Stroke Recovery at NeuroAxis Health

Restoring brain function. Rebuilding independence. Renewing confidence.

Recovering from a stroke is a deeply personal journey. It can change how you move, speak, think, or interact with the world, often leaving even familiar activities feeling overwhelming. Every stroke is unique, and so is every recovery.

At NeuroAxis Health, we serve patients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and understand the emotional and physical challenges that follow a stroke. Our team specializes in post-acute, outpatient stroke rehabilitation that supports both the brain and the person behind it. By retraining the brain through neuroplasticity, its natural ability to adapt and heal, we help patients restore function, rebuild independence, and regain confidence in daily life.

Common Challenges After Stroke

Life after a stroke brings a recovery journey that is as personal as it is challenging. Healing after a stroke is more than rehabilitation; it is a personal journey of rebuilding strength, independence, and confidence.

Stroke can cause overlapping deficits, such as:

Cognitive: memory, focus, attention concentrating and processing speed.
Speech and Language: aphasia, slurred speech and communication.
Mood: depression, anxiety, irritability, and mood fluctuations.
Sensory Processing: visual field loss, neglect and proprioception difficulties.
Balance and Coordination: dizziness, vertigo and increased fall risk.
Motor Function: weakness, spasticity, loss of fine motor control and gait.

With evidence-based therapies and a patient-centered focus, we help each individual take meaningful steps toward recovery and renewed quality of life.

The NeuroAxis Approach

Our stroke recovery program integrates advanced neuroscience with personalized rehabilitation. Each plan is multi-modal and designed to:

Support brain healing
Promote neuroplasticity
Retrain brain and body functions for lasting improvements

The Functional Neurology Evaluation

Every care plan begins with our Functional Neurology Evaluation, which measures how your brain processes sensory, motor, and cognitive information. This helps us identify the root causes of symptoms and create a personalized rehabilitation plan.

Our evaluation examines seven key areas of brain and body function:

Brainwaves (qEEG): Identifies regions functioning too slow, too fast, or inefficiently.
Cognition: Measures attention, memory, problem-solving, processing speed.
Oculomotor: Evaluates eye movement control and vision pathways.
Vestibular: Assesses balance, inner-ear reflexes and postural reflexes.
Somatosensory: Tests musculoskeletal, orthopedic and neurological systems.
Autonomic: Examines heart rate variability, breathing patterns and stress responses.
Physiology: Ordered when needed to evaluate inflammation, metabolism, or nutrition.

This multi-dimensional assessment provides the foundation for your individualized care plan.

Integrative Therapy Strategies

After evaluation, we design a plan that strengthens brain networks involved in movement, balance, and cognition. Therapies may include:

Neuromodulation – infrared light and electrical stimulation therapies to stimulate sensory-motor function, circulation, and nerve and muscle function.
Neurofeedback – training brainwaves to improve sensory-motor integration and communication between networks involved with mood, sleep and cognition.
Biofeedback – training the brain and body to self-regulate and improve autonomic nervous system.
Neurorehabilitation – task-specific exercises to improve sensory processing, balance, coordination and movement.
Vestibular Rehabilitation – restoring stability and reducing dizziness or falls.
Chiropractic Care– improving joint mobility and muscle imbalances to improve posture, range of motion and movement.
Lifestyle and Nutrition – to decrease inflammation, increase energy and support brain health.

The Stroke Recovery Window: Why Timing and Therapy Matter

Stroke recovery occurs in phases, and rehabilitation can expand what is possible beyond the body’s natural healing.

Recovery Trajectory

Acute to Early Subacute (0–3 months): Typically the most rapid period of recovery, when neuroplasticity is heightened and intensive, task‑specific therapy is especially impactful.
Late Subacute (3–6 months): Recovery continues but at a slower pace, with smaller yet still measurable gains in function for many survivors.
Early Chronic (6–12 months): Recovery often seems to plateau, but focused, consistent rehabilitation can still produce meaningful improvements in mobility, function, and independence throughout the first year.
Extended Chronic (1–2 years): The rate of change is typically gradual, yet studies and clinical reports show that survivors can achieve additional motor and functional gains when they remain engaged in structured or home‑based rehabilitation.
Long‑term Chronic (2+ years): Recovery becomes highly individualized; large spontaneous changes are less common, but ongoing practice, adaptive strategies, and periodic bursts of intensive therapy can support further improvements and prevent decline even many years after stroke.

Factors Influencing Recovery

Intrinsic factors: Age, stroke severity, type, comorbidities, genetics, and socioeconomic status.
Extrinsic factors: Caregiver and support systems, medications, and most importantly, the intensity and precision of the rehabilitation program.

What the Guidelines Say
The American Stroke Association (ASA) recommends:

Early Intervention
Task-Specific Training
High-Repetition Practice
Individualized Care

The NeuroAxis Advantage in Post-Stroke Recovery

At NeuroAxis Health, we use integrative therapies that can selectively target and strengthen function, such as movement, balance and cognition, with therapies that directly stimulate and train the brain regions affected by stroke.

Each program is carefully monitored with data-driven progress tracking, so we can adapt therapy to your needs as you improve.

Why Choose NeuroAxis Health

Patients choose NeuroAxis Health because we offer both advanced diagnostics and personalized rehabilitation. Our team is trusted by neurologists, primary care providers, and mental health specialists throughout the Bay Area for complex cases.

What sets us apart:

Nearly 20 years of clinical experience in balance and movement disorders
Comprehensive evaluations that uncover root causes of symptoms
Integrated therapies that support both brain recovery and physical function
Collaborative care with your broader medical team
A focus on restoring independence and quality of life

Need more help?

(415) 776-7040

Expectations for Your Recovery Journey

At NeuroAxis Health, we know that starting stroke rehabilitation comes with questions and uncertainties. Recovery looks different for every person, because every stroke is unique. The severity and location of the injury, along with your overall health, can strongly influence how much function you regain.

While we cannot predict exact outcomes or guarantee specific results, what we can provide is clarity and consistency. Our evaluations and therapies are evidence-based and designed to maximize your brain’s ability to adapt and recover. Throughout your program, we carefully track your progress, measure changes, and adjust your plan as needed. This ensures that every step of your care is guided by both science and your individual response.

Our commitment is to deliver the most advanced and personalized care possible, supporting you with the tools, expertise, and encouragement needed to achieve the fullest recovery available to you.

Patient Testimonials

Our patients share their success stories, highlighting the compassionate care, expert treatment, and lasting results they’ve experienced at NeuroAxis Health in San Francisco.

NeuroAxis Health : Rachman Chung, DC, DACNB, FACFN & Jessica Tolentino, DC

5.0

Based on 30 reviews

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Marian Brandenburg

4 weeks ago

What a godsend! I had been suffering near constant debilitating migraines from a car accident injury that kept getting worse. I tried steroid shots, radio frequency ablation, you name it, I was desperate to get rid of the awful pain and regain my once active life. Dr. Jesse Tolentino at NeuroAxis is a true miracle worker. Such impressive skill and very compassionate, she has changed my world with her committed care to my healing. I was a bit scared at first because I have a really tricky neck with many complications including osteoporosis. But she assured me with her experience in resolving such issues. Thank god I'm able to function normally again! I can't say enough good things about this wonderful doctor. I highly recommend going here. You will be well taken care of...

George Robin

4 weeks ago

Best therapist whom I trust!

Beau A. (Beebs)

2 months ago

I am seeing both Dr. Tolentino and Dr. Chung for sleep issues (I wake up pretty much every hour) and migraines on occasion. My sleep patterns have improved significantly. I am now doing remote-neurofeedback and doing my treatments before bed. Training my brain to sleep through the night. So grateful for these two Docs! Sharing a picture of the BrainBit Neurofeedback Kit I use at home.

Aaron E.

1 year ago

Before I went to Dr Chung, I was having imbalance issues, unable to move my eyes in certain ways without causing immediate and severe neurological issues, and plagued with insomnia and night terrors. Dr Chung's treatment was literally the ONLY thing that helped improve my symptoms.

He genuinely cares about his patients' wellbeing and is even willing to work with them on financial issues. I can't recommend him enough!

Georgia Lam

1 year ago

Dr. Chung is the best in the city, along with his entire staff who are all so friendly, caring, and knowledgeable! I had a horrible nerve issue that was ongoing for a year post-ankle fracture surgery, and saw 5+ doctors that couldn’t diagnose or figure out why I was having the issue. At one point it was difficult to even walk or day to day activities without feeling chronic pain. Then I saw Dr. Chung, who helped me beyond addressing the root cause - and provided a holistic and long-term treatment. My treatment included advanced red-light therapy, physical therapy, chiropractor sessions, and recommendations for lifestyle changes. He’s changed my life for the better, now living pain-free and back to a very active life - so couldn’t recommend Dr. Chung and his team more!

Linda Wright

2 years ago

This is a place where healing happens. My brain and I are in a much better place than when I walked through the doors 5 1/2 months ago. Dr. Chung and Dr. Jessica know how to transform the quality of life for each and every patient. My family and friends are happy to see the new me. I’m grateful that I chose NeuroAxis Health and I hope you do too.

Rosie Reider-Smith

2 years ago

Dr. Chung and the team here are beyond incredible. I feel so lucky to have them helping and supporting me! Dr. Chung is very kind and knowledgeable and is great. Cannot recommend seeing him and going to the practice more!

Maria C

2 years ago

Amazingly thorough assessments, kind and empathetic staff, and easy to communicate with.

Melita Silberstein

4 years ago

Dr Chung was extremely attentive and caring, and had a lot of tools in his belt. I felt that he was genuinely determined to help me heal my migraines. Really quality care, and a myriad of offerings.

Shannon White Cogen

5 years ago

In just a few months, Dr. Chung has made such a difference in my life. When I came to Dr. Chung about my migraines, I was at the end of my rope. I’d tried just about every preventative pharmaceutical on the market and was still having migraines multiple times a week, usually requiring triptans for relief. Within weeks of working with Dr. Chung, I was experiencing significantly fewer migraines and today I am happy to report that I’m two months headache-free. I feel better than I ever thought possible and am working with my primary care physician to taper off preventive pharmaceuticals. I know this would not have been possible without Dr. Chung and his team.

Dr. Chung has a comprehensive, innovative, and compassionate approach to diagnostics and care -- he really tried to get to the bottom of what was causing my migraines, and then designed a customized program of treatment that included neurofeedback, chiropractic adjustments, laser and electrical stimulation, and balance and visual rehab. At each step of the process, he explained the data and science behind the process, which helped engage me in the treatment. He is and his colleague, Dr. Fox, are also incredibly kind, and it is a pleasure to work with them. I am so grateful for their work.

Ivana Zivkovic

5 years ago

Dr. Chung is the reason I’m a functional human again. I had 2 serious head traumas that left me severely impaired, and he helped me heal and resume cognitive and neural functions. I was a wreck! People don’t believe me when I tell them how I was after my injuries. Forever grateful to him. Super knowledgeable, kind, patient, and overall wonderful human! I recommend him to anyone & everyone who suffered a concussion. He’s the best!!

Selen Altiok

5 years ago

Working with Dr. Chung has been revolutionary for my traumatic brain injury. For the last few years, I have been experiencing post-concussive symptoms related to vision, balance, and coordination. I came to Dr. Chung feeling defeated and hopeless and through his in-depth assessments, he put many of the pieces together and provided personalized treatment that targets my weaknesses. He keeps all of the details in mind when creating the exercises so that nothing is overlooked or missed. He provides his treatment with the push, persistence and understanding that I need to overcome my symptoms. If you are someone who is suffering from balance, vision issues, concussions or brain injury symptoms, Dr. Chung will provide you the right help towards recovery.

Naomi Goldner

5 years ago

Dr. Chung is everything you’d want in a practitioner; he’s kind, knowledgeable, caring and exceptional in his skills. I originally came for migraine help (and haven’t had a single migraine since my first appointment) and am excited to continue the work on this through his very holistic and comprehensive approach (adjustments, Biofeedback and more). Last week I had a serious inflammation in my knee which completely debilitated me. Just left his office with range of motion and significant less pain after he carefully and methodically worked to uncover the source of the injury and how to relieve the pain and adjust the muscles and joints. He also sent me home equipped with gentle exercises to continue the healing. I’ve seen many practitioners in my life and so far Dr. Chung stands out in all the ways that matter when choosing a doctor.

James Barr

8 years ago

I've been seeing Dr. Chung since July of 2016 for a lower back issue I developed nearly a decade ago playing collegiate soccer. I've seen a number of chiropractors, orthopaedists, and physical therapists in the interceding years but nothing seemed to work. However, Dr. Chung has managed to accurately diagnose and treat me. I still see Dr. Chung occasionally for routine maintenance as I can't seem to stay away from the soccer field! Dr. Chung's a personable and considerate professional and is a pleasure to work with.

Kristy Mutchler

10 years ago

I came to Dr. Chung because of an injury I sustained in a car accident. I'd been to several doctors previously who were unable to heal my injuries and I was suffering from post concussion symptoms as well as a great deal of neck and back pain.

What I liked best about working with Dr. Chung is how patient he is with me and how he takes the time to answer every single one of my questions. Healing from an injury this big can be a very scary experience but I was glad to know I was in very kind and capable hands.

I fully trust Dr. Chung, I think he cares about his patients and he is ALWAYS driven by his desire to help heal people. He came into this practice because of his own experience healing from an injury and that is helpful because it makes him empathetic since he knows how it feels to be the patient as well.

I am truly grateful to Dr. Chung for helping me through this experience and I will be revisiting him for maintenance care as long as I live in the Bay area.

Joan Kwansa

10 years ago

Dr. Chung has helped me with several different issues. I've had problems with a fractured foot, different back problems, and a concussion.

One of the problems with my back I've had for many years . Since I've been seeing Dr. Chung my problem has cleared up completely. I'm able to do things now I could not do before without having a flare-up with my back.

Dr. Chung is comprehensive in his evaluations. He often finds areas I didn't know were not working right and I feel so much better after his treatment.

He is very kind and caring. He is a good listener and educates his patients about how you can continue to improve your health.

I've also had some cognitive issues and was beginning to withdraw from some parts my life. With Dr. Chung's help and recommendations for home self-care I'm feeling better overall.