After a concussion or head injury, recovery can involve more than headaches, brain fog, memory problems, or fatigue.
Sometimes, you may notice changes in how your body moves and responds.
You might hold your breath when standing up.
You might clench your jaw.
You might feel like you have to pull yourself forward.
You might feel unsteady, disconnected, or unsure of how your body is supposed to move.
These experiences can be frustrating, especially when movements that used to happen automatically suddenly require much more thought.
🧠 Reconnecting With Your Body
Kim McIntire, also known as Kim The Healer, shares a movement exercise focused on standing up and sitting down while paying attention to breathing, balance, alignment, and body awareness.
One of the messages that stood out to us was simple:
Slow down. Breathe. Notice what your body is doing.
The exercise begins with feeling the weight move into your feet and gradually working with both sides of the body.
Kim also encourages people to notice whether one side feels stronger, more flexible, or more connected than the other.
For someone living with a brain injury, becoming aware of these differences can be an important part of understanding your own body.
💗 Your Body May Need Patience
Brain injury recovery can make everyday movements feel surprisingly complicated.
Standing up from a chair.
Getting out of bed.
Walking across a room.
Bending down.
Sitting back down.
These are movements many of us once performed without thinking.
After an injury, however, your body may need more time and attention.
That does not mean you are failing.
It means your recovery may require patience, repetition, support, and awareness.
🌿 Breathe Instead of Bracing
One part of Kim’s demonstration focuses on breathing while moving.
The idea is to notice whether you are holding your breath or creating unnecessary tension while trying to stand.
This is something many people with brain injuries may recognize.
“I have to brace myself.”
“I have to hold my breath.”
“This is going to hurt.”
“I can’t do this.”
Sometimes our fear of movement can become part of the movement itself.
That is why gentle awareness can be helpful.
Instead of forcing your body through a movement, pause.
Breathe.
Notice your feet.
Notice your knees.
Notice your hips.
Then move slowly and intentionally.
🦵 Small Movements Can Become Big Steps
Kim demonstrates moving from a seated position toward standing by bringing awareness to the feet, hips, knees, and forward movement.
The goal is not to rush.
It is to understand the movement.
For someone recovering from a brain injury, this can be a powerful reminder:
Recovery does not always happen through one giant breakthrough.
Sometimes it happens through one small movement repeated patiently.
One breath.
One step.
One attempt.
One more day.
👣 Pay Attention to Your Body
Brain injury recovery can sometimes make us feel like our body is working against us.
But your body is also giving you information.
Pay attention to:
🫁 Whether you are holding your breath
😬 Whether you are clenching your jaw
🦶 How your feet feel against the floor
🦵 Whether one leg feels different from the other
🧍 How you balance when standing
💗 Where you feel tension or fear
🌱 What movements feel easier over time
You don’t have to judge what you notice.
Just notice.
Awareness can be the beginning of learning what your body needs.
🤝 Recovery Should Be Individualized
There is an important distinction between learning about a movement strategy online and receiving individualized rehabilitation.
Physical therapy and other rehabilitation professionals can evaluate movement, balance, strength, coordination, and other problems after concussion or mild TBI. Evidence-based clinical guidelines support individualized physical therapy management for people experiencing persistent symptoms after concussion.
So if standing, squatting, walking, or transferring is painful, difficult, or unsafe, talk with an appropriate healthcare professional before trying exercises on your own.
You do not have to push through pain to prove that you are recovering.
✨ A Different Way to Look at Recovery
One of the most encouraging ideas from this video is that you can begin paying attention to things that may have become automatic.
How do I stand?
How do I sit?
How do I breathe?
Where is my weight?
What happens when I move slowly?
What does my body need from me today?
These questions may seem small.
But after brain injury, small questions can lead to meaningful discoveries.
Your recovery does not have to look like anyone else’s.
Your body does not have to perform perfectly.
You are learning.
And learning takes time.
💗 A Reminder From Love Love Brain
If your body feels different after brain injury, you are not alone.
If movements that once felt easy now take concentration, that does not make you weak.
If you need to move slowly, move slowly.
If you need support, ask for support.
And if something doesn’t feel safe, stop and get help.
Your body is part of your recovery story too.
Be patient with it. Be curious about it. And give yourself permission to heal one small step at a time.
🎥 Watch the Original Video
This blog was inspired by a TikTok video from Kim McIntire, Kim The Healer, demonstrating movement and tapping concepts for people with concussion and head injury.
You can also learn more about Kim’s work and resources on his website:
Disclaimer: Kim’s website describes his work as complementary support and includes a medical disclaimer encouraging people to consult a doctor before making health changes.
♥️♥️🧠 Love Love Brain 
Do you Love Love YOUR Brain?