At Plasticity Brain Centers, we’re honored to work with elite athletes from various sports who face the challenges of post-concussion syndrome. These athletes exemplify perseverance, grit, and the determination to overcome obstacles both on and off the field.
Today, we spotlight five inspiring individuals who trusted us to guide their recovery journeys: Jake Pates, Torrey Van Winden, Dan Brandenburg, Marques Harris, and Jordan Reed.
Jake Pates (Olympic Snowboarding): Overcoming Snowboarding’s Toughest Terrain
Professional Career Highlights:
Jake Pates is an accomplished Olympic snowboarder who has wowed audiences worldwide with his skills on the slopes. However, multiple snowboarding accidents left him grappling with persistent concussion symptoms, including neck pain, headaches, and sound sensitivity, threatening his career and daily life.
Recovery Journey: Jake turned to Plasticity Brain Centers for a transformative five-day program that included vestibular rehabilitation, oculomotor exercises, and neuromuscular re-education.
By the end of the week, Jake experienced a 70% reduction in symptoms, allowing him to return to his sport and daily activities with renewed confidence. His story highlights the power of a tailored approach in addressing complex neurological challenges.
Torrey Van Winden (Collegiate Volleyball): Spiking Her Way to Recovery
Professional Career Highlights:
Torrey Van Winden is a professional volleyball player celebrated for her dominance on the court. Despite her success, she faced debilitating symptoms from a concussion, including migraines, difficulty tracking the ball, and fatigue, which threatened her ability to continue competing.
Recovery Journey: After exhausting conventional treatments, Torrey sought care at Plasticity Brain Centers, where she underwent a comprehensive assessment and a customized treatment plan.
Her program incorporated advanced balance training, sensory integration exercises, and neurofeedback sessions to rebuild her neurological health. Today, Torrey has regained her competitive edge and advocates for innovative solutions to concussion recovery.
Dan Brandenburg (NFL): Renewing Purpose Post-NFL
Professional Career Highlights:
Dan Brandenburg, a former linebacker for the Buffalo Bills, built a reputation for toughness and grit during his NFL career. Like many football players, he faced the long-term effects of repeated head injuries, including concussions that lingered well into his retirement.
Recovery Journey: At Plasticity Brain Centers, Dan’s treatment began with cutting-edge diagnostics to evaluate his brain function.
His program included non-invasive therapies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and vestibular rehabilitation to address chronic symptoms. Dan’s successful recovery not only improved his quality of life but also underscored the importance of proactive brain health management for retired athletes.
Marques Harris (NFL): Tackling Neurological Challenges
Professional Career Highlights:
Marques Harris made his mark as a linebacker in the NFL, playing for the San Diego Chargers and San Francisco 49ers. Known for his relentless energy and work ethic, he overcame the odds as an undrafted free agent to carve out a notable career.
Recovery Journey:
Marques sought help from Plasticity Brain Centers to address lingering neurological symptoms. His treatment included proprioceptive training, motor function exercises, and cutting-edge neurostimulation therapies. The results were life-changing, allowing him to regain focus, reduce headaches, and improve his overall well-being.
Harris’s perseverance and commitment to recovery remind us that true strength lies in seeking help when it’s needed most.
Jordan Reed (NFL): Battling Back from the Brink
Professional Career Highlights:
Jordan Reed was a dynamic tight end in the NFL, known for his athleticism and playmaking ability. Over eight seasons, he played for the Washington Football Team and later the San Francisco 49ers, amassing 3,602 receiving yards and 28 touchdowns. Despite his on-field success, Reed’s career was marred by a series of concussions, with his seventh sidelining him for most of the 2019 season.
Recovery Journey:
After being introduced to Plasticity Brain Centers by NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, Reed underwent an intensive, individualized evaluation and neurorehabilitation program. Our team used advanced diagnostic tools, including videonystagmography (VNG) and qEEG brain mapping, to identify the root causes of his symptoms. His treatment plan incorporated dynamic exercises targeting neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire and heal itself.
Today, Jordan Reed is not only an advocate for brain health but also a testament to the importance of addressing the root causes of neurological injuries.
Your Journey to Recovery Starts Here
These inspiring stories underscore the transformative potential of advanced, non-invasive neurorehabilitation at Plasticity Brain Centers. Our team of experienced clinicians utilizes state-of-the-art technologies and evidence-based therapies to help athletes, veterans, and individuals from all walks of life overcome the challenges of concussions and neurological disorders.
Whether you’re a professional athlete or someone facing the challenges of a concussion, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how our specialized programs can help you reclaim your quality of life and reach your full potential.