David BrimacombePost-concussion syndrome (PCS) recovery coach

PCS Recovery: Calm Your Nervous System Fast #pcsrecovery #nervoussystemregulation #postconcussion

5 Dec 2025 · 1 min

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In this brief instructional segment, David Brimacombe explains how the autonomic nervous system underlies common anxiety symptoms such as chest tightness and rapid heart rate, especially in the context of post‑concussion syndrome (PCS) recovery. He emphasizes that simple, on‑the‑spot techniques can quickly shift the nervous system out of a stressed state. Brimacombe recommends a go‑to breathwork method—particularly deep breaths with an extended exhale—to lower heart rate, and suggests “palming,” covering the eyes to reduce light stimulus, as another rapid calming tool. He stresses the importance of finding a personal regulation strategy that can be employed whenever anxiety spikes, positioning these practices as essential for nervous system regulation during PCS recovery.

Chapters

Now, the autonomic nervous system controls more than you think. When you start to feel that tightness in your chest, that anxiety, a lot of times it is your body is in a stressed state. Now, easiest way to get out of that is through breathwork. Okay, I like to tell people, have one mode that you can use at any time. When I start to feel my heart rate quicken, or I start to feel my chest tighten with anxiety, have one go-to type of breathwork. Maybe you'd like to do palming, where you take your hands and cover your eyes to the point where you're reducing it— the stimulus of light. Maybe you just like to get into some deep breaths where you're extending the exhale, which lowers your heart rate. Whatever the case may be, you need to find a way that works for you.