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I Tried a New Treatment: PDTR Therapy How It Helped Me Reduce Concussion Symptoms - My Review
- Silvie
- Mar 20
- 9 min read
Updated: Mar 30
Prefer to listen? Go to podcast episode 81 to learn more about PDTR from my practitioner and hear about my experience.
Last December, I started to experience more concussion symptoms. Since I always share everything on Instagram, Gijs, an advanced P-DTR practitioner located in Amsterdam, reached out to me and offered to help with my symptoms.
At first, I was a bit skeptical because I receive messages daily from people offering help, so I didn’t pay much attention. Then one day, feeling overwhelmed with everything I needed to arrange for my vacation to Bali, I crashed.
Call me crazy, but I asked the “universe” for help. A few hours later, Gijs reached out again and told me he could arrange an appointment for the next day.
That next day, I had another appointment in Amsterdam a few hours later, so I thought, let’s give it a try—I had nothing to lose.
So, I went in with no expectations, and it completely blew my mind…
Table of contents
What Is PDTR Therapy?
PDTR stands for Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex and was founded by orthopedic surgeon Dr. José Palomar.
This is the first neurological manual therapy based on neurology, neurophysiology, biomechanics, and the basics of applied kinesiology.
PDTR therapy not only treats head trauma but also addresses a wide spectrum of functional problems, including hormonal, chemical, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and emotional dysfunctions.
It recognizes that input from sensory receptors and how the brain processes information from these receptors are essential for determining neuromuscular responses throughout the body. If feedback from proprioceptors is abnormal, then motor control is compromised.
Is This Treatment Painful?
No, not at all! PDTR therapy is a very gentle and painless method. There are no chiropractic cracking techniques, which can be too much for someone with a concussion.
If you're interested in learning more, I suggest watching this video or reading more information on this page: PDTR Global.
Watch the (1 hour) video below where Gijs explains more about PDTR (Proprioceptive - Deep Tendon Reflex) and head trauma and where I share my experience. Scroll down to read the full text/to hear more about my experience.
My Experience with PDTR Therapy
I arrived at the treatment feeling restless and with a pressure on my chest, which I had experienced for weeks.
Gijs (the PDTR practitioner) impressed me with his knowledge. I learned things I didn’t know before. He mentioned he found me on Instagram after a girl with a concussion went to him and referenced The Concussion Community. This girl is now able to work and have a social life again, just after two PDTR treatments.
Hearing about that made me excited, especially since I had traveled to America twice for treatment, and this was almost in my backyard in Amsterdam.
Watch the video (25 min) below to hear about my experience. Prefer to read? Then scroll down.
It's not just me, look at those 3 people who went to Gijs after reading this blog
They are in Dutch, but I translated them (see text below photos). So happy for them!!
PDTR Therapy Reviews in English:
"Thank you very much for yesterday, it was very nice to meet you and I thought it was a really bizarre experience. I can hardly believe how good I feel. Normally I'm already in bed at 19:00 because I'm exhausted and now after I got home I cleaned up the whole house and then went for an evening walk. I feel much more grounded and feel much more connected to the world around me. I experience so much peace in my body. And I am no longer in pain. I haven't had this feeling in 2 years! Incredible all."
"Hi Gijs! I have indeed had completely different dreams than usual. But I slept very well, feel rested. I feel a lot of change in my body: my right side is more palpable, it feels like I'm moving more in balance, although it still feels weird and I slept stretched out for the first time in my memory! I usually sleep curled up and stretched out feels vulnerable, but tonight that feeling was gone. Very special! Thank you"
"Thank you! I'm so excited. For the first time that I get up and look forward to the day. Great feeling! I will definitely follow your advice. Have a nice day!"
Before We Started the PDTR Treatment
I filled out an in-depth intake form (five pages) with questions not only about my concussion but also about everything that had happened in my life.
First, Gijs explained how PDTR therapy works and how it can remove trauma from the body. Having sustained a whiplash, I was curious about how this would affect my neck pain. Although I listened to everything he explained, I felt overwhelmed and didn’t absorb it all.
The Treatment Begins
He performed various tests, such as specific standing positions and movements. Based on this information, he determined what treatment was needed.
After the standing portion, I lay down. After touching my feet, he immediately noticed that my whole body was tight and that I had a lot of muscle tension.
He then touched different body parts, and each time, I had to lift my knee while he applied pressure. Most of the time, this was not a problem, but occasionally, after touching a specific area, I couldn’t apply any pressure.
At first, I thought it was just him applying more pressure; sometimes it felt like something was wrong. I couldn’t believe it was true. But when he removed his hand, I realized it was indeed true.
The parts of my body I couldn’t apply pressure with my knee included my right neck, left knee, left ankle, left cheekbone, tailbone, and my head in general.
Treatment of Affected Areas
Once he identified the areas where I couldn't apply pressure, he began treatment.
These were very gentle touches—rubbing, tapping, and puncturing—but nothing hurt. As I lay there, I wondered how this could help, but I trusted what he was doing.
Addressing Light and Sound Sensitivity
After checking my body, he also tested my sensitivity to sound, light, and smell. The smell sensitivity was normal, but the light and sound sensitivity were not.
He tested my sound sensitivity by snapping his fingers next to my ears (on both sides), and I again couldn’t apply pressure with my leg. The light sensitivity was tested by shining a light in my eyes, and I couldn’t apply pressure again.
After treating these issues, I immediately noticed a difference in my sound sensitivity, though the light sensitivity improvement took a little longer to manifest. However, I trusted that I would notice changes in the following days.
Once he finished all the treatments he could think of, he checked my feet again, and they were relaxed—I could feel it too! It was like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I didn’t feel like I was in fight-or-flight mode, something I hadn’t realized I’d been in for about five years. I felt different!
How I Felt After the PDTR Treatment
Right after the treatment, I had another appointment at my dentist's office and noticed a difference in the waiting room—the music didn’t bother me as much. However, I still thought it might be temporary, as most treatments had been in the past.
After the dentist appointment, I took a two-hour train ride to my parents’ place and felt calmer, even surrounded by many people. This was a significant change!
The next few days, I rested at my parents' home before taking the train back. This time, I felt a huge difference! I didn’t need to wear my headphones, and I felt so calm on the train. I noticed many things I normally wouldn’t because I was usually in my survival bubble.
At home, I had more energy and decided to go for a run. It was so much easier than ever before, as my body had finally started to relax, and my muscles weren’t as tight.
No More Clenching Jaws and Fatigue!
One of the first things I noticed when I resumed working at my laptop was that my clenching jaws were gone. I had become so accustomed to clenching my jaws whenever I needed to concentrate. But this time, I didn’t clench; I even felt relaxed.
Additionally, my head felt clearer than it had since my accident in 2017, and my fatigue was completely gone! Occasionally, I feel like bubbles in my brain are opening up, which feels fantastic!
One Week After PDTR Therapy: Anxiety and Panic Attacks
However, a week later, I experienced dizziness and ringing in my ears. I was so dizzy that I couldn’t leave the couch or my bed. Initially, I thought it was an issue with my balance organ, so I went to the doctor for several tests, but everything was normal. He advised me to rest.
So that’s what I did.
Then, things escalated. I became so dizzy and nauseous that I had to throw up, followed by an anxiety/panic attack. I had never experienced this before, and it overwhelmed me completely. My body started shaking, and I lost all control.
Unable to Calm Myself
I had some Oxazepam, which helped a bit, but for the entire week, I felt panicked and unable to calm down.
After five days, my parents picked me up (I live with my boyfriend), and I stayed with them since my boyfriend had to work, and I didn’t want to be alone. The next day, I visited a doctor who prescribed me Bromazepam, which is more effective against anxiety than Oxazepam.
I had never taken any medication before, but this time I felt I had no choice.
I’m not entirely sure if this was a reaction to the treatment, as I had already experienced anxiety symptoms before the PDTR therapy. So, I won’t dive deeper into this in this blog.
A Follow-Up Visit Before Going to Bali
With everything happening simultaneously—the treatment, preparing to go to Bali, work, saying goodbye to friends and family, and moving out of our home in the Netherlands—I felt a lot of pressure.
Gijs checked everything during my follow-up visit, and I was relieved to find that everything was still fine. Some people need three treatments, while others need just one. I only needed one, and I think that’s why I reacted so strongly, but I don’t see it as a bad thing.
Why I Don’t See This as a Negative Thing
I am very positive about this PDTR treatment because I have alleviated several concussion symptoms that affected my daily life for more than five years. I can now sit in a restaurant and multitask again. I can follow conversations without being distracted by background noise or music. I can ride my scooter here in Bali without feeling overwhelmed, and my jaw is relaxed! What a difference!
Don’t Increase Your Activities Too Quickly
If you’ve sustained a concussion or head trauma, it’s crucial to gradually increase all activities. Doing too much too soon can lead to quick setbacks because you may not yet have the resources to handle them. So for anyone considering this treatment, remember to take it easy after feeling better.
How I feel right now, 2 years after PDTR therapy
Right now, while I am writing this, it’s been 2 years since the PDTR treatment and a lot has changed.
At the time of the treatment, I felt very much in fight-or-flight mode, and the treatment allowed my body to start healing at a new level. I believe that every phase of healing brings different symptoms with it.
The restlessness I felt after the treatment was already present in my body and did NOT result from the treatment. Instead, the treatment brought my body more into balance, particularly my nervous system.
I can still tolerate sounds and light better, running continues to go smoothly, my muscles are no longer tense, and I feel more balanced. My neck pain has improved, and my head is clearer.
So, the effects were not temporary, as I had initially feared; they are still present after two years.
New improvements over time
Sometimes, I am in a new situation and just notice “well, this isn’t bothering me as it always did!”
I’m so happy I went there, and even if I knew before I would react like this, I would still go as it feels like I am just recovering from a change my body made. Which was huge after having all those concussion symptoms for more than 5 years.
I think my body just thought: What is happening?! We don’t know this feeling! But I am getting used to my new me.
Does that mean I am 100% healed?
No, but I am one step closer to 100%, which I am sure I will reach one day. Thank you, Gijs, for everything and for not giving up on inviting me to this treatment
Further reading: Which symptoms do I still have after almost 8 years?
I hope this blog about my experience with P-DTR treatment and the P-DTR treatment reviews from others will help you move forward in your recovery.
Any questions? Feel free to reach out!
Love,
Silvie
PS: Interested in doing this P-DTR treatment with Gijs (in Amsterdam)? Or have any questions? Feel free to reach out to him on Instagram (@g_holthof) or send him an email at: ghpt@hotmail.com
PPS: I am not an affiliate; Gijs invited me to try this treatment. I decided to write a blog post as it helped me that much, and I just want to spread awareness about this treatment so hopefully, it can help others in their recovery too.
What else helped me in my concussion recovery?
In my free masterclass, which I’m hosting regularly, I’ll share the 2 researched methods that helped me the most in my recovery (and now also for thousands of others).
I love hosting this masterclass and engaging with all of you, but it takes a lot of effort to organize. That's why it's only available for a limited time. Make sure to sign up and join before it's too late!
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