Lucas Brain Rehab
world class care, world class results
Functional Neurology
For All Ages - Specializing in Pediatrics
Our Mission
To provide hope and results through neuroscience-driven, heart-centered care helping individuals of all ages improve brain function, nervous system balance, and quality of life, no matter where they start.
What sets us apart
Unlike conventional medical practices, Lucas Brain Rehab offers a premium experience with individualized care plans, cutting-edge treatments, and multimodal interventions - all designed to deliver faster, longer-lasting results.
WE GET IT - YOU’RE
FRUSTRATED · TIRED · DISHEARTENED
We’ve seen it before and we can help
Patient presentations we commonly see-
Severe TBI in adults & pediatrics, Chronic TBI, Anoxic Brain Injuries, PDD-NOS, Autism (severe and high functioning), ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, PANS/PANDAS, Migraines, Dysautonomia, Non-fatal drowning, Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy, Genetic Disorders, Post Brain Tumor, Stroke, Seizure disorders, Movement Disorders, Neurodegenerative Disorders including Parkinson’s, Dementia, ALS, Performance Optimization, and many more.
WORK WITH US
Wellness Consult
Virtual consultation to answer questions
A personalized, one-on-one session designed to give you expert guidance and support for the health goals of you or a loved one. During this time you can ask questions, gain clarity, and tap into our clinical insight to create a focused plan tailored to your needs. It’s your opportunity to receive strategic, wellness-based direction from experts in the field.
Functional Neurology
Developmental Functional Neurology is a patient-centered approach focused on supporting nervous system function, movement, sensory processing, balance, and coordination. Care plans are individualized and may incorporate targeted therapies designed to encourage adaptive neurological responses and support overall function.
Regenerative Medicine
Under physician supervision, extracellular vesicle therapy may be incorporated into individualized care plans alongside functional neurology and rehabilitation-based therapies. These therapies are designed to support the body’s natural restorative processes and overall neurological wellness as part of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach.
About Our Doctors
Melissa Lucas, DC, CFMP
Dr. Lucas’s professional journey has included running her own Chicagoland clinic, joining a busy practice on the West Coast, taking a break to have babies, and working at a top Functional Neurology practice in the Northeast, before landing in Texas.
Since 2010, Dr. Lucas has been enamored with Functional Neurology, particularly Developmental Functional Neurology. Currently practicing in Austin, TX, Dr. Lucas is honored to utilize her comprehensive skill set along with a compassionate approach to patient care.
Accompanying her degree as a Nationally Board Certified Chiropractor (DC), Dr. Lucas is a Certified Applied Kinesiologist, an Advanced ThetaHealing® Practitioner, Nationally Board Certified in Physiotherapy, is board eligible for the Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board in Functional Neurology (DACNB), and is working toward her Diplomate with the American Clinical Board of Nutrition (DACBN).
With her love of all things nutrition, Dr. Lucas is a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner (CFMP) and herbalist. She also trained in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction with Duke University. She has received awards in clinical excellence and leadership.
Dr. Lucas is highly sought after for functional neurology, neuromusculoskeletal rehabilitation, nutrition, functional lab testing, stress reduction, chiropractic and general caregiver support.
Outside work, Dr. Lucas enjoys reformer pilates, meditation, architecture & adventures with her kids.
Founder
JM Paterno, MD
Dr. Paterno is double board certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Management. He received his undergraduate degree from Stanford University where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa, With Honors, and With Distinction.
He also received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Stanford University Medical Center. Dr. Paterno completed his residency training in Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital.
He pursued further specialization training with an Interventional Pain Management fellowship at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, recognized by the American Academy of Pain Medicine as one of the top pain management fellowships in the country.
Dr. Paterno has authored publications in clinical research and the basic sciences related to spinal fixation biomechanics as well as prolonged inflammatory responses in tissue injury. He has also authored textbook chapters on radiofrequency nerve ablation, facial pain, imaging of spinal pain generators, and neuromodulation implantable pain therapies. He has been named a Top Doctor by Austin Monthly 5 times and is known for his excellent patient care.
Dr. Paterno has a strong interest in regenerative medicine in all case types, extending beyond pain. He is well versed in the benefits of utilizing extracellular vesicles and brings a grounded yet pioneering approach to this developing field.
When he’s not working, Dr. Paterno enjoys traveling, working out, walks with his dog, Larry, and reading the latest JAMA edition.
Medical Director
