I Feel Like I Have Body Issues, Not Brain Issues
- Lifestream Brain + Body Clinic
- May 1
- 3 min read
Updated: May 2
What’s the Difference Between Physical Therapy (or Chiropractic) and Neuro Rehab from a Functional Neurologist?
If you've ever been told to try physical therapy or visit a chiropractor for your pain or mobility issues, you're not alone. These traditional therapies can work wonders for musculoskeletal injuries, posture problems, or recovering from surgery. But what if your symptoms don't seem to fully resolve-or they keep coming back?
Here at Lifestream Brain + Body Clinic, we often see patients who've "tried everything" but still feel off. That's where neuro rehab from a functional neurologist comes into play.
Let's break down the difference-so you can find the right care for your unique brain and body.
Traditional Physical Therapy and Chiropractic: Treating the Body
Physical therapy and chiropractic care focus primarily on muscles, joints, and structural alignment. If you've injured a tendon, sprained an ankle, or need help post-surgery, these therapies can help:
Improve strength and flexibility
Reduce inflammation
Restore range of motion
Realign joints and spine
They’re fantastic when the issue is local—meaning the pain or dysfunction stems from the tissues or joints themselves. But what if your movements are off not because of your muscles… but because of your brain?
Enter Neuro Rehab: Treating the Brain Behind the Movement
Neuro rehab is a different beast entirely. As a functional neurology clinic, we don’t just look at how you’re moving—we look at why.
Many balance problems, movement disorders, dizziness, chronic pain, and even posture issues aren’t simply orthopedic—they’re brain-driven.
Think of your brain as the master conductor of your body. If the signals between your brain and body are out of sync—even slightly—it can cause:
Poor balance or coordination
Uneven posture
Muscle tension that keeps coming back
Difficulty walking or turning your head
Feeling dizzy or off-balance
These aren't “just” physical issues—they're neurological miscommunications.
Functional Neurology: Personalized Brain-Based Rehab
So, what exactly do we do in neuro rehab at Lifestream Brain and Body? We evaluate how your nervous system—including your brain, inner ear (vestibular system), eyes, and spinal cord—is communicating with your muscles. Then, we design specific exercises that stimulate and retrain those brain pathways.
Your treatment might include:
Eye movement and gaze stability exercises
Balance retraining with sensory feedback
Vestibular (inner ear) rehab
Targeted movement and coordination drills
Cognitive-motor integration tasks
Everything is customized to how your brain is functioning, not just the symptoms you're experiencing.
Why It Matters: The Root Cause, Not Just the Symptom
If you’ve been to multiple PT or chiropractic sessions but your symptoms keep returning, there’s a good chance your brain hasn’t been fully on board with your recovery. That’s the sweet spot for neuro rehab—it gets to the root cause, addressing the neurological dysfunction behind the physical symptoms.
And when your brain and body are in sync? That’s when you really start to feel better, move better, and function at your best.
When Should You Consider Neuro Rehab?
Neuro Rehab isn't just for issues that are obviously due to brain insufficiencies. If you’re dealing with any of the following, neuro rehab may be a better fit than traditional therapies like physical therapy or chiropractic care alone can offer:
Persistent balance or coordination issues
Post-concussion symptoms
Dizziness or vertigo
Movement disorders or tremors
Chronic pain that doesn’t respond to bodywork
Neurological diagnoses like MS, dystonia, or functional neurological disorder (FND)
So...What's the Difference?
Physical therapy and chiropractic = working on your body.
Neuro rehab with a functional neurologist = working on your brain to help your body work better.
Ready to Reconnect Brain and Body?
At Lifestream Brain + Body Clinic, we specialize in helping patients just like you get answers—and real relief—when other therapies haven’t quite hit the mark.
Curious if neuro rehab is right for you? Schedule a Discovery Call and let’s find out what your brain’s been trying to tell you.
