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The Keystone Intensive

A 5-day, in-person program for people traveling to Keystone from across the U.S. and abroad who need a focused, upper-neck–centered evaluation and treatment plan.

Some cases are too complex, too chronic, or too far away for “one visit at a time.”

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The Keystone Intensive is a structured 5-day week at our clinic designed for people who may benefit from a deep dive into the Keystone Neuro-Cervical Approach, including advanced imaging, neuro-vestibular / neuro-visual testing, and precision upper cervical care. All compressed into a single, carefully planned week.

Who is the Intensive designed for?

We reserve the Intensive for people with chronic, complex conditions who are willing to travel
for a focused week of evaluation and care.

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It tends to be most appropriate when:​​

  • Symptoms have been present for 6+ months (often years)

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  • You've already seen multiple providers and had standard imaging and tests

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  • You're seeking a comprehensive process for upper cervical biomechanics & sensory system integration evaluation

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  • You're able to spend a full week in the Charlotte area and participate in multiple sessions per day

It is not designed for brand-new injuries, one-time flares, or people hoping for a quick adjustment and done.

Conditions we most often see with Intensives

Chronic Dizziness & Recurring Vertigo

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Headaches & Migraines

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Post-Concussion Syndromes

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Chronic Base of Skull & Upper Neck Pain

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Craniocervical Instability (CCI)

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Atlantoaxial Instability (AAI)

Not everyone with these conditions is a candidate for the Intensive.
Candidacy is determined case-by-case after a detailed history and record review.

How the Keystone Intensive works

Phase 1
Candidacy & Records Review (remote)

Before we schedule an Intensive, we complete a remote history and imaging review.

  • You'll submit prior imaging (MRI, CT, X-ray, etc.) and relevant medical records​

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  • Dr. Bearder reviews your records and case to determine whether our approach is likely to help

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  • If we don't believe the Intensive is a good fit, we'll tell you directly

Phase 2
Pre-Visit Planning
 (remote)

If you're accepted as
a candidate for an Intensive,
we'll then:

  • Confirm dates for your 5-day week in North Carolina​

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  • Clarify any additional testing or imaging that may be needed before you arrive

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  • Outline travel and schedule expectations so you know exactly what your week looks like

Phase 3
The 5-day Week
 (in-person)

An Intensive is Monday-Friday, combining in-depth evaluation with targeted treatment.

  • Day 1: Comprehensive evaluation (upper cervical imaging, neuro-vestibular/visual testing, mechanical and sensorimotor assessments)​

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  • Days 2-4: Precision upper cervical care and neuro-rehab sessions, with re-testing and symptom tracking between treatments

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  • Day 5: Re-evaluation, measurement comparison, and development of a clear home and follow-up plan.

This phase involves a professional review fee of $300. Exact details are explained during your complimentary Discovery Call.

Many patients begin simple pre-visit strategies at this stage to prepare their system for travel and
in-person care.

Visit times are spread throughout the day to all your system to respond, and recuperate, between sessions.

What's typically included in an Intensive

Each Intensive is tailored to the person, but most plans draw from the following tools within the
Keystone Neuro-Cervical Approach:​

Advanced upper cervical Conebeam CT Imaging (CBCT)​

Detailed head-neck motion analysis (Proprioception)

​​​Balance and postural control testing (Posturography)

Eye-movement and neuro-visual assessments (VOG/VNG)

Gentle, instrument-based corrections (Upper Cervical Chiropractic)

Vestibular and neuro-visual rehabilitation exercises

Neuromuscular and sensorimotor re-conditioning

Individualized home strategies and exercise instruction

The exact mix and number of sessions depends on your findings, your tolerance,
and how you respond throughout the week.

What happens after the Intensive?

The goal of the Intensive isn’t just to help you feel different for a week in North Carolina, it’s to give you a measurable change and a roadmap for what comes next.​

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After your week, you'll leave with:

  • A summary of key findings and objective changes from your Intensive​

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  • A written homecare and recommendations plan​

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  • Recommendations for follow-up with Keystone (remote and/or in-person)​

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  • When appropriate, guidance for coordinating with your local practitioners

We remain realistic:

complex, chronic issues rarely fully resolve in five days.

The intensive is designed to jump-start the process and create a structured path forward.

Times, Costs, and Expectations

Because the Intensive is highly individualized and often involves substantial diagnostic work,
total investment varies by case. Most patients could expect:​

Time Commitment

  • 2 travel days​

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  • 5 consecutive treatment days in the Charlotte area

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  • 2-4 in-clinic treatment sessions per day

Financial Planning

  • Phase 1 Case Review fee - $300​

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  • Phase 2 Program fee - low-to-mid four figure range, depending on diagnostics and treatment​

Travel & Lodging

  • Patients are responsible for their own transportation, lodging, and meals​

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  • We offer general guidance about local options

Keystone is a direct-pay clinic and does not bill insurance. We’ll be transparent about costs before you commit, so you can decide whether this level of care is the right move for you and your family.

Is the Keystone Intensive a good fit for you?

If you’re traveling from outside the Charlotte area and wondering whether a focused week at Keystone might be the right next step, the place to start is not a plane ticket—it’s a conversation.

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The first step is a complimentary Discovery Call with Dr. Bearder to review your history, what’s already been done, and whether the Intensive is a logical option or if a different path makes more sense.

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