Functional Neurodevelopment
The brain is a very complex organ, new research and understanding are coming out daily. Functional neurodevelopment is all about taking that information and applying it to our patients! It is our goal at Montana Spine and Neurodevelopment Center to use the most advanced techniques to help kids and adults with developmental delays!
WHEN LOOKING AT A PATIENT THROUGH THE FUNCTIONAL NEURODEVELOPMENT LENS, WE ASSESS THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.
The functional neurodevelopment exam brings out any underlying weaknesses or lack of function in the brain or body, by looking at developmental reflexes, posture, balance, gait, muscular development, eye-tracking, motor timing, and cognitive skills.
Once these areas are brought to light, we develop a plan to improve them. Since the brain is very complex, our plan is typically multidimensional in order to activate weak networks and get better integration. In most cases we use a mixture of the following tools:
1. CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Chiropractors are healthcare practitioners that specialize in the health and function of the spine and nervous system.
The spine is made up of the vertebrae, joints, and discs, and its job is to protect the spinal cord which is part of the central nervous system. If the skull is like a helmet for the brain, then the spine acts like a flexible suit of armor around the spinal cord.
Messages travel from around the body, up the spinal cord, and into the brain. The brain processes those messages and sends replies back down the spinal cord telling the body how to respond.
The Central Nervous System is one big information superhighway, carrying vital messages to every part of your body.
2. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Occupational therapists help individuals achieve independence, meaning, and satisfaction in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities, or occupations. We work on refined skills that use fine motor skills, like using utensils or bathing.
3. PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical therapists work with patients to improve their movement. We use a variety of techniques to help our patients, including hands-on therapy, strengthening and stretching exercises and much more. We work on tasks that require gross motor skills such as jumping or running.
4. PRIMITIVE & POSTURAL REFLEXES EXERCISES
Each one of us is born with a set of primitive reflexes (sometimes known as survival reflexes). These neurological reflexes are necessary for survival. Primitive reflexes are automatic movements directed from the brainstem that require no thought (Cortical Involvement).
As the infant brain develops during the first year of life connections to higher centers (postural reflexes) in the brain become stronger and increasingly take over the functions of primitive reflexes.
If the Primitive Reflexes are retained past the first year of life they can interfere with social, academic, and motor learning.
Retained Primitive Reflexes can be caused by Trauma, Stress, Cesarean Sections, Toxicity exposure, Anesthetics, Insufficient tummy time, Lack of crawling or creeping, early walkers, head injuries, excessive falls, chronic infections.
Each Reflex is associated with one or more sensation; Auditory, Taste, Tactile, Smell, Visual, Vestibular, Proprioception.
5. CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY & MYOFASCIAL THERAPY
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - consisting of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.
6. EYE TRACKING EXERCISES
7. BALANCE EXERCISES
8. FUNCTIONAL COGNITIVE LEARNING
9. DIETARY CHANGES
10. SUPPLEMENTATION
"Our 10 year old son has finally found a place that gives him a sense of love and belonging. He has been in therapies and special education his entire life. He has more confidence, focus and socialization since starting with Montana Spine and Neurodevelopment Center."
-Caleb "Dad"