Cognuro

The eyes are not only the windows to the Soul, but they are also literally windows into the functioning of your Brain.  COGNURO is a revolutionary brain assessment and rehabilitation system that allows for real-time observation and recording of eye function during various examinations.  Having the ability to analyze, assess and incorporate rehabilitation based on eye function is a total game-changer in patient care.

The function of the eyes is of key importance in our every daily activity. The eyes must be synchronized with the sensory and vestibular systems for the brain to respond appropriately to gravity.  Even when dealing with typical chiropractic issues, such as neck or low back pain, the eyes are essential for balance and stability.   For example, when we bend forward, our eyes reflexively move upward to convey the rate of speed we are moving at.  If eye motion is uncoordinated, the result will be less than efficient spinal stability.  In other words, your brain will not quite know where you are in relation to gravity.  This is often why people can injure themselves during what seems like a very trivial movement, such as picking up something light off the floor.

“Eye movement disorders are often the initial manifestation of diseases affecting the central nervous system.” – Agnes M.F. Wong (Eye Movement Disorders)

Improving how the eyes function not only yields excellent results with regards to musculoskeletal issues, posture and stability, but also vertigo, headaches, TBI, cognition and dysautonomia.  Eye function is also strongly related to conditions such as ADHD, Parkinson’s disease, dystonia and much more.

Poor eye function and movements have been linked to numerous disorders.  In order for our brains to respond appropriately to gravity, allowing us to move freely through our environment, our eyes must be conveying the correct information.  When this doesn’t happen, the effects are often profound.  At Sedona Spine, Cognuro gives us the ability to assess eye function and guide rehabilitation.

Gravity Reset Method

Healthy movement, posture and stability all depend on how you BALANCE.  Balance is determined by how your brain answers 2 questions: Where am I in relation to my environment and where is my environment in relation to me?  This is your brain and body’s relationship to gravity, and it is determined by the integration of three primary neurological systems: the Vestibular, the Visual and the Somatosensory.

The Gravity Reset Method is the assessment and optimization of brain integration between these three primary neurological systems (Vestibular, Visual and Sensory.)

The Gravity Reset Method (GRM) explores and restores a patient’s optimal relationship to the ever-present force of gravity.  Our relationship to gravity has profound implications on all human function, not only balance, posture, and movement…. but also cognition, the autonomic nervous system, energy expenditure, healing potential and much more.

“Gravity estimation and verticality perception are essential for maintaining an upright, bipedal posture, as well as achieving stable, allocentric perceptions of our environment.”

-Dakin and Rosenberg 2019

The human brain and nervous system is an operating system that needs calibration and recalibration to gravity. We have found that the majority of our patients need correction of this neurological function before the results of treatment or therapy will have a lasting effect.

In our daily activities, the various systems of the brain never work independently of each other.  They work in unison.  What makes GRM unique is the simultaneous recalibration of the Big 3; the vestibular, visual and sensory systems.  This integration takes place at the level of the brain and resets our relationship to gravity.  The result is often faster acting therapeutic intervention that lasts longer.

Who is The Gravity Reset Method for?

• Individuals looking to improve their overall wellness
• Those seeking improved mental and physical performance
• Individuals looking for optimized healing of the brain and body

Specific conditions with which patients have benefited from the Gravity Reset Method?

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Chronic muscle stiffness
• Poor posture
• Headaches
• Migraines
• Post-traumatic brain injury
• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Balance Disorders
• Post-stroke rehabilitation
• Dysautonomia
• POTS
• ADHD
• And continually learning much, much more…

To learn more, please watch this video by Dr. Cedrick Noel, one of the developers of The Gravity Reset Method:

DRY NEEDLING: What is it and how does it differ from Acupuncture?

A common question is how dry needling differs from acupuncture.  They are similar in the fact that they both involve inserting very fine needles into your skin, in fact, they are typically the same needles used by acupuncturists.  From a medical and philosophical perspective, Dry Needling and Acupuncture are quite different, however.  

Dr. Farnham studied Medical Acupuncture at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada and has continued his education with several Dry Needling courses.  Medical Acupuncture and Dry Needling operate within the western medical paradigm and are based on a neuroanatomical model, with the goal of restoring the body’s homeostasis.

Acupuncture, on the other hand, comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine and aims at trying to balance your body’s energy flow, known as qi.  Acupuncturists insert the needles into acupuncture points, which are thought to retore or balance the body’s qi.

Medical Acupuncture and Dry Needling, on the other hand, target specific trigger points within muscles, various points along the nervous system or tender points that are causing pain or limiting mobility.  

By the way…if you have ever wondered why they are called “dry” needles, it is simply because they are needles but nothing is being injected as when getting a shot.  As stated above, the needles that Dr. Farnham uses are the same needles used by many acupuncturists. 

BENEFITS OF DRY NEEDLING:

Dry Needling has been shown to:

1.  Decrease muscle tightness
2.  Increase Blood Flow
3.  Reduce Pain

Dry Needling can be a powerful modality for relieving pain and aiding in muscle recovery, restoring mobility and healing connective tissue.  

Often, patients report decreased pain and increased range of motion almost immediately after a dry needling session.  For others, it may take a series of treatments.

DRY NEEDLING FOR PAIN RELIEF

Overused or strained muscles can develop myofascial trigger points.  These are knotted areas within a muscle (typically at the motor endplate which is where the nerve innervates the muscle) that are often irritable and painful, possibly resulting in limited movement or mobility.  When a muscle has altered mobility, then the joint which the muscle is attached to will undergo abnormal stresses which can result in harm to the joint.  

Muscles that are overused or used without proper coordination will undergo an energy crisis because its fibers (or muscle cells) are not receiving adequate blood supply.  Without proper blood supply, the muscle cannot receive adequate oxygen and nutrients and is, therefore unable to return to its normal resting state.

Due to decreased blood supply the surrounding tissue becomes more acidic, and the nerves become sensitized.  This results in the pain and soreness that you feel.  However, when the needle stimulates a trigger point, it helps to draw normal blood flow back to the area, flushing out the toxins and acidity, increasing oxygenation and reducing tension.

WHAT DOES DRY NEEDLING FEEL LIKE?

The McMaster University Medical Acupuncture program is well known for teaching it’s graduates to insert needles very skillfully and with minimal to no discomfort for the patient.  Dr. Farnham will first palpate for the appropriate points with his hands and then insert the needle.  Once inserted, there may be a mild sensation of fullness.  A local twitch response, which is a quick spasm of the muscle may be elicited.  This is a sign that the muscle is reacting to the treatment.

Following a Dry Needling session, the patient may feel some soreness or tenderness for 24-48 hours.  After increasing the range of motion, it’s important to keep the muscle moving to retain these benefits.

SIDE EFFECTS OF DRY NEEDLING

Dry Needling is considered very safe, with very little risk of complications.  You may feel some stiffness, soreness or bruising at or around the areas your treatment.  In extremely rare cases, you could experience bleeding or infection.

IS DRY NEEDLING RIGHT FOR YOU?

Dry Needling is rarely performed as stand alone treatment but is often a powerful adjunct to a larger treatment strategey that could include rehabilitation or manual therapy.

Dr. Farnham can advise you on whether dry needling could be a helpful addition to your treatment plan for muscle recovery, mobility issues, or acute or chronic pain.

DO YOU HAVE MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT DRY NEEDLING?

For the very inquisitive mind, here are the most downloaded, open-access research articles that were published by AAMT Faculty & Fellows in internationally recognized, peer-reviewed journals on the effectiveness or neurophysiological mechanisms of dry needling and spinal manipulation.

What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression, often referred to simply as Spinal Decompression, is effective in treating back pain, neck pain, and sciatica caused by bulging, herniated, and degenerative discs or facet syndrome.  Even post-surgical patients and those suffering from certain types of stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal canal) have reported significant pain relief from Spinal Decompression treatments.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression, not to be confused with linear traction, slowly lengthens and decompresses the spine, creating negative pressures within the discs.  This reversal of pressure creates an intradiscal vacuum that helps to reposition bulging discs and pull extruded disc material back into place, taking pressure off pinched nerves.  Spinal experts believe that nutrients, oxygen, and fluids are drawn into the disc to create a revitalized environment conducive to healing.

Spinal Decompression can thus stimulate the body’s repair mechanism, providing the building blocks needed to mend injured and degenerated discs.  Spinal Decompression enables the body to get to work and heal itself! Now there truly is hope for lasting relief without drugs, injections, or surgery.

How Long Does The Treatment Take?

Spinal Decompression sessions typically last less than 30 minutes, 2-3 times a week for 1 month, transitioning from passive to active treatments as you respond, with most patients feeling pain relief with as few as 6-10 treatments. Most patients are released from treatment after 8 weeks.

A complete program targeting neurological control resulting in stabilization of ligaments, tendons, and muscles is a vital part of gaining and maintaining the benefits of Spinal Decompression. Brain-based rehabilitation (link to Cognuro), core strengthening and adjunctive therapies such as PEMF (link to PEMF), StimPod neuromodulation (link to stimpod), and EPAT (link to shockwave) can assist in the motor control and integrity of these structures. Our goal is to not only help heal the disc but to enhance neuro-muscular control and improve your relationship with gravity resulting in better posture, balance and movement.

Regular home exercises and periodic visits to our office will help in maintaining your nerve and spinal health and reduce the probability of reoccurrence.

Stimpod Therapy in Sedona, Arizona

The Stimpod NMS460 is a revolutionary neuromodulation therapy that not only offers long-term relief from chronic pain, but also restores natural nerve functionality.

The Stimpod assists in offering an electromagnetic therapeutic solution to patients suffering from pathologies that are notoriously difficult to treat.

• Diabetic Neuropathy
• Sciatica
• Radiculopathy
• Tennis Elbow
• Anterior Knee Pain
• Migraines
• Trigeminal Neuralgia

UNIQUE WAVEFORM TECHNOLOGY:

The Stimpod’s patented waveform is delivered transcutaneously and affects the cellular metabolic activity of a neuropathic nerve.  The induced electromagnetic field propagates as short bursts and travels along the axons to the spinal dorsal horn, restoring intra-neural communication pathways and natural nerve functionality.

RESEARCH DRIVEN:

Clinical Trials Include: Intractable Diabetic Neuropathy [5]