Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related symptoms affect millions of people worldwide. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that about 6% of Americans will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, with higher rates among veterans, survivors of abuse, and those exposed to accidents or disasters.
PTSD goes beyond painful memories. It can alter brain function, leaving people trapped in cycles of hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, anxiety, and emotional numbness. Conventional treatments, such as therapy and medication, are often effective; however, not everyone responds to them or finds lasting relief.
This is where BrainCore Therapy, a form of neurofeedback, offers hope. By retraining brainwave patterns disrupted by trauma, BrainCore helps restore balance, calm, and resilience — giving patients a powerful tool for recovery.
Understanding PTSD and the Brain
PTSD is not simply a psychological issue; it is a neurological condition rooted in brain dysregulation. Trauma changes how the brain processes information and regulates emotions. Key features include:
- Overactive high beta waves: Associated with hyperarousal, anxiety, and constant “fight-or-flight” states.
- Suppressed alpha waves: Prevent the brain from shifting into relaxed, calm focus.
- Dysregulated theta activity: Fuels intrusive memories and difficulty distinguishing past from present.
- Disrupted sleep rhythms: Make it harder to recover from stress and integrate memories.
These patterns keep trauma survivors stuck in cycles of fear, stress, and disconnection. Neurofeedback helps retrain these rhythms.
What Is BrainCore Therapy?
BrainCore Therapy is a non-invasive neurofeedback system that uses real-time feedback to teach the brain to regulate itself.
- Sensors placed on the scalp record electrical activity (EEG).
- The patient interacts with a movie, sound, or video game that responds instantly to changes in their brainwaves.
- When the brain produces healthier patterns, the feedback “rewards” it, reinforcing new pathways.
- Over time, the brain learns to maintain these more adaptive states on its own.
This process relies on neuroplasticity, the brain’s natural ability to rewire itself after injury or trauma.
What the Research Shows
- A study in Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback reported significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, including flashbacks and hyperarousal, after neurofeedback training.
- Research in Military Medicine found that veterans using neurofeedback experienced lasting improvements in sleep, anxiety, and emotional regulation.
- A clinical trial in Frontiers in Psychology concluded that neurofeedback improved trauma-related symptoms even in patients who had not responded to traditional therapy.
- Brain imaging studies show that neurofeedback normalizes activity in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex — brain regions central to PTSD symptoms.
While more large-scale studies are ongoing, current evidence suggests neurofeedback is a promising, low-risk therapy for trauma recovery.
Myths vs Truths About BrainCore and Trauma
A common myth is that neurofeedback forces the brain to change. In reality, BrainCore is a learning process, not a manipulation. The brain teaches itself to adopt healthier patterns. Another myth is that neurofeedback erases memories. The truth is that it does not touch memory content — instead, it changes how the brain responds to stressful memories.
Some people worry that sessions are uncomfortable or unsafe. In fact, BrainCore is entirely non-invasive. The sensors simply read electrical activity; no current is sent into the brain. Another misconception is that neurofeedback results are temporary. Because it works through neuroplasticity, improvements often last long after training ends, especially when paired with supportive lifestyle strategies.
Patient Case Examples
A 36-year-old veteran struggled with nightmares, hypervigilance, and panic attacks years after deployment. His qEEG brain map revealed high beta activity consistent with hyperarousal. After 30 sessions of BrainCore, he reported fewer nightmares, calmer moods, and better sleep.
A 28-year-old woman who survived a car accident developed PTSD marked by flashbacks and anxiety while driving. BrainCore training helped balance her alpha and beta waves, easing her nervous system. Within three months, she was able to drive confidently again without panic.
A 14-year-old teen who experienced childhood trauma presented with sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, and withdrawal from friends. BrainCore sessions supported healthier theta and alpha rhythms, improving her mood, focus, and ability to engage socially.
Practical Tips for Trauma Recovery
While BrainCore is a powerful tool, lifestyle strategies enhance healing. Prioritizing consistent, restorative sleep supports brain repair and emotional balance. Gentle daily movement, such as yoga or walking, calms the nervous system. Mindfulness practices, deep breathing, meditation, or prayer, help reduce cortisol and re-anchor the body in the present.
Nutrition also matters. Whole foods, omega-3-rich fish, leafy greens, and magnesium-rich foods support neurotransmitter balance. Avoiding excess caffeine and alcohol reduces stress on the brain and body. Finally, building safe, supportive relationships provides the connection that trauma often disrupts, creating a foundation for resilience.
How Balance Atlanta Helps Patients with PTSD
At Balance Atlanta Family Chiropractic, we provide integrative, compassionate care for trauma recovery.
Our process begins with qEEG brain mapping, which identifies specific patterns of dysregulation linked to PTSD symptoms. From there, we design a personalized BrainCore Therapy program to retrain those brainwaves. We combine this with chiropractic adjustments to reduce nervous system stress and support overall resilience, as well as functional medicine testing to identify hidden contributors such as inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances.
We also incorporate lifestyle coaching, guiding patients through stress management, nutrition, and sleep strategies. This whole-body approach supports not just symptom relief but deep, lasting healing.
FAQs
- Can BrainCore replace therapy or medication for PTSD?
No. BrainCore is complementary. Many patients use it in conjunction with therapy and, when necessary, medication for optimal results. - How many sessions are needed?
Most patients complete 20–40 sessions. Improvements often appear within the first 10 sessions and become more consistent over time. - Is BrainCore safe for children or teens with trauma?
Yes. BrainCore is non-invasive, drug-free, and safe for children and adolescents. - Do results last?
Yes. Because BrainCore works through neuroplasticity, improvements often last long after training ends. Booster sessions can be used if symptoms flare up. - Does BrainCore make me relive traumatic memories?
No. BrainCore trains the brain to self-regulate without requiring patients to revisit trauma.
You deserve healing, calm, and the ability to feel safe again.
If PTSD, anxiety, nightmares, or trauma-related symptoms are affecting your daily life, there is hope. BrainCore Neurofeedback offers a gentle, non-invasive way to retrain dysregulated brainwave patterns and support emotional resilience — without forcing you to revisit painful memories.
At Balance Atlanta Family Chiropractic, we provide a safe, supportive environment where your healing is honored every step of the way.
Your brain can heal — and we’re here to walk this journey with you.