Concussed Athletes, Management & Return To Play
Brain Trauma & Neuroplastic Regeneration
The brain senses & coordinates the functions of the body. When the brain is traumatized, it “severs” the body in to many different segments (i.e. body areas are not co-ordinated, this includes physiological functions & gait / athletic movement patterning), & is not quite “whole”, as each segment functions almost “independently” vs. functioning as an integrated, tiered organism.
In order to regenerate, each brain segment requires addressing in a hierarchical & sequential manner, that is unique not only to that individual, but also unique to the nature & type of sustained 3-D Fascial brain trauma. Under certain condition the brain can repair itself, by forming new neural pathways & connections, a.k.a. “Neuroplasticity”. Hence regeneration requires specialized modalities, that incorporate an integrated approach to restoration.
The System has spent 33+ years working with concussions & other injuries using an approach called:
“Integrated Structural Body Work (ISBW)”
ISBW amalgamates many different energetic & physical modalities to facilitate 3-D whole body repair. By addressing the whole body via multidimensional mind / body / environment approach, it can foster positive “Neuroplasticity”.
ISBW is composed of several modalities, that are utilized according to the particular needs & responses of the individual. They are as follows:
- Micro-Current
- Yogic Breathing Methods
- Acupressure
- Gua-Sha
- Cupping
- Deep Fascial Postural Work
- Cranial Sacral Therapy
- Visceral Manipulation
- Joint Mobilization
- Passive Fascial Flexibility
- Balance & Co-ordination Exercises
- Postural Corrective Exercises & Isometric Strengthening
- Hemispherical Brain Exercises
- Gait Re-Patterning
- Bach Flower Remedies
- Emotional Freedom Technique
- Ear, Foot & Hand Reflexology
- Essential Oils
- Chakra Balancing
- Specialized Nutrition & Hydration
“The post-concussive brain consciousness stays in a locked into the reptilian brain (i.e. high stress brain function or a perpetual trauma loop) or “protective cocoon””
The Goal of ISBW:
“ISBW attempts to open up the brains centers to a greater level of regeneration & functionality”
- Re-establish cerebral spinal fluid dynamics (i.e. cerebral spinal fluid must circulate unencumbered from the base of the spine to the inner aspects of the head, in a particular manner or rhythm)
- Free up fascial restrictions
- Re-establish cortical communication (i.e. move away from the Reptilian, high stress brain function (i.e. perpetual trauma loop) to the Limbic, & finally to the Frontal section of consciousness)
- Improve short-term memory loss
- Decrease learning disabilities
- Improve ADD/ADHD brain function
- Re-establish whole body co-ordination
- Re-establish proper joint mechanics & muscle tension in the correct areas to assist in upright neutrality
“If it stands right, it moves right”
- Re-establish proper physiological function (i.e. digestion, assimilation, detoxification, elimination etc…) via selected Medical Foods, Nutraceuticals & various herbs
- Restore energy levels via proper Mitochondrial function
- Change daily ergonomics to facilitate proper posture
- Re-establish endurance, strength & elasticity to the connective tissue via Integrated Conditioning (IC)
“As with any ‘healing’ modality, there are no guarantees, as it requires the co-operation of many different factors to be present at any one time”
“When does a hurricane occur? When the conditions are right”
However, by applying a multi-factorial approach, as mentioned above, to the problem, it is quite possible & highly probable that neuroplastic regeneration can take place.
“Healthy Brain = Healthy Body & vice-versa”
The Process
- Assess
- Plan
- Implement
- Regenerate
- Monitor
- Re-Evaluate & Refine
“Every “body & brain” responds differently to ISBW”
- Re-Assess
- Re-Plan
- Re-Implement
- Regenerate
- Monitor
A typical engagement requires:
- 4 to 6 sessions at 1.5 to 3 hours
- 6 sessions of Integrated Conditioning (IC)
- 4 session of Integrated Metabolic Nutrition (IMN)
Each session is scheduled about a week apart to allow proper Neuroplastic regeneration & whole body integration & re-alignment of global posture. The whole engagement could last 4 to 6 months depending upon the client.
“We encourage the client to become engaged & begin to view the whole healing process holistically”
During an ISBW session, clients often enter into a conscious, but deep state of relaxation & upon completion, feel much “lighter” for several hour post-session.
Other benefits of ISBW session include:
- Feeling of Total Relaxation
- Reduced Physical Pain
- Reduction in the Severity / Elimination of Post-Concussive Symptomology
- Ease of Movement
- Improved Mental Focus
- Improved Emotional State
- Reduced Stress
- Accelerated Regeneration
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