Instagram story viewer> @neuroactivecenter> Posts

NeuroActive Center

@neuroactivecenter

6.7K

followers

4

following

✨ Helping kids move, learn + function better
🧠 Brain + body based therapy for kids
📍Phoenix, AZ

POSTS STORIES REELS

Welcome to NeuroActive!

It you’ve ever found yourself wondering why something feels harder for your child, or feeling like there might be another piece of the puzzle you haven’t found yet… you’re in the right place.

At NeuroActive, we look at the whole child and how the brain + body work together. We support kids with a wide range of developmental and neurological needs, with care built around the individual child… not just a diagnosis.

And now, we’re bringing more of those conversations here.

Expect to see what we’re looking at, why we do some of the things that might look a little unusual in our clinic, simple ways to support development at home, answers to real parent questions, and plenty of behind-the-scenes NeuroActive moments.

Whether you’re just starting to ask questions or you’ve been advocating for your child for years, we’re glad you found us. 🤍

Follow along + tell us below: what’s something about your child’s brain, body, or development you’ve always wanted to better understand? by @neuroactivecenter

For some children, everyday sensory experiences can feel overwhelming. Things like clothing tags, haircuts, physical touch, loud environments, or even transitioning between activities can be challenging.

That’s because our nervous systems don’t all process sensory information the same way! Some children may be overresponsive to certain sensations, while others may seek out additional sensory input.

So, what is the Wilbarger Brushing Protocol?

It’s a specialized sensory technique that uses a therapeutic brush to provide firm, controlled tactile input. It’s typically followed by joint compressions to provide proprioceptive input, which helps the brain receive information about body position and movement.

One strategy we frequently use in the clinic is pairing the Wilbarger Brushing Protocol with photobiomodulation (laser therapy). The goal is to provide organized sensory input while simultaneously stimulating the brain during treatment.

How we do it:
* ��Perform the Wilbarger Brushing Protocol for approximately 2 minutes using the proper technique and sequence performed by @gregtheot
* ��While brushing, apply low level laser therapy based on the child’s individual examination findings.
* ��Follow the brushing with the prescribed joint compressions before moving into the next therapy.

This isn’t a treatment I recommend parents start on their own. The brushing protocol should be taught by a trained provider, and laser therapy should always be individualized based on your child’s needs.

Every child’s nervous system is unique, and their care should be too! by @neuroactivecenter

Not often do we get most of the team together for an intensive send off! 🧠❤️💪🏻

I’ve worked with this guy since I was still an associate at my last clinic and was one of the first children I’ve ever worked in a clinical setting.

The dedication and hard work from him and his family are truly second to none. He’s made some HUGE gains since the day I met him and is continuing to surprise us every week.

To set up a call with our team and learn more about what it’s like to work with us, comment the word “NeuroActive”! by @neuroactivecenter

The prefrontal cortex plays a HUGE role in focus, attention, impulse control, and executive functioning. 🧠

One of the best ways to develop these skills is to challenge the brain through activities that require it to WORK.

This exercise is designed to engage the prefrontal cortex by challenging attention, impulse control, eye movements and cognitive control.

But here’s what I want parents to understand…

The brain doesn’t develop these skills simply by being told to focus, pay attention, or sit still.

We need to create opportunities for the brain to practice the very skills we’re asking it to use.

And that’s exactly what we’re working on here at @neuroactivecenter.

The goal isn’t just to get better at an exercise. It’s to help build skills that can carry over into everyday life. 🧠 by @neuroactivecenter

This activity isn’t just about sorting red and black cards. We’re combining a cognitive challenge with movement to work on skills that play an important role in everyday activities like walking!

Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes 👇🏼

Cognitive processing: Identifying the card’s color and remembering which direction it belongs.

Motor planning: Figuring out which foot to use and how to move the card in the correct direction.

Balance & weight shifting: Transferring weight onto one leg while the other moves independently, without losing stability.

Core strength & postural control: Keeping his body upright and controlled throughout the movement.

Vestibular & visual processing: Looking down to locate the cards, adjusting his head position, and returning to an upright posture while maintaining balance.

Think about how often we walk while looking around, navigating obstacles or processing information around us. Our brains and bodies are constantly working together!

That’s why we love incorporating activities that challenge multiple systems at once while keeping therapy fun and engaging.

Sometimes the simplest-looking activities have a much bigger purpose! by @neuroactivecenter

Happy World Occupational Therapy Day! 💚

If you’ve ever had the chance to watch Mr. Greg work with a child, you know there’s something special about the way he does what he does. It’s so much more than exercises, activities, and therapy sessions.

It’s the patience, the creativity, the way he meets every child exactly where they are, the way he finds joy in the smallest victories and helps kids discover just how much they’re capable of.

It’s turning hard work into play, building trust, creating connections, and making sure every child feels seen and celebrated along the way.

Mr. Greg doesn’t just help kids work toward their goals. He makes the journey a little more fun, a little less intimidating, and a whole lot more meaningful.

We’re incredibly grateful to have him as part of the NeuroActive family! by @neuroactivecenter

At @neuroactivecenter, we’re constantly thinking outside the box and finding new ways to challenge the brain and build new connections.

I truly believe there is ALWAYS more to explore and more ways to innovated. We want to implement strategies that others may overlook.

The biggest breakthroughs come from being willing to think differently and figure out what actually helps a child make improvements….because that’s the most important thing.

The brain is incredibly complex and we should never stop exploring what it’s capable of 🧠

To learn how to become a patient at our clinic, comment the word “neuroactive” and we will send you more information by @neuroactivecenter

Everyone needs a little Mr. Greg in their life 😆

One thing we pride ourselves on at NeuroActive is finding creative ways to make activities both FUN and achievable for every child we work with.

Because the reality is not every child learns the same way or responds to the same approach.

Sometimes it takes thinking outside the box, getting a little silly, and finding what motivates that specific child.

We want kids to feel challenged but we also want them to experience SUCCESS.

And when you can find that sweet spot between challenging a child and making an activity enjoyable, that’s where some pretty amazing things can happen. by @neuroactivecenter

I’ve had the pleasure of working with this amazing girl for the last six years. Many of you know her story. Watching Eviana grow, and accomplish new things over the years has been absolutely incredible.

Moments like these are exactly why I wake up every day and do what I do.

In this world, we always hear about all the things a child will “never” be able to do.

But one thing I’ve learned is to never underestimate a child’s brain and its ability to adapt.

Eviana is a perfect example of that. ❤️

Six years later she continues to learn new skills and remind me why I love what I do.

Never underestimate the potential of a developing brain. by @neuroactivecenter

Working with this family has been an absolute blessing.

One thing I’ve learned doing this work is to never put limits on what a child might be capable of, regardless of diagnosis.

The word “never” isn’t in our vocabulary at NeuroActive ❤️ by @neuroactivecenter

While this kiddo follows the moving tunnel with his eyes, we’re moving his body along with the twists and turns to challenge TWO important systems at once:

👀 Visual system: Working on visual tracking and maintaining a steady gaze.

🎢 Vestibular system: Challenging balance, movement processing, and awareness of where the body is in space.

And that’s not all! We’re also working on postural stability and core strength as he adjusts to the movement.

What looks like a fun little roller coaster ride is actually an intentional activity designed to challenge multiple skills at once.

Follow along for more behind-the-scenes looks at what therapy can look like at NeuroActive! by @neuroactivecenter

You have to be able to feel your body before you can truly learn how to control it.

This is why we put such a HUGE emphasis on sensory input and muscular activation at @neuroactivecenter

We focus on building that foundation first then follow it up with more functional movements that challenge the brain and body to work together.

The order of all this matters. When we build body awareness before expecting control, we see better results. by @neuroactivecenter