too hard.

    • “3 concussions and you have to quit your sport”

      • There’s no set number.  It is different for everyone

      • Look at: are you getting them easier?  Is recovery getting harder?

  • Brain Tool Kit (app)

    • An app for eye movement exercises and cognitive exercises

    • For Apple and Android

    • Can use it on your own but is recommended for use with a practitioner who can tailor it more to you and progress it for you

    • Makes rehab accessible to those who might not have it locally

    • The app’s website is a free resource for recovery: Braintoolkit.ca 

  • Mental health and recovery

    • Your rehab goes better when working with a mental health practitioner

    • When the brain and nervous system are sensitive you have a heightened response.  Your brain and nervous system can amplify symptoms and make them worse.

    • It takes time to retrain your brain to think positively and reframe. What is your win of the day?

    • Recovery takes time

  • What can you do to have your healthcare providers hear and understand you?

    • Find clinicians who specialize in treating concussions or your type of brain injury

    • These providers will be a better advocate for you and give more specialized care

  • Focus on how far you have come rather than how far you have to go.  We are always looking to what’s next.  Celebrate your wins. Enjoy the moment of achievement.  

  • Support us at:

  • Patreon

  • Donate section on our website.  10% of profits go to our favorite non-profit of the moment

Eryn Martin
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S2 E59: Be All the You Can Be Post Injury! Heal the Brain with Jane Connely
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S2 E57: Medical PTSD with Emily Parks, founder of POP! Medical PTSD