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Research-Based Treatments
Research-Based Treatments
Our clinic provides advanced, research-based treatments for neurological and functional conditions such as epilepsy, dementia, and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Each guide explains what laser therapy and rehabilitation can do, sets realistic expectations, and shows how progress is measured. These treatments are grounded in published research and designed to give patients and families clarity, hope, and confidence in their care journey.
Our clinic provides advanced, research-based treatments for neurological and functional conditions such as epilepsy, dementia, and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Each guide explains what laser therapy and rehabilitation can do, sets realistic expectations, and shows how progress is measured. These treatments are grounded in published research and designed to give patients and families clarity, hope, and confidence in their care journey.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy
SONOMA-Epilepsy™ (Subjective and Objective Numerical Outcome Measure Assessment): A Functional Capacity Framework for Epilepsy Management
SONOMA-Epilepsy™ (Subjective and Objective Numerical Outcome Measure Assessment): A Functional Capacity Framework for Epilepsy Management
Epilepsy remains one of the most prevalent neurological conditions worldwide, yet its management often lacks comprehensive tools for functional capacity evaluation. This paper introduces SONOMA-Epilepsy™ (Subjective and Objective Numerical Outcome Measure Assessment), the first integrated framework combining both subjective (patient-reported) and objective (clinician-driven) metrics for epilepsy functional assessment. By documenting seizure frequency, duration, postictal recovery, seizure severity, and medication burden alongside validated subjective scales, SONOMA-Epilepsy™ provides a structured approach to monitoring patient outcomes. This framework establishes a reproducible method for clinical decision-making, functional tracking, and treatment progression, and represents the first formal dissemination of this novel tool.
https://zenodo.org/records/17068062
High-Dosage Laser Therapy for Epilepsy: A Functional Outcome Framework
High-Dosage Laser Therapy for Epilepsy: A Functional Outcome Framework
Epilepsy affects over 50 million people worldwide, with many patients experiencing incomplete seizure control despite optimal pharmacological therapy. Breakthrough seizures, adverse drug effects, and diminished quality of life remain persistent challenges. High-dosage Class IV therapeutic laser therapy is an emerging adjunctive modality with potential to influence neuronal stability, reduce neuroinflammation, and improve cerebral energy metabolism. This paper proposes a structured framework for the clinical use of high-dosage laser in epilepsy, integrated with the SONOMA-Epilepsy™ functional outcome assessment tool. By combining reproducible laser protocols with objective and subjective tracking metrics, clinicians may better determine treatment effectiveness, identify non-responders, and guide future research.
Epilepsy affects over 50 million people worldwide, with many patients experiencing incomplete seizure control despite optimal pharmacological therapy. Breakthrough seizures, adverse drug effects, and diminished quality of life remain persistent challenges. High-dosage Class IV therapeutic laser therapy is an emerging adjunctive modality with potential to influence neuronal stability, reduce neuroinflammation, and improve cerebral energy metabolism. This paper proposes a structured framework for the clinical use of high-dosage laser in epilepsy, integrated with the SONOMA-Epilepsy™ functional outcome assessment tool. By combining reproducible laser protocols with objective and subjective tracking metrics, clinicians may better determine treatment effectiveness, identify non-responders, and guide future research.
Dementia
Dementia
SONOMA-Cognition™: A Functional Evaluation Framework for Cognitive Health
SONOMA-Cognition™: A Functional Evaluation Framework for Cognitive Health
Harcourt, Dr. Brian Timothy (Researcher)
The SONOMA-Cognition™ framework represents a novel application of the SONOMA functional evaluation model, originally validated in spinal assessment with a combined clinical correlation efficiency (CCE) of 0.98. Traditional imaging such as MRI and CT provides structural information but cannot adequately measure functional capacity. By integrating both subjective (patient and caregiver questionnaires) and objective (clinician-driven functional tests) measures, SONOMA-Cognition™ offers a more comprehensive assessment of cognitive health.
The SONOMA-Cognition™ framework represents a novel application of the SONOMA functional evaluation model, originally validated in spinal assessment with a combined clinical correlation efficiency (CCE) of 0.98. Traditional imaging such as MRI and CT provides structural information but cannot adequately measure functional capacity. By integrating both subjective (patient and caregiver questionnaires) and objective (clinician-driven functional tests) measures, SONOMA-Cognition™ offers a more comprehensive assessment of cognitive health.
This white paper introduces SONOMA-Cognition™ as an evidence-informed approach to evaluating dementia, traumatic brain injury (TBI), epilepsy, and other neuromusculoskeletal (NMS)-related cognitive conditions. Drawing on the proven methodology of SONOMA in spinal research, the framework adapts validated tools—such as one-leg balance, 5-word recall, clock drawing, and trail-making tests—into a single outcome measure capable of tracking percent change over time.
This white paper introduces SONOMA-Cognition™ as an evidence-informed approach to evaluating dementia, traumatic brain injury (TBI), epilepsy, and other neuromusculoskeletal (NMS)-related cognitive conditions. Drawing on the proven methodology of SONOMA in spinal research, the framework adapts validated tools—such as one-leg balance, 5-word recall, clock drawing, and trail-making tests—into a single outcome measure capable of tracking percent change over time.
The goal of SONOMA-Cognition™ is to reduce uncertainty in clinical decision-making by providing reliable, functional, and quantifiable measures of cognitive change. This forward-looking paper establishes the foundation for future research and invites collaboration in validating SONOMA-Cognition™ for broader clinical use.
The goal of SONOMA-Cognition™ is to reduce uncertainty in clinical decision-making by providing reliable, functional, and quantifiable measures of cognitive change. This forward-looking paper establishes the foundation for future research and invites collaboration in validating SONOMA-Cognition™ for broader clinical use.
https://zenodo.org/records/16927617
High-Dosage Laser Therapy for Dementia: A Function-Driven Clinical Framework
High-Dosage Laser Therapy for Dementia: A Function-Driven Clinical Framework
Dementia is characterized by progressive decline in cognition, daily function, and independence. High-dosage Class IV laser therapy (photobiomodulation, PBM) is an emerging non-invasive modality with plausible mechanisms for cognitive support, including amyloid modulation, mitochondrial upregulation, cerebral perfusion enhancement, and neuroinflammatory control. This framework presents a structured PBM protocol for dementia, integrated with SONOMA-Cognition™, a validated outcome model unifying subjective and objective measures into a single percent-change metric. Importantly, the therapeutic aim may be stabilization rather than dramatic reversal, with progress tracked at regular intervals. If regression occurs despite proper care, discontinuation is appropriate to avoid false hope. This model combines scientific plausibility, ethical expectation management, and reproducible measurement, providing clinicians and families a transparent roadmap for laser therapy in dementia.
Dementia is characterized by progressive decline in cognition, daily function, and independence. High-dosage Class IV laser therapy (photobiomodulation, PBM) is an emerging non-invasive modality with plausible mechanisms for cognitive support, including amyloid modulation, mitochondrial upregulation, cerebral perfusion enhancement, and neuroinflammatory control. This framework presents a structured PBM protocol for dementia, integrated with SONOMA-Cognition™, a validated outcome model unifying subjective and objective measures into a single percent-change metric. Importantly, the therapeutic aim may be stabilization rather than dramatic reversal, with progress tracked at regular intervals. If regression occurs despite proper care, discontinuation is appropriate to avoid false hope. This model combines scientific plausibility, ethical expectation management, and reproducible measurement, providing clinicians and families a transparent roadmap for laser therapy in dementia.
https://zenodo.org/records/17070012
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)
SONOMA-Cognition™ mTBI: A Functional Assessment Framework for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
SONOMA-Cognition™ mTBI: A Functional Assessment Framework for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) frequently presents with persistent symptoms despite normal findings on structural imaging such as MRI or DTI. Existing tools, including the SCAT-5, are primarily designed for acute sideline triage and do not adequately quantify functional impairment or track recovery over time. Building on the published SONOMA-Cognition framework, we introduce SONOMA-Cognition mTBI, a functional assessment system that integrates subjective symptom reporting with objective performance metrics across cognitive, oculomotor, and psychomotor domains. The tool incorporates a standardized 0–3 Functional Severity Scale and calculates percent change values to measure improvement, stability, or decline. SONOMA-Cognition mTBI is designed not as a diagnostic or triage instrument, but as a reproducible method for monitoring functional outcomes, identifying symptom magnification, and guiding treatment progression in mTBI populations.
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) frequently presents with persistent symptoms despite normal findings on structural imaging such as MRI or DTI. Existing tools, including the SCAT-5, are primarily designed for acute sideline triage and do not adequately quantify functional impairment or track recovery over time. Building on the published SONOMA-Cognition framework, we introduce SONOMA-Cognition mTBI, a functional assessment system that integrates subjective symptom reporting with objective performance metrics across cognitive, oculomotor, and psychomotor domains. The tool incorporates a standardized 0–3 Functional Severity Scale and calculates percent change values to measure improvement, stability, or decline. SONOMA-Cognition mTBI is designed not as a diagnostic or triage instrument, but as a reproducible method for monitoring functional outcomes, identifying symptom magnification, and guiding treatment progression in mTBI populations.
SONOMA-Cognition mTBI: A Multimodal Functional Rehabilitation Framework for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
SONOMA-Cognition mTBI: A Multimodal Functional Rehabilitation Framework for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is one of the most common neurological injuries, yet patients and families often lack clear, functional guidance on recovery. This paper introduces a structured rehabilitation framework based on SONOMA-Cognition™, a validated model that integrates subjective and objective outcomes into a single percent-change metric. The framework combines high-dosage Class IV laser therapy (photobiomodulation), strength/balance/coordination training, cognitive retraining, and humor/positive affect integration, each contributing to neuroplastic recovery. Importantly, exercise-based interventions are identified as the most potent drivers of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), while laser therapy provides an adjunctive cellular environment for repair. For Veterans Affairs Community Care (VACC) referrals, treatment frequency is designed to remain flexible—minimum 1–2 sessions per week, with 3 sessions per week as the optimal schedule. The goal of care is often stabilization rather than dramatic reversal, with progress tracked objectively at regular intervals. This model emphasizes transparency, realistic expectation management, and ethical discontinuation when regression occurs, offering patients, families, and clinicians a clear roadmap for functional rehabilitation in mTBI.
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is one of the most common neurological injuries, yet patients and families often lack clear, functional guidance on recovery. This paper introduces a structured rehabilitation framework based on SONOMA-Cognition™, a validated model that integrates subjective and objective outcomes into a single percent-change metric. The framework combines high-dosage Class IV laser therapy (photobiomodulation), strength/balance/coordination training, cognitive retraining, and humor/positive affect integration, each contributing to neuroplastic recovery. Importantly, exercise-based interventions are identified as the most potent drivers of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), while laser therapy provides an adjunctive cellular environment for repair. For Veterans Affairs Community Care (VACC) referrals, treatment frequency is designed to remain flexible—minimum 1–2 sessions per week, with 3 sessions per week as the optimal schedule. The goal of care is often stabilization rather than dramatic reversal, with progress tracked objectively at regular intervals. This model emphasizes transparency, realistic expectation management, and ethical discontinuation when regression occurs, offering patients, families, and clinicians a clear roadmap for functional rehabilitation in mTBI.
Published & Research-Backed
Published & Research-Backed
The SONOMA model is more than just a clinic tool — it’s based on peer-reviewed research published in collaboration with Penn State and available on PubMed/NIH and Zenodo. Patients can be confident that their progress is tracked with the same rigor used in clinical studies.
The SONOMA model is more than just a clinic tool — it’s based on peer-reviewed research published in collaboration with Penn State and available on PubMed/NIH and Zenodo. Patients can be confident that their progress is tracked with the same rigor used in clinical studies.
We don’t just say it works — we show you the research behind it.
We don’t just say it works — we show you the research behind it.
[Click the Links to the Right]
This is why we use SONOMA tracking at every step — so your results are measured with the same rigor as clinical research.
This is why we use SONOMA tracking at every step — so your results are measured with the same rigor as clinical research.
🔍 Get Clarity on the Real Source of Your Pain
🔍 Get Clarity on the Real Source of Your Pain
Our $99 new-patient visit provides a comprehensive neuromusculoskeletal evaluation designed to help identify what may be contributing to your symptoms. During this appointment, you’ll receive:
A detailed history and exam
Region-specific movement and orthopedic testing
A clear review of findings
One initial treatment to begin your improvement
If additional care is recommended following your exam and first treatment, we will review your options — including our Club C membership — so you can choose a plan that fits your needs going forward.
When clinically indicated, we may use motion-based dynamic ultrasound during your evaluation to visualize tendons, bursae, and soft tissues in real time. This tool helps clarify functional patterns that may not be visible through standard static testing.
💳 Flexible Payment Options: Auto • VACC • HSA/FSA • Direct Pay • Club C Memberships
💳 Flexible Payment Options: Auto • VACC • HSA/FSA • Direct Pay • Club C Memberships
Find Us Easily on Google Maps
Find Us Easily on Google Maps
Life Back Clinic
Life Back Clinic
Getting Your Life Back – Getting Back to Your Life
Getting Your Life Back – Getting Back to Your Life
📍 Fort Myers, FL
📍 Fort Myers, FL
📞 (239) 362-2831
📞 (239) 362-2831
✉️ lifebackclinic@gmail.com
✉️ lifebackclinic@gmail.com
Hours
Hours
Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
By Appointment Only
By Appointment Only
Sat and Sundays: Closed
Sat and Sundays: Closed
All visits are by appointment — to ensure your care is focused, personalized, and never rushed.
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