Lead Clinician
Dr. James Gaffney, DC
Functional Neurology & Concussion Care · NPI 1275019978
Dr. Gaffney is Lead Clinician for neurological cases at Pittsford Performance Care, applying constraint-based rehabilitation principles to mTBI recovery, visual-vestibular integration, and athlete performance restoration.
"Concussion recovery is not about symptom management. It is about identifying what the nervous system cannot do yet, and sequencing care accordingly."
Clinical Approach
Dr. Gaffney's clinical work is grounded in constraint-based rehabilitation: the principle that neurologic systems must be ready before they can adapt. In concussion care, this means identifying which domain is the Primary Constraint before prescribing any intervention, rather than treating all symptoms simultaneously.
His focus on visual-vestibular integration reflects the clinical reality that most post-concussion symptoms (dizziness, fogginess, visual fatigue, motion sensitivity) trace back to a mismatch between sensory systems that normally operate in tight coordination. Resolving that mismatch requires precise sequencing, not generic symptom suppression.
For athletes, Dr. Gaffney applies the same constraint-based framework to performance restoration: identifying the neurologic bottleneck that limits return to play, addressing it directly, and measuring the outcome.
Clinical Focus Areas
Concussion & mTBI Recovery
Comprehensive neurologic evaluation and sequenced rehabilitation for acute and persistent post-concussion symptoms. Emphasis on identifying the Primary Constraint, not managing symptoms in isolation.
Visual-Vestibular Integration
Assessment and rehabilitation of oculomotor dysfunction, vestibular mismatch, and gaze stability deficits: the most common neurologic bottlenecks in post-concussion recovery.
Read: Visual-Vestibular MismatchAthlete Performance Restoration
Return-to-play and return-to-performance protocols grounded in neurologic readiness assessment. Capacity is confirmed before load is reintroduced, reducing re-injury risk and preserving long-term performance.
Read: Cerebellar Timing & CoordinationCollaborative Neurologic Care
Works directly alongside Dr. Luckey on complex neurologic cases, ensuring continuity of care and consistent application of constraint-based principles across the full episode of care.
Background & Credentials
Education
B.S., Nazareth University (2013)
Division II Soccer & Lacrosse
Doctor of Chiropractic, Northeastern College of Health Sciences (2018)
Post-Doctoral Training
Clinical Neuroscience, Concussion & mTBI focus
Visual-Vestibular Integration & Oculomotor Rehabilitation
Functional Neurology & Neurologic Readiness Assessment
Athlete Performance Restoration Protocols
NPI Number: 1275019978 · Licensed in New York State
Related Clinical Reading
Visual-Vestibular Mismatch
Why sensory mismatch drives most post-concussion symptoms
Cerebellar Timing & Coordination
How timing deficits affect recovery and performance
Autonomic Nervous System Flow
The role of autonomic dysregulation in concussion recovery
Frontal System Fog After Concussion
Cognitive fatigue and executive dysfunction explained
Schedule with Dr. Gaffney
Dr. Gaffney evaluates patients at Pittsford Performance Care. If you have questions about whether a neurologic evaluation is appropriate for your situation, contact the clinic directly.