Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity – what is it and why does it matter?
It was once believed that when we reached adulthood our brains became a fixed state that was unable to change or adapt. After a person had a brain injury, this was believed even more so.
In years gone by, research performed by neuroscientists has revealed that this is not the case. The brain can change, even when we are old, and even after injury.
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s capability to grow and evolve in response to our life experiences. This happens by the brain creating new neurons and building new networks to reframe beliefs, values, and how we see ourselves and others.
It is about understanding life after illness or injury with all its light and shade - not being afraid to tackle it head on and being open to change. We are here to help our clients recognise who they really are; what they could be and should be. 
Krysalis Founder and CEO, Jo Throp
The brain’s ability to be neuroplastic, to reorganise itself, is dependent on a combination of factors. These factors include your environment, thoughts, behaviours, and emotional patterns.
Neuroplasticity is a continual process that occurs throughout life as the brain learns and grows through every new experience. It often happens without us recognising it.
In everyday life we are subjected to new sounds, smells, thoughts, images, and feelings. Each plays a vital role in our brain’s neuroplasticity, which is why as neurological occupational therapists, we focus on activities of everyday life when considering an individual’s rehabilitation after an injury or diagnosis of a neurological condition.
Our view of the world is unique to us as individuals. For all of us without a disability, the experience of living and doing is fluid and effortless. This is something we take for granted.
Krysalis Founder and CEO, Jo Throp
Following an injury or a diagnosis of a neurological condition, the brain’s ability to regenerate can be a complex process, but that does not mean it cannot recover lost function.
Our brains have an incredible ability to relearn – or rewire – lost functions by changing the pathways they use. Like a road map, if one route of the brain is blocked, an alternate path can be taken to reach the destination.
So, our brain cells must form new connections to regain lost functions. Here are four aspects that are crucial to this process:
- Cognitive training
- Consistent practice
- Hard work
- Determination
Our neurological occupational therapists know that these four aspects are key to successful neuroplasticity.
This approach helps embed the new neural pathways the brain needs to achieve its goals, thereby strengthening the new connections until they become habitual. Additionally, it is recommended that maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and practicing mindfulness can all be essential tools to the brain’s relearning process.
Our brains being neuroplastic is, then, the brain’s way of adapting to maximise our survival. Neurological occupational therapy can help support this process with guidance, education, and the strategies needed to enhance brain plasticity and recovery.
Krysalis neurological occupational therapist, Anna, says: “Changes in the brain can mean that it is harder to regulate our emotional reactions and fear responses in certain situations. Therapy can guide people to understand why they may be in fight, flight, freeze or fawn and how to regulate these responses by sensory and occupational adaptations of habits, routines, roles, and environments.”
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