How Functional Neurology Transforms Childhood Disorders

Experts from Chiropractic Lifestyle Studio’s Functional Neurology Center share insights and hope for families.

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.” 

Chiropractic Lifestyle Studios neurological development

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. 

Chiropractic Lifestyle Studios
Photo Credit: Chiropractic Lifestyle Studios

“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.

Jenny Kales
Jenny Kales
Jennifer Kales has been in the business of writing for more than 20 years creating advertising copy, blogs, books and everything in between. As a previous content editor for Metro Parent, she loved helping clients tell their stories in a way that resonates with audiences.

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