How do you use applied neurology

Next Level Neuro
News & Education

How Do You Use Applied Neurology?

In the dynamic fields of physical therapy, personal training, and coaching, professionals often encounter clients grappling with persistent pain or movement challenges that resist conventional treatments.

Despite employing established biomechanical methods, these issues frequently persist, leaving both practitioners and clients frustrated in search of more effective solutions.

This is where applied neurology offers a generational shift in approach, providing deep insights into the nervous system's and brain's critical role in movement and pain perception.

Understanding Applied Neurology

Applied neurology examines the complex interactions between the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, and how they regulate bodily functions.

By understanding these connections, practitioners can develop strategies that address the root causes of dysfunction, rather than merely alleviating symptoms.

Applied neurology goes beyond the conventional focus on muscles and joints. It dives into the neurological mechanisms that govern how our bodies move and respond to stimuli.

This brain-first approach is gaining traction among health professionals because it tackles the underlying causes of chronic pain and movement dysfunctions that traditional methods often overlook.

"Applied neurology examines the complex interactions between the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, and how they regulate bodily functions."

Key Concepts in Applied Neurology

1. Neuroplasticity: This refers to the brain's remarkable ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.

This adaptability allows for recovery and improvement in function through targeted interventions.

Neuroplasticity is the foundation of applied neurology, as it highlights the brain's capacity to change and adapt in response to specific stimuli and exercises.

2. Neuro Drills and Exercises: These are brain-driven drills and exercises designed to activate specific neural pathways and decrease perceived threat within the brain.

The effectiveness of these interventions is then reassessed to determine their impact on the nervous system, providing immediate feedback on their efficacy.

These exercises are not one-size-fits-all; they are customized to each individual’s unique neurological profile.

3. Sensory-Motor Integration: This is the process by which the nervous system interprets sensory information to produce coordinated motor outputs.

Disruptions in this integration can lead to movement inefficiencies and pain.

Sensory-motor integration is critical for smooth, coordinated movements, and improving this integration can lead to significant functional gains.

4. Threat Modulation: The nervous system constantly assesses the environment and internal body signals for potential threats. When it perceives a threat, it can trigger pain or limit movement to protect the body.

Applied neurology techniques aim to reduce this perceived threat, alleviating pain and improving function.

"Neuroplasticity is the foundation of applied neurology, as it highlights the brain's capacity to change and adapt in response to specific stimuli and exercises."

Integrating Applied Neurology into Your Practice

To incorporate applied neurology into your practice, consider the following steps:

1. Comprehensive Assessment: Evaluate the musculoskeletal system and the client's neurological function, including reflexes, sensory perception, vision, vestibular function, and motor control.

This holistic approach ensures a thorough understanding of the client's condition.

Using frameworks like those taught in the Next Level Neuro programs, practitioners can systematically assess each aspect of neurological health.

2. Individualized Interventions: Develop tailored interventions that address identified neurological deficits, such as specific sensory retraining or motor control exercises to target changes in the brain and nervous system threat levels.

This personalized approach enhances the effectiveness of the treatment.

For instance, vision training might be used to improve balance, while vestibular exercises could address dizziness or spatial disorientation.

3. Education and Empowerment: Educate clients about the role of the nervous system in their condition, empowering them to actively participate in their rehabilitation.

Understanding the underlying causes of their symptoms can motivate clients to engage more fully in their treatment plans.

When clients understand the "why" behind their exercises, they are more likely to be consistent and proactive in their recovery.

4. Assess-Reassess Process: Implement an assess-reassess process to provide clients with immediate feedback on the effectiveness of interventions.

This approach allows clients to see and feel changes immediately, reinforcing the value of applied neurology techniques.

This process not only validates the efficacy of the interventions but also builds trust between the practitioner and the client.

5. Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Applied neurology is a rapidly evolving field. Staying updated with the latest research and techniques is crucial for maintaining a cutting-edge practice.

"When clients understand the "why" behind their exercises, they are more likely to be consistent and proactive in their recovery."

Benefits of Applied Neurology

By integrating applied neurology into your practice, you can:

1. Enhance Outcomes: Addressing neurological components can lead to more effective and lasting improvements in function and pain reduction.

Clients often experience quicker relief from symptoms and more sustainable progress.

2. Broaden Your Skill Set: Expanding your understanding of the nervous system allows you to tackle complex cases that may not respond to traditional methods.

This versatility can make your practice more attractive to a broader range of clients.

3. Promote Client Engagement: Clients often appreciate a comprehensive approach that considers the interplay between their nervous system and physical health, leading to increased satisfaction and adherence to treatment plans.

Engaged clients are more likely to achieve their goals and refer others to your practice.

4. Immediate Feedback and Results: The assess-reassess methodology provides real-time feedback, allowing both the practitioner and the client to see immediate results.

This instant validation can be incredibly motivating for clients.

5. Versatility Across Populations: Applied neurology techniques are adaptable and can benefit a wide range of clients, from athletes looking to optimize performance to individuals seeking relief from chronic pain.

Real-World Applications of Applied Neurology

Applied neurology is not just theoretical; it has practical applications that can significantly impact clients' lives.

Here are a few examples:

1. Athletic Performance: Athletes can benefit from applied neurology by enhancing their coordination, reaction times, and overall performance.

By fine-tuning the brain-body connection, athletes can achieve new levels of excellence in their sports.

2. Chronic Pain Management: Clients dealing with chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia or neuropathy, can find relief through applied neurology techniques that address the nervous system's role in pain perception.

3. Post-Injury Rehabilitation: Applied neurology can accelerate recovery from injuries by targeting the neurological factors that influence movement and healing.

4. Improved Mental Health: The nervous system plays a significant role in mental health. Techniques that reduce nervous system threat can also alleviate anxiety and improve overall emotional well-being.

"Clients dealing with chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia or neuropathy, can find relief through applied neurology techniques that address the nervous system's role in pain perception."

Elevate Your Practice with the Fundamentals of Applied Neurology Course

If this resonates with you, consider exploring the Fundamentals of Applied Neurology Course. This self-paced, 8-session program is meticulously designed to equip professionals like you with practical tools to assess and improve nervous system function.

By enrolling, you'll learn to:

Assess and Reassess: Implement a proven framework to identify nervous system dysregulation in your clients and apply targeted interventions in real-time.
Create Immediate Impact: Utilize tools that help you achieve positive results in the first session with a client or patient. This can significantly boost client confidence and satisfaction.
Connect Biomechanics to Neurology: Understand how to link traditional biomechanical approaches to the underlying neurological systems that govern function. This integrated approach can lead to more comprehensive and effective treatment plans.
Apply Systematic Shortcuts: Learn efficient methods within each system to quickly determine where to start with nervous system training. These shortcuts can streamline your practice and improve client outcomes.

By integrating applied neurology into your practice, you can enhance your effectiveness and provide your clients with the tools they need for optimal recovery.

This approach not only improves client outcomes but also elevates your professional standing in the health and fitness community.

Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your expertise and make a significant impact. Learn more about our self-paced course, The Fundamentals of Applied Neurology and enroll today.

NEURONEWS HOMEPAGE

Next Level Neuro
News & Education