Sensory integration refers to the way the brain processes and interprets information from the different senses, such as sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, balance and temperature.
It involves combining and organising this information in order to make sense of the world around us. For example, when you look at an apple, your brain is using information from your eyes (sight) and your sense of touch to understand that the object is a round, red apple. Not to mention all the systems that are giving you information about the apple and gravity etc...
Sensory integration is important for everyday tasks such as navigating, communicating and interacting with others, and learning.
When sensory integration doesn't work properly, it can lead to difficulty processing and interpreting sensory information.
This can manifest in a variety of ways, such as difficulty with balance and coordination, difficulty with fine motor skills, difficulty with attention and focus, and difficulty with social interactions.
It's important to note that everyone's brain processes sensory information differently, and some variations in sensory processing are considered to be normal. However, when difficulties with sensory processing are severe and persistent, it can cause significant difficulties in daily life. It can develop after concussion, chronic pain or injuries.
Sensory integration training is used because it helps the brain process and understand information from the senses more effectively. This helps the brain make better judgements and avoid protective responses - like pain.
It is important for everyday tasks such as navigating, communicating, interacting with others, and learning. By improving the brain's ability to process sensory information, it can lead to improvements in overall function and quality of life.
Sensory integration training harness' the brains ability to adapt can change over time. This is called neuroplasticity.
Neuroplasticity, also known as brain plasticity or neural plasticity, refers to the brain's ability to reorganise and change in response to experience or injury. This process involves the modification of neural connections and the formation of new ones, as well as changes in the structure and function of brain cells.
There is evidence that neuroplasticity can play a role in recovery from injury, particularly in the case of brain injuries. For example, after a brain injury, neuroplasticity may allow the brain to rewire itself and compensate for damaged areas by recruiting undamaged areas to perform functions that were previously carried out by the damaged areas. This process is known as neural reorganisation.
Here at Rewire NPT we use your brains natural ability to reorganise itself to help you beat pain and perform better.