At Fast Healing we use a brain based approach to rehabilitation. We thoroughly
evaluate the nervous system and take a comprehensive look at all the systems
that have the potential to affect brain function such as the biochemical system,
energy system and postural system. After a complete assessment, we are able
to identify the source of the problem(s) and we are also able to correlate the
problem(s) to a client's dysfunction, pain or other symptom(s).
How does our process work?
To start, clients fill out an extensive personal history questionnaire and then a
Functional Neurological and Biomechanical Evaluation will be performed. If
necessary the client will be sent out for X-rays and proper labs. After a thorough
analysis we generate a report of findings that explains in detail everything that
is going on with the client. Using these findings we design a specific and
targeted rehab plan consisting of brain based rehabilitation, supplementation
and dietary changes. We then decide what areas get preference and proceed
accordingly. After a set number of treatments that varies per client/condition(s)
we do a re-evaluation to determine if we have accomplished our goals, need
more rehab or need to change something within the client's existing program.
What is Functional Neurology?
Functional Neurology is looking at the entire central nervous system and being
able to see when one area is not functioning at its optimal level. When any one
area is not functioning properly it can easily affect other areas and cause
dysfunction in the form of certain symptoms. An extreme example would be if
someone suffered a stroke on the left side of their brain which would result in
their right side becoming spastic. Let's say you did not have a stroke but the
pathways to the muscles on the right side of your body are weak this can lead
to certain mechanical injuries such as: ankle sprains, knee injuries or shoulders
injuries. Our evaluation is similar to that of a medical neurologist's although we
are looking at the findings in a more sensitive manner. We then use brain based
exercises to improve the overall function of the nervous system.
If we can imagine the central nervous system as a four story building where all
the floors are obviously separate but at the same time connected and interdepe-
ndent on one another, we can begin to see how one area of the body can affect
another. We break the four floors of the central nervous system up as follows:
● Brain ● Brain Stem ● Spinal Cord ● Peripheral
When we evaluate a client we need to identify on what "floor" their problem(s)
are originating and then we can determine what other areas might be affected.
This leads us to our next step which is Functional Medicine.
What is Functional Medicine?
Functional Medicine is utilizing diet and supplementation to enhance the body's
biochemical system to improve our fuel and energy production allowing our brain
based stimulation to make plastic changes to the brain. Our first step is to have
our clients take routine labs (CBC, Thyroid Profile w/TSH, Lipid Profile, Liver
Profile, Kidney Panel, Minerals and Bone, Fluids and Electrolytes and Glucose).
These labs help identify any biochemical imbalances. What are plastic changes?
The brain is a pliable organ that can make changes to its function at any time.
Neuroplasticity (also referred to as brain plasticity, cortical plasticity, or cortical
remapping) refers to the brain's ability to restructure itself after training and
practice to become more efficient.
We focus on the following categories because dysfunction here can prevent
neuroplasticity from occurring: Blood Sugar, Anemia, Adrenal Function,
Neurotransmitters, Hormones, Digestion, Cellular Energy, Inflammation, and
Food Allergies/Sensitivities.
What are Neurotransmitters?
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that allow the nervous system to
communicate from neuron to neuron. Neurotransmitters are necessary for sleep,
emotions, and energy. Imbalances in the neurotransmitters can increase pain,
cause depression, anxiety, headaches, poor motivation, insomnia, cravings, high
blood pressure and poor memory. Utilizing detailed questionnaires, we now can
predict which neurotransmitters are imbalanced and we can use proper
supplementation to correct these imbalances.
What are Hormones?
Hormones allow our body's cells to communicate with each other; they are
substances that are produced by glands and carry messages to other parts of
the body. Imbalanced hormones can cause increased inflammation, stored
belly fat, fatigue, weight gain, hair loss and constipation. Some of the hormones
we evaluate are DHEA, Cortisol, Progesterone, Testosterone, Melatonin and
Thyroid Hormones. We use salivary hormone tests to determine what hormones
are imbalanced and then use supplementation and dietary changes to balance
out the hormones.
How do I know if I need to take vitamins?
Some of our clients might have nutrient deficiencies caused by poor nutrition or
medications they are taking. The supplement recommendations are made by our
lab testing results, history form and questionaire. We also offer specific testing to
evaluate B-vitamin status, cellular energy and Omega 6 to 3 ratios to look for
these deficiencies. We address medication related nutrient deficiencies by
reviewing what nutrients are commonly depleted by the medication the patient is
taking and recommend supplements to combat those depletions.
Food Allergies
Some of our clients who have food allergies suffer from chronic pain and
autoimmune diseases. This can prevent the nervous system from functioning
at its optimal level. Common food allergies that we see are gluten, dairy and
soy. We put clients on a hypoallergic diet to help them identify food allergies/
sensitivities, lower inflammation, improve digestion and liver detoxification.
What is Stimulation?
Stimulation is basically exercising the brain. We only focus on the weak areas
that were identified during the initial evaluation. The brain needs three things
to function; oxygen, glucose (good nutrition/supplementation) and exercise to
achieve "plastic changes". We use different forms of stimulation to activate
different parts of the brain including vestibular rehabilitation, light therapy,
auditory therapy, oxygen therapy, aroma therapy, postural and corrective
exercises, as well as soft tissue manipulation and European osteopathic
manual therapy.