As the control center of your entire body, the brain and nervous system determines our physical, as well as mental development, wellness. For children, this delicate brain-body balance is even more important.
“Every aspect of health begins with the brain,” says Dr. Guy Riekeman, founder of Chiropractic Lifestyle Studios in Royal Oak, Michigan. “Chiropractic care focuses on the nervous system, addressing physical trauma, environmental toxins and emotional damage. While a visit to the pediatrician will give you an overview of your child’s health, we provide a deep dive into a child’s neurological development.”
Carter’s autism breakthrough
For decades, the experts at Chiropractic Lifestyle Studios (CLS) have studied and treated the mind-body correlation. Their CLS Functional Neurology Center offers innovative, non-invasive treatments that have profoundly changed the lives of many children.
One remarkable story is that of Carter, a 6-year-old boy with severe autism. “When Carter first visited our clinic, he was non-verbal, prone to high-pitched screaming and could barely tolerate any social interactions,” Dr. Riekeman recalls. His journey began with comprehensive exams followed by sessions in the GyroStim, a device that provides sensory input to stimulate neurological development.
The results were immediate. “On his first day, Carter showed signs of calmness he hadn’t in years. He stopped slapping his head and could sit quietly for a few minutes — a milestone for him,” says Dr. Riekeman. Over weeks, Carter’s improvements were astounding. He began engaging with others and, recently, he amazed his mother by saying, “Look mom, I’m talking to people.”
Dr. Michael Husmillo, a 25-year practitioner of functional neurology, provided direct care for Carter at the center. He observed incredible improvements from the treatments that were tailored specifically for his needs.
“Putting Carter in the GyroStim was life-changing,” says Dr. Husmillo. “He had already had ABA and occupational therapies, with limited success. The GyroStim offers clients a uniquely effective means of both calming and activating the nervous system in beneficial ways. The best way to describe it is that we are spinning you in a chair while doing somersaults at the same time. What this does is to give sensory input to parts of the brain that need activation.”
The GyroStim regulates reflexes, coordination, balance and movement, the doctor explains. “Stimulating the brain in this way also improves coordination, eye movements, thinking and processing information.”
Today, Carter is attending school, able to sit in class quietly and happily interact with teachers and classmates.
Addressing POTS and ADHD
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, better known as POTS, is another disorder treated at the Functional Neurology Center, with excellent results. POTS involves rapid heartbeat, dizziness, lightheadedness and other symptoms upon standing. Adolescents are predominantly affected.
Dr. Riekeman describes the Functional Neurology Center’s POTS protocol: “We conduct simple, yet revealing tests that involve measuring heart rate changes from lying down to standing. This helps us understand the severity and tailor our interventions.”
Treatment may include dietary changes, lifestyle changes and GyroStim therapies.
Success stories abound, like siblings who, after personalized treatment plans, were able to return to school full-time, something their condition had previously made impossible. For children with anxiety and ADHD, the center takes a holistic approach.
“We look beyond the symptoms, focusing on underlying neurological development that could be contributing to these conditions,” explains Dr. Riekeman.
One success story involves a child who struggled with ADHD symptoms and bedwetting, both of which significantly improved with regular functional neurology care and dietary adjustments.
For his patients, Dr. Husmillo says that he uses a variety of treatments to engage the brain and help children dealing with an entire range of disorders.
“Besides using the GyroStim, we do things like play specifically designed games with our NSI technology intended to improve eye movements and we will do many brain exercises. The focus is on stimulating every part of the brain to improve coordination, balance and cognitive function.”
Guidance and encouragement for parents
Many parents come to the clinic feeling overwhelmed and desperate for solutions. Dr. Riekeman offers reassurance: “It’s never too late to seek help. We’ve seen children who, even after years of struggling, have made remarkable recoveries.”
He emphasizes the importance of early intervention and comprehensive care to address both the symptoms and the root causes of neurological disorders.
“Brain issues are not always visible. For example, your child may have a fall, stop crying and seem fine. Or they may suffer an injury and appear to recover. If the brain has been altered by some outside event, such as environmental toxins, physical injury or emotional trauma this is going to set the tone for your child’s total health and well-being.”
Dr. Riekeman offers some things parents can look for that may indicate a child needs an evaluation. The neurological effects of physical or emotional stress and environmental toxins can crop up in unusual symptoms. “Is your child all of a sudden not doing well at school? Do they have spinal problems like leg length differences or head tilt? Are they getting a lot of ear infections? Have you noticed a behavioral change?”
What sets the Functional Neurology Center apart is its commitment to thorough, ongoing assessments of a child’s neurological health.
“We conduct a series of non-invasive exams that include assessing reflexes, range of motion in the spine and checking for any scoliosis,” says Dr. Riekeman. Free evaluations are available, so check with the center for details.
A message of hope
Dr. Riekeman, Dr. Husmillo and their team at Chiropractic Lifestyle Studios’ Functional Neurology Center are dedicated to providing life-changing care. Through their innovative methods and compassionate approach, they offer not just treatments, but a new lease on life for many children and their families.
For parents considering this path, it’s important to ask for input early, says Dr. Riekeman. “Don’t wait for symptoms to become unmanageable. Early assessment and intervention are key to maximizing your child’s developmental potential.”
For more information and to schedule a free evaluation, visit chiropracticlifestylestudios.com.