At birth, babies have several primitive reflexes that help them survive, such as the rooting reflex, which aids in feeding and the palmar reflex, which allows them to hold onto objects. As children grow and their brains develop, these reflexes are meant to be “turned off” as...
For most, balance may seem like a simple task. Still, it’s a highly complex process involving multiple systems working in harmony. Balance depends on the interaction of three major systems: the visual system (eyes), the vestibular system (inner ear), and the proprioception sys...
At Brainstorm Rehabilitation, we are skilled with innovative neurological therapies that improve cognitive and physical health. One groundbreaking tool we're proud to offer is NeuroTracker , a scientifically validated cognitive training system designed to enhance attention...
Pickleball is quickly gaining popularity across Port Macquarie, and it’s easy to see why. This fun, accessible sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, making it easy to learn while providing an enjoyable way to stay active. At Brainstorm Rehabilitation, we...
Brainstorm Rehabilitation is dedicated to enhancing brain performance through our comprehensive neurological rehabilitation services. Our unwavering focus is on the unique abilities of each person - adult or child, empowering them to achieve their best cognitive and physical pot...
At Brainstorm Rehabilitation, we offer innovative vagal stimulation therapy as part of our holistic approach to neurological rehabilitation. This therapy promotes healing and recovery by stimulating the vagus nerve, which is crucial in activating the parasympathetic autonomic ne...
At Brainstorm Rehabilitation, we incorporate breathing techniques and mindfulness into our holistic approach to neurological rehabilitation. These practices are powerful tools for supporting relaxation and enhancing cognitive function, making them valuable recovery components fo...
At Brainstorm Rehabilitation, we believe in a unique approach where every child can thrive, no matter their challenges. Our services are designed to build strength, improve skills, boost confidence, and help your child achieve their best. Whether your child is experiencing deve...
At Brainstorm Rehabilitation, we stand out with our unique approach to harnessing Neuroplasticity for Comprehensive Rehabilitation. This sets us apart as a leader in the field, ensuring that our clients receive the most effective and innovative treatments. At Brainstorm Rehabi...
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measures the changes in time between each heartbeat. Instead of a steady, rhythmic heart rate, a healthy heart shows slight variations from beat to beat. These variations are controlled by the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and are a useful way to ass...
There is a growing concern in Australia and internationally about the incidence of sport-related concussions and the potential health ramifications. A concussion is a brain injury, a complex physiological process that affects the brain, induced by external forces. Trauma may be c...
The researchers in the journal Psychology of Sport & Exercise found that music can impact your effort. The athletes generated more enjoyment, and that this effect has the potential to reduce the chances of people giving up on exercise. During exercise, listening to ...
Hi, I am Darren Gray, Chiropractor and neurological rehabilitation therapist from Brainstorm Rehab. I switch brains on.
What is STRESS? How does stress affect the brain? Over the next short while I will chat to you on Brainstorm Bites our podcast on brain health, these quest...
Painful shoulder conditions that limit movement are prevalent and are caused by injuries affecting the shoulder joint, muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Doing more movements with the arm than with any other body part is possible. The arm is such a helpful tool th...
You don’t necessarily need probiotics to be healthy. However, these microorganisms may help with digestion and offer protection from harmful bacteria, just as the existing “good” bacteria in your body already do. Your body contains about 100 trillion bacteria — mo...
More and more children start school with some form of developmental delay. Have you considered a school readiness program? Early brain development is one of the most important pathways to ongoing learning, behavioural competence, positive social relationships an...
Sports injuries are commonly caused by overuse, direct impact, or the application of force that is greater than the body part can structurally withstand. An injury that happens suddenly, such as a sprained ankle caused by an awkward footfall, is known as an acute injury. ...
Watch the video below to learn more about how to access the services of Brainstorm remotely. Darren J Gray BSc MChiro MClinRehaNeuro Chiropractor and Cert.Rehab Therapist ...
A basketball athlete requires various qualities for optimum performance. Not limited, but some qualities include; speed and agility, power, flexibility, spatial awareness and skill. An appropriate training regime should encompass all these various features of sports performance....
People who are under a lot of stress tend to do one of two things – either they eat more or they eat less. But despite what they do, more often than not, people under stress gain weight! The body’s response to stress is a release of adrenaline which triggers the “fi...
Technology in rehabilitation has advanced incredibly in recent years. For example, the ability to measure and monitor activity participation in the environment in a reliable manner has necessitated wearable sensors in healthcare (Patel, Park, Bonato, Chan, & Rodgers,...
Movement errors such as clumsiness and falls are common for motor control learning during development (Nicolson & Fawcett, 2007). For some children however this clumsiness extends well past the usual time period of early childhood. Coordination disorders in children are ver...
A concussion is a brain injury that occurs when there is an impact to the head or body that causes forceful linear and rotational movement of the brain inside the skull. A concussion can happen from being struck on the head or body. For example, sports injuries and car accidents...
Paediatric rehabilitation is about building strength, refining function and inspiring children to increase their skills and confidence to achieve their full potential. Some therapy examples include: 1. Rest! Let your brain and body recover with rest. Yes, ...
Recognizing the early signs of dementia can be crucial for timely intervention, planning, and receiving the right care. At Brainstorm Rehabilitation, we emphasize that with early diagnosis and appropriate clinical neurological rehabilitation, individuals experiencing cognitive d...
We all know exercise is good for the muscles and joints, but how about brain health training? You can help your brain get in shape and be strengthened and developed with brain health training. The brain is made up of nerves called neurons. These neurons transport informat...
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates the functions of our internal organs (the viscera) such as the heart, stomach and intestines. The ANS is part of the peripheral nervous system and it also controls some of the muscles within the body. We are often unaware of the ANS b...
Tips to help kids learn. Learning is not simply the acquiring of a new skill. To learn, the recipient must be a good host, such that the host, like your child, is ready and prepared to learn. At Brainstorm, we attend to many children with learning challenges. We have co...
Not all bacteria is bad. Yogurt and similar foods contain helpful bacteria. Antibiotics are drugs that fight bacteria that cause illnesses such as pneumonia and meningitis. By now, we all know that antibiotics have little effect on illnesses caused by viruses, such as colds or t...
Biofeedback is a helpful way of letting your body tell you how to reduce stress responses. Many of us in the health care field have discovered the positive effects of biofeedback. This tool to enhance one’s “body awareness” can help with issues of chemical dependency, ADD/...
People don’t consider the development of manual dexterity like hand-eye coordination in babies to be an essential element of cognitive development. In fact, the scientific terminology itself – “motor skills” for the movement and “cognitive skills” for mental processi...
It is important for children to establish beneficial health habits at an early age, as lasting health habits are usually solidified during childhood. A 2012 article published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics says that encouraging a healthy level of p...
Many people are familiar with negative neuroplasticity which causes increasing brain fog and memory loss, declining mental clarity and dementia. But did you know that helpful neuroplasticity can be achieved by boosting your brain function? This can lead to an improved cognitive ...
When it comes to quenching your thirst, water is the clear winner. And the best part? It's free from the excessive sugar found in most fruit, soft, sports, and flavoured mineral waters. Choosing water over these sugary alternatives is a simple yet powerful step towards a healthi...
People are living longer than any other time in history. Major nutritional and medical advancements have been made to help keep the body physically healthy. While this increase reflects positive improvements in health care, it has led to an increase in the wear and tear on our b...
Heart rate variability (HRV) is the physiological phenomenon of variation in the time interval between heartbeats. It is a functional measure of the variation in the beat-to-beat interval . The origin of the heartbeat is located in a sino-atrial (SA) node of the hear...
Many chronic health conditions can be triggered by unidentified and untreated food intolerance’s. If you have any of the following recurring symptoms then you may be suffering from food intolerance. Do not ignore these warning signs or your symptoms could become more severe an...
Emerging technologies have advanced well-being and health assessments for health professionals. One such recent development permits the physical therapist to monitor any subtle changes within the nervous system. Heart Rate Variability captures patterns of brain and nervous syst...
Neuroplasticity is the innate ability of the brain to physically change when challenged with new experiences (Bear, Conners, & Paradisco, 2007). The brain has over a billion neurons - its cellular building blocks interact with each other in complex ways. Signals tr...
Our therapists at Brainstorm are highly skilled and trained in specific balance training, a crucial area in the treatment of vestibular disorders. They are well-equipped to address common symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance, as well as associated issues like nause...
Practising relaxation techniques such as yoga and tai chi can help you achieve the relaxation response, a state of deep calmness that counteracts the adverse effects of stress. When practiced regularly, these activities can reduce everyday stress levels, anxiety, and muscle tens...
Just move and move at an early age. That is the summary of a study presented in 2012, concluding that lasting health habits are solidified during childhood. Obesity is a real concern for children. The risk of secondary health disorders like diabetes, heart problems, cognitive i...
20 things NOT to say or do to a person with dementia Don’t say, ‘but you don’t look or sound like you have dementia’ Don’t tell us we are wrong Don’t argue with us or correct trivial things Don’t say ‘remember when…’ Don’t ...
Allergies occur when an overactive immune system produces proteins called IgE antibodies against substances in the environment that are otherwise harmless — pollens, house dust mites, moulds, animal hair (dander) and in some cases, specific food proteins. A food allergy is mai...
Verbal learning disabilties and impairments typically include dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia. These verbal learning disabilities can be broadly classified in functional terms. Such that dyslexia includes most disorders of reading and spelling, dyscalculia labeled as a ma...