Sports Injuries and Our Brain

Neurological reflexes governing coordination, balance and muscular control are influenced through an intricate interaction between joints, muscles and the nervous system. Advances in brain-based models of health and sports performance have expanded the way the Functional Neurologist evaluates and treats sports injuries.

After a trauma, i.e. a sprained ankle, the soft tissue around the joint will often heal with scar tissue, a less elastic and weaker tissue. This scar tissue renders the joint more vulnerable to further damage, and compromises the joints’ biomechanics.  The altered biomechanics of injured joints and muscles will alter sensory input to the brain.

Altered sensory input will disrupt the brain’s ability to coordinate the timing and sequencing of muscle contractions for peak performance, leading to further instability called “reflexogenic weakness”.  Reflexogenic weakness at the original site of joint injury may neurologically compromise “shunt” muscles (whose primary function is to provide stability to joints) and often lead to additional injury. Disruption in the communication between the body and brain will cause the brain to actually shrink progressively over time as nerve cells reduce in size and in many cases die.

Dr. Lawrence Nelson is the owner of Nelson Chiropractic and Functional Neurology in Tigard, Oregon.  He has served as team physician at Wilsonville High School in varsity football, baseball and lacrosse.

Dr. Nelson’s in-depth understanding of the functional aspects of brain and its control over the neuro-musculo-skeletal system can assist the athlete in identifying specific patterns of dysfunction and reflexogenic weakness. Once identified, appropriate rehabilitation coordinates timing and sequencing of muscle and joint patterns, enhancing the opportunity for peak performance.

 

 

Dr. Lawrence Nelson is the Director of Nelson Chiropractic and Functional Neurology in Tigard, Oregon.  Board Certified in Chiropractic Neurology, he brings his extensive training and clinical experience to assist his patients in relieving pain and suffering. Dr. Nelson is an expert in Whiplash and Concussion recovery, ADD/ADHD and Disconnection Syndrome, and promoting Brain Health and Longevity.

Dr. Nelson is available for a complimentary phone consultation without obligation at 503.855.4465. He can be reached by email at [email protected]

“Using evidence based diagnostics and therapeutics we enhance the brain-body connection, reversing the causes of a shrinking brain and improving our patients’ quality of life TODAY and into the future.”


Lawrence Nelson, DC, DACNB

Nelson Chiropractic & Functional Neurology
7100Hampton St Suite 121-G
Tigard, Or. 97223
Phone: 503-855-4465 | Fax: 888-201-5353


 

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