FAQs

“Neuroplasticity“ relates to the brains ability to change in response to any new stimulus and/or lack of stimulus. Essentially, parts of the brain will grow or be removed depending on the amount of stimulation the brain receives (or does not receive). As our brain grows or loses these parts, so our brain will literally change shape and size. When there is growth, this is either due to new and/or stronger connections being made between neurons (nerve cells), or the growth is due to some neurogenesis (growth of new neurons). From the time in the womb to into our childhood, neurogenesis can occur throughout the brain, but after early childhood it is only possible in four locations: the two (left and right) hippocampi (little seahorse shaped memory areas located near your ears) and the two (left and right) olfactory bulbs, which receive information from your nose.

‘Plasticity’ refers to something being mouldable, meaning it can change shape. Neuroplasticity relates to how the brain changes shape. The types of stimuli for changing this shape come from our environment and also some of our own thoughts (think of any eureka moments you had as you put 2 and 2 together – that is a big new connection being made…changing the shape of your brain!). Neuroplasticity as relates to learning, retaining, fine-tuning, and any reassessment of an individual’s knowledge, skills and functions. It happens all the time, every day, including during sleep.

“Neuroplasticity“ essentially encompasses all our knowledge and abilities, and how we learn and maintain those which we need (the biologically live connections between neurons (brain cells) in our brains).  You can think of neuroplasticity as relating to learning, retaining, fine-tuning, and any reassessment of an individual’s knowledge, skills and functions.  It happens all the time, every day, including during sleep.  

Neuroplasticity therapies are slightly different in that they appreciate that different parts (regions, pathways, connectomes) of the brain are responsible (separately or together) for specific functions or abilities. Neuroplasticity therapies take advantage of this awareness: professionals working with these therapies, use it to complete a neurological evaluation (assessing which areas of a brain are functioning well, and which areas are likely to benefit from enhancements).  They then use these results to determine an individualised treatment plan going forward. This plan stimulates very targeted and specific neuroplasticity in just the parts of the brain which need it (or sometimes restricting or inhibiting stimulation in various parts of the brain for similar reason).  Neuroplasticity therapies are therefore brain region-specific therapies: they are therapeutic interventions for targeted and specific with a specified outcome in mind.  It is important to note that they are also evidence-based therapies which can be backed up by science. These elements are what enables some modalities to come under the  

The simple answer is ‘no’.  A professional working with neuroplasticity therapies should be able to tell you what area of the brain they are aiming to stimulate. There are at least 52 different areas of the brain in each hemisphere, and many of these areas can be further subdivided.  If a practitioner is using a neuroplasticity therapy, then they should be able to tell you which brain region they are targeting and why, and will talk in terms such as dose (how much, and how frequently to take this and when to stop). More psychological therapies do not usually do this.  However, some professionals working with neuroplasticity therapies may refer patients to these therapies as a adjunct to what they are doing, but in general they are not (yet!) neuroplasticity therapies. 

These therapies aim to create, restore, improve, and maintain brain function. Depending on individual needs, neuroplasticity therapies can transform symptoms, behaviours, emotional stability, sleep patterns, confidence, focus, pain, and memory among other cognitive and neurological functions.

Neuroplasticity therapies are versatile and can benefit individuals with brain injuries; or those looking to enhance cognitive skills like athletes and musicians; or anyone at any age just interested in maintaining and optimising their brain health and function.

These therapies are implemented through a variety of modalities including movement-based therapies, sensory therapies, vestibular (balance) therapies. Brain health is also important, and someone working with neuroplasticity therapies will often also use adjunctive therapies such as nutrition, respiratory therapies, laser, infrared-light, and sometimes talking therapies, especially where these will help to stabalise a system and/or increase general health.   

Neuroplasticity therapies utilise the principles of neuroplasticity which involve the brain’s ability to form, reorganise, reorganise, and break synaptic connections, especially in response to learning or experience after neurodevelopmental delays, brain injury, or in the process of aging.

Yes, one of the key applications of neuroplasticity therapies is to help restore function lost due to brain injuries such as strokes, concussions, or other traumatic brain injuries. Therapies often aim to rehouse functions to different parts of the brain while aiding the healing process.

Where did neuroplasticity therapies come from? 

Neuroplasticity therapies span multiple professional areas including functional neurology (from chiropractic), behavioral optometry, vision therapy, various audio therapies, scent therapy from aromatherapy, sensory integration therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, and more.  Some individuals in all of these professions started looking at the relationship between their work and neurological function, and found they all had a role to play. What is more fascinating, is that very frequently, the same or similar therapeutic interventions have emerged from each. 

Practitioners can be found in a wide range of fields including chiropractic, optometry, audiology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, among others. Resources and practitioner directories are found here on our website

The “brain-body contract” refers to the ongoing interaction between the brain and the body, where both are constantly reacting and responding to each other. This concept is key to understanding how holistic approaches in neuroplasticity therapies enhance brain function by involving the entire body.

The application of neuroplasticity therapies varies based on the desired outcome: creating new neural connections for developmental phases, restoring function after injury, improving specific cognitive or physical skills, or maintaining optimal brain health to prevent degenerative diseases.  It is important to note that there is rarely a ‘one size fits all’ approach, as each brain is very unique. This means another aspect to neuroplasticity therapies is how individualised they are for each person.

No, many can be adapted and/or administered passively (done for them) for people who are not able to understand instructions. 

Yes, amazingly, some people are already busy adapting these therapies for use with animals. 

Yes, we have a wide range of resources, such as books, videos, and courses available via our website. Visit our Resources and Courses pages to find out more.