Synergy Chiropractic and Functional Neurology

For many families, especially those trying to better understand developmental, behavioral, or neurological challenges in a child, the process of finding answers can feel overwhelming. Appointments, differing opinions, and unclear next steps often leave parents carrying much of the burden themselves. Dr. Anna Oppermann and Dr. Isiah Shanko created Synergy Chiropractic and Functional Neurology to offer a more personal and thorough approach, one rooted in careful evaluation, education, and a broader view of how the brain and body function together.

From a young age, Dr. Anna was fascinated by the brain and by understanding what makes people who they are. She had planned on becoming a neurosurgeon, an interest that eventually led her to study neuroscience and human physiology at Boston University before continuing into neurosurgery research at Stanford University while preparing for medical school. During the pandemic, she found herself reconsidering how she wanted to care for patients and the role she hoped to play in their lives. That reflection eventually led her toward chiropractic and functional neurology, where she felt she could spend more time exploring the underlying causes of what people were experiencing.

The direction of their work became even more personal after Dr. Anna and Dr. Isiah, who met while in graduate school, experienced the loss of their daughter, Thea, following severe neurological complications at birth. During that time, they came to understand firsthand what it felt like to search for guidance while facing uncertainty and difficult decisions. It was during graduate school that they were introduced to a pediatric-focused functional neurology practice that immediately reshaped how they viewed patient care. The experience became the foundation for what they would later build together.

Today, much of their work centers around children with a range of developmental and behavioral needs, with families coming to Synergy for concerns ranging from autism, ADHD, sensory processing difficulties, and emotional regulation challenges to coordination issues, traumatic brain injuries, and developmental disorders. Rather than allowing a diagnosis to define the entire picture, Dr. Anna and Dr. Isiah spend time looking at how a child is developing, moving, responding, and functioning as a whole.

Their work brings together several approaches that complement one another, reflecting a broader and more individualized approach to care. Functional neurology serves as a central part of the practice, particularly in their work with children, while the chiropractic side of care often centers more heavily on movement, biomechanics, and physical function. Dr. Anna focuses much of her work on pediatric development, newborn care, prenatal and postnatal support, and neurological function, while Dr. Isiah primarily oversees the chiropractic side of the practice. His background includes more than five years working in physical therapy, experience that helped shape his understanding of movement patterns, biomechanics, and how the body functions as a whole.

Underlying all of it is a philosophy centered on helping patients move forward rather than creating long-term dependence on care. Dr. Anna and Dr. Isiah believe that if someone continues dealing with the same issue repeatedly, there may be a deeper reason behind it. Their goal is not simply to manage symptoms indefinitely, but to help people move toward meaningful, lasting improvement.

Many families describe feeling heard and supported throughout the process. Parents are encouraged to ask questions and understand why certain therapies, exercises, or recommendations are being made instead of simply following instructions without context. That atmosphere carries throughout the office. Children are met with patience and encouragement, and families are encouraged to take an active role throughout the process.

What also stands out about Synergy is the way Dr. Anna and Dr. Isiah continue supporting families beyond the care provided inside the office. They have spent significant time building relationships with trusted practitioners in related fields and helping connect parents with additional resources when needed. Their goal is not simply to provide treatment, but to help families feel supported while navigating situations that can often feel overwhelming.

That perspective influences the way they listen, educate, and care for the people who walk through their doors. At its core, Synergy is built around helping patients and families better understand what may be contributing to the challenges they are facing while pursuing meaningful, long-term improvements in daily life.