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Since its very beginnings, chiropractic’s beneficial effects were thought to be mediated through the nervous system. It has only been in recent years, however, that research has shown more precisely how this manual therapy influences neurological function. This has led to the establishment of post-graduate programs in “Chiropractic Neurology” and the development of novel ways of employing chiropractic techniques.
In addition to these studies came perhaps the most important breakthrough in neuroscience in the last 100 years, the discovery of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity describes the brain’s remarkable ability to physically rewire itself based on what stimuli it is exposed to.
Born from these exciting new advances in science, Functional Neurology has emerged as a clinical method of activating specific neural circuits to improve the function of the nervous system. This non-medication approach has offered new hope for people suffering from a wide variety of neurological problems.
Originally developed by Dr. Ted Carrick, in the 1970s, Functional Neurology gained wide recognition in 2011 when Dr. Carrick helped hockey star Sidney Crosby return to the NHL after suffering from a concussion for over 8 months (read Dr. Freud’s interview about Functional Neurology upon returning from his time on Dr. Carrick’s clinical team – in French).
Your nervous system is directly linked to everything you feel, everything you think and everything you do. When it is not functioning optimally, it can have a devastating effect on your life and on the lives of all those around you.
Many of our new patients have been disappointed with other specialists they have seen. Many have lost hope and are skeptical as to how we may help them. It is typically through the encouragement of a satisfied patient or a doctor familiar with our results that they decide to consult us.
Dr. Patrick Freud, Montreal chiropractor, is one of the first Canadian practitioners of Functional Neurology and is respected in the field internationally. Every patient benefits from his 24+ years of clinical experience and teaching, and receives thorough and personalized care.
The goal of the Functional Neurology consultation is to determine which parts of your nervous system are not working optimally and potentially causing your symptoms. Since information collected from your previous doctors is important in this process, you may be asked to send us copies of your medical reports as well as other documents. All of this will be reviewed prior to your visit.
During your first appointment, you will be asked questions and go through an examination. A complete understanding of what you are going through and what is functioning abnormally in your body is crucial in discovering the source of your problem.
Then, unless additional information or tests are required, you will be given a clear explanation of your condition and we will discuss what can be done to help you feel and function better.
Because your therapy is based on the results of your history and examination, your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs and goals. In much the same way that a personal trainer can design a program to help a client build muscle or lose weight, our objective is to improve how your nervous system functions to make you feel better.
The process of rehabilitating your weak neural circuits to become stronger is done gently and comfortably.
KK (St-Lazare )
My son began showing signs of Tourette syndrome a year ago. He had many vocal and motor tics. His pediatrician could only suggest anti-psychotic drugs, a route we were unwilling to take. My chiropractor recommended Dr. Freud to us. Dr. Freud gave my son a thorough neurological assessment. He gave us a “prescription” to follow-exercises, dietary changes and supplements. After a few months we have seen significant improvement in my son’s health. Before his treatment, my son could not say one sentence without having several tics. Now, I rarely see this amount in a day. Dr. Freud was able to give us hope when we had none left. He has not only impacted my son in a positive way, he has given the entire family a better quality of life. Dr. Freud is the most kind and compassionate doctor. He has a real passion and love for his field and all of the people that walk into his office. Thank you Dr. Freud!
SP (Laval)
SV (Montreal)
In 2010, I started having unusual neck movement problems. I felt a constant pulling to the left, as if I had a torticollis and my head would turn to the left. I could no longer turn my head to the right and my left shoulder was much higher than my right. My work and my daily activities were very affected, to the point that I had to stop working. I had difficulty walking with my head straight and I became very tired trying to look in front of me. Furthermore, I felt a lot of anxiety from what was happening to me and I gradually felt demoralized. My life was no longer the same, my body was no longer the same. I learned that misfortunes don’t only happen to others. After a multitude of medical visits without a diagnosis, I finally ended up with an excellent neurologist, specialized in movement disorders. He diagnosed that I was suffering from dystonia and he treated me with Botox and medication. I was reluctant with the Botox injections and the medications but honestly, to gain some relief, I would have done anything. It took a long time for the dosages to be regulated and that the effects started to be felt. I was actually fortunate in my misfortune: while discussing with my neurologist on the causes of this disorder and the possibility of reversing the problem, he spoke to me about Dr. Freud. Another one of his patients was seeing him and he noticed an improvement. I called on the spot. I cannot explain to what extent I am happy to have met this specialist. I worked hard on the exercises he prescribed. I felt revitalized, because I noticed an improvement each week. My family and my friends also witnessed the evolution and today I live normally. You have to believe that healing is possible and you have to persevere. Thank you to life! (translated from French)
TA (Laval)
Between university and work, exams and end of semester work, I was starting to get used to the infernal rhythm in which migraines were almost daily. I thought it was normal, that it was the price to pay to consolidate work, school and social life. With my wife’s recommendation, I went, incredulous, to Dr. Freud’s clinic. “Regardless of your lifestyle,” he told me, “we can work together to improve the quality of your life.” From the first treatment until today, I have not had any migraines and I have never felt better. (translated from French)
SR (Hampstead)
After having consulted several specialists over the course of a year (orthopedist, physiatrist, orthesist, podiatrist) who prescribed as many tests (x-ray, CT scan, MRI), we were still at the same point: our 6 year old son had an inversion problem with his right foot that seriously handicapped his ability to do certain activities. No one could explain the phenomenon since all his tests were “normal”. Some specialists even suggested that our son should learn to live with it since it wasn’t painful. It was after a suspicion from our chiropractor that it was a neurological problem that he referred us to Dr. Freud. We were rather discouraged and even skeptical, but we told ourselves that we had nothing to lose to try. Our son started treatments and within just a few visits, the results were surprising. In less than three months, Victor’s foot returned to a completely normal position, his whole posture improved and he was able to return to the activities he had abandoned. Some people in our entourage even asked us if our son had had an operation! What’s more, Dr. Freud’s approach is very humane, not to mention his patience and his gentleness with children. We will never hesitate to recommend him. Thank you Patrick! (translated from French)
RF (Montreal)
JB (St Lin des Laurentides)
My daughter was about 20 months old when from one day to the next she started having trouble walking, she was trembling and had nystagmus. After more than a year and a half of consulting several doctors and doing several tests (CT scan, MRI, audiology, ophthalmology, cardiology, blood tests) and more, my father’s chiropractor gave us the name of a chiropractor specialized in neurology, Patrick Freud. Skeptical, we had nothing left to lose. After just one visit, he gave us a diagnosis that really surprised us. I followed his advice, practiced the exercises and in less than 2 weeks my girl developed 6 months! My family and I will forever be grateful to Dr. Patrick Freud. Thank you Patrick, you changed the life of my daughter, and consequently, ours! (translated from French)
SD (Boucherville)
AL (Westmount)
My seven year old son was easily frustrated and would get angry when things did not go his way. A friend recommended Dr. Freud and although I knew about the benefits of Chiropractic treatment for back problems, I had never considered it for the neurological effects. After three appointments with Dr. Freud, my son’s patience and overall behavior improved. After eight appointments, there was such an improvement that we now only have to see Dr. Freud for maintenance from time to time (about every 6-8 weeks). He is a much calmer, patient, kind and happy child. Additionally, my son had a history of recurring ear-infections which Dr. Freud treated him for. He has not had a single ear infection since he started visiting Dr. Freud. Dr. Freud is very knowledgeable and has a wonderful demeanor. I would highly recommend him.
GR (Gatineau)
I have multiple sclerosis. One day, when I had no more resources and nothing to lose, my spouse suggested I meet Dr. Freud, despite my skepticism. My first visit proved to be significant since I found an attentive ear, a thorough analysis and respect for my needs at the time. In that period, I had a lot of physical pain, loss of balance, double vision, poor concentration and excessive fatigue. This neurological approach is a gentle method that is adapted to our needs. From being closely followed, despite the distance between Montreal and Gatineau, I found my autonomy. I relearned to center myself, listen to my body and recognize my limits. My physical pains diminished, my losses of balance are practically no longer part of my life and my fatigue excesses are better controlled. My disease used to control me, now it’s me who controls it and I feel much better. (translated from French)
The best way to schedule an appointment is to call us (514-483-3444) or email us.
When contacting us, please inform us that it is for a Functional Neurology consultation so that we may fully explain our procedures and send you a questionnaire to fill out.