Restore Functional Neurology

10/17/2025

10/16/2025

Did you know that even a gentle birth can place up to 60 pounds of pressure on a baby's neck and spine?👀

That's why I love working with newborns — to help their developing nervous system integrate and function optimally right from the start. Light, specific adjustments can help with reflex integration, latching and feeding challenges, digestion, and calming their little sensory systems.👶🏼🧠

Chiropractic for babies isn't about "fixing" — it's about supporting healthy development.
(Photos shared with permission from parents)

10/07/2025

🧠 Pediatric Primitive Reflexes: ATNR & STNR Explained

Every baby is born with a set of automatic movement patterns called primitive reflexes — early brainstem-driven responses that help with survival and development. These reflexes are meant to appear, serve a purpose, and then naturally “integrate” as the brain matures.

Two key reflexes we often assess in pediatric neurological exams are the ATNR (Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex) and STNR (Symmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex). When these remain active beyond the expected age, they can influence a child’s posture, coordination, learning, and emotional regulation.

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🍼 ATNR – The “Fencer’s” Reflex

The ATNR is triggered when a baby turns their head: the arm and leg on that side extend, while the opposite side bends.
This reflex helps with early eye-hand coordination, rolling, and reaching across the body.

If the ATNR remains active, a child may experience:
• Difficulty with reading or writing (eyes don’t track smoothly across midline)
• Poor handwriting or awkward pencil grip
• Trouble with sports or activities requiring bilateral coordination
• Tension in the neck, shoulders, or upper back

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🚼 STNR – The Crawling Reflex

The STNR helps babies transition from lying on their tummy to getting up on hands and knees.
When the head looks up, the arms straighten and legs bend; when the head looks down, the arms bend and legs straighten.

If the STNR remains active, you might notice:
• Poor posture or “slumped” sitting
• Fidgeting, wiggling, or trouble staying seated
• Delays in crawling or awkward movement patterns
• Difficulty copying from the board or focusing on written work

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⚖️ Why Retained Reflexes Matter

When primitive reflexes don’t integrate on time, they can interfere with higher-level brain development — especially in areas controlling focus, coordination, and emotional self-regulation.
These retained reflexes can create “neurological traffic jams” that make learning and movement feel harder than they should.

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At our clinic, we use gentle neurological and chiropractic assessments to identify retained reflexes and guide the nervous system toward better integration. With targeted reflex exercises, movement-based therapies, and chiropractic care, we can help the brain build stronger, more efficient pathways for learning and development.

If your child struggles with focus, reading, coordination, or posture — it may not be a “behavioral” issue, but a neurological developmental delay linked to retained reflexes.

💡 We offer pediatric neurological evaluations to help uncover what’s holding your child back and create a plan for better brain-body balance.

09/18/2025

Did you know your little ones need adjusted too? Here are 5 benefits of Chiropractor care for babies.
👶🏼🧠

1. Supports better digestion – Gentle adjustments may ease pressure on the stomach and intestines, which can help reduce reflux, gas, and frequent spit-ups.

2. Encourages effective breastfeeding – By improving mobility in the neck and jaw, chiropractic care can make it easier for babies to latch and nurse comfortably.

3. Promotes deeper, more restful sleep – A relaxed and well-aligned body often makes it easier for infants to settle and stay asleep.

4. Relieves birth-related tension – Even uncomplicated deliveries can leave a baby with stress in the spine or joints; adjustments can help release that strain.

5. Enhances comfort and mobility – Improved flexibility and range of motion support important milestones like rolling, crawling, and eventually sitting.

🙌🏻 We use instrument assisted and low force/gentle adjustments for your baby so they are at ease and comfortable during their visit.

📆Book an appointment today so we can help your baby feel their best!

09/06/2025

Don't miss out on this excellent opportunity to meet with amazing wellness professionals next month! Register to attend!

https://www.thirdstreetwellness.com/calendar/

09/06/2025

Discover upcoming events, symposiums, and learning opportunities designed to support your journey toward whole-body wellness.

08/29/2025

Restore Functional Neurology with Dr. Rush Carr is celebrating their new location and new Chamber membership! They are located at 2640 East 32nd Street, Suite 7. Welcome to the Chamber and congratulations!

07/09/2025

It’s time we introduce the founder & passion behind Restore Functional Neurology, Dr Rush Carr!

After years of schooling, internships, hard work & dedication, Dr. Carr created and opened up Restore Functional Neurology, a holistic approach to chiropractic care + treatment of delays in sensory, motor, and brain development with a primary focus on pediatrics.

His goal is to help children accomplish developmental milestones or overcome any roadblocks that might hinder those milestones. Those struggling with symptoms that might come with ADHD, OCD, or autism can find relief through Dr. Carr’s holistic + individualized care.

He uses a wide variety of safe therapies & modalities, helping to integrate the primitive reflexes. Whether it’s through low level laser therapy, dietary guidelines, child-specific chiropractic care with low force, soft adjustments, eye tracking, or working on balance, you’ll be sure that your child’s distinct needs are met.

Having been homeschooled himself, Dr. Carr is passionate about choosing the holistic route when it comes to working with your children and what they need. Located at 2640 e 32nd st, suite 7 in Joplin, Missouri, we’re here to serve you!

To schedule a consultation or appointment, message us on Facebook or Instagram or call 417-208-5869 during our office hours: Monday - Thursday 9-12:30 & 2:30-5.

06/30/2025

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These 1,000 slick, matte-finish beauties are doing what they do best: helping our new business friend, Dr. Rush Carr connect with parents, pros, and everyone in between, without breaking the bank. 🧠✨💳

Dr. Carr is doing incredible work helping kids overcome developmental challenges with brain-based chiropractic care.

Learn more about our friends -> https://netfish.es/project/making-waves-in-pediatric-care-business-cards-for-restore-functional-neurology/

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06/18/2025

🎉🎉 The time has come! We are officially open for business🎉🎉
Currently our hours will be:
🧠Monday-Thursday
🧠9-12:30 2:30-5.

Treatments include:
Chiropractic adjustments
Primitive reflex integration
Motor/sensory integration
Laser therapy
And more…

Phone-417-208-5869
Email-info@restorefunctionalneurology.com
Location-2640 E. 32nd Suite 7 Joplin, MO 64804

03/03/2025

🎉Got the sign installed and carpet is going in. Opening day is getting closer and closer! We are excited to be able to serve our community. 🎉

01/24/2025

🎉🔨🔨Drywall going up and making some progress🔨🔨🎉

We are getting closer to being able to serve the pediatric community with wholistic chiropractic care!