I Love Neuro

We know that you know your neuro clients have a pelvic floor… but are you doing anything to help it?? You may be surprised how many of your clients have weak, tight, spastic, or flaccid pelvic floors, and the issues arising from this may be preventing them from fully engaging in their lives. If you want to help but don’t know where to start, this episode is for you! We break it down for the non-pelvic floor PT and give you the skinny on how to screen and incorporate an easy, functional progression of activities into what you’re already doing with your neuro clients. Grace Weiland, PT, DPT, CAPP-PH, a physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor therapy, shares her expertise on an often overlooked but critical aspect of treating pelvic floor dysfunction in neurological rehabilitation. Working in a rural critical access hospital, Grace highlights the importance of pelvic floor health for all patients, not just those with specific pelvic issues. She explains that pelvic floor dysfunction can significantly impact quality of life, leading to social isolation and reduced participation in activities. Grace discusses how pelvic floor problems are common but not normal, emphasizing the need for healthcare providers to approach the topic professionally and sensitively. She offers practical strategies for screening and addressing pelvic floor issues, including breathing techniques, functional exercises, and subtle strengthening methods that don't require invasive interventions. The conversation reveals the interconnectedness of pelvic floor health with overall body mechanics, highlighting how exercises targeting stability, balance, and proper breathing can improve pelvic floor function. Grace will be presenting a detailed webinar on this topic during the upcoming NeuroSpark quadrimester, breaking down approaches for different neurological impairments and providing clinicians with valuable tools to support their patients' comprehensive rehabilitation. **A correction note from the episode: The pelvic floor co-activates when any of the following 4 muscles are activated: glute max, hip adductors, Transverse abdominus, obturator internus. Incontinence Severity Index (ISI) To get access to Grace's webinar go to www.joinneurospark.com to learn how to become a Sparky the next time NeuroSpark opens!

In this week’s episode hosts Erin Gallardo, PT, DPT, NCS and Claire McLean, PT, DPT, NCS discuss how Claire is introducing a new exercise class at Rogue called "Stretch and Flow." This class was designed to meet members' requests for a gentler, more restorative exercise experience. The class will combine guided meditation, slow power moves, and breath work, offering a unique approach for people with Parkinson's and varying mobility levels. In the show Claire will explain the structure of the class as well as the rationale for offering it in this way. She emphasizes that while the class is less intense, it's not meant to replace high-intensity workouts but to complement them. With both in-person and online options, the class aims to provide accessible, mindful movement for Rogue members. The inspiration came from member feedback and Claire's observations about the benefits of meditation and breath work for managing Parkinson's symptoms. By offering a class that focuses on slower, more intentional movement, Rogue hopes to support members' overall wellness and provide a recovery-focused option that can help reduce freezing and dyskinesia. We’ll also discuss the process for adding a new class, how you know when it’s the right time or if a new class isn’t going to cut it as well as how to decide when to offer it during the schedule. Claire is optimistic about the class's potential and looks forward to seeing how members respond to this new approach to exercise and wellness.

In this week’s episode, NeuroBiz coach Emily Duval Ledger shares with hosts Erin Gallardo, PT, DPT, NCS and Claire McLean, PT, DPT, NCS the lessons she’s learned so far from attempting a hard thing: Learning to roller skate at 48 years old. Emily decided to try something new. Something she wasn’t inherently good at and through her roller skating experience, she’s picked up lessons that overlap with the things business owners need to keep in mind.   She describes how her initial skating lessons put her face to face with the biggest thing she wanted to avoid - falling - and why it ended up being the best thing. Emily emphasizes that successful entrepreneurs often emerge from previous failed ventures, and approaching challenges with curiosity instead of anxiety can lead to greater success. The episode highlights the importance of infusing fun and playfulness into learning, demonstrating how pairing skill practice with lighthearted conversation can reduce performance pressure and enhance creativity. Emily argues that leaving space for joy allows individuals to be more nimble and innovative in both personal pursuits and professional environments. Her final lesson focuses on "softening" when encountering obstacles - maintaining flexibility and a relaxed mindset when navigating unexpected business challenges, much like adjusting one's stance while roller skating over uneven terrain. By sharing her vulnerable learning process on her "Silver Skate Girl" Instagram account, Emily hopes to inspire others to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new experiences. The conversation ultimately celebrates continuous learning, community support, and the value of approaching life's challenges with openness, humor, and resilience. You can follow Emily on her skating journey @silverskategirl 

Neuro rehab / neuro wellness… if you’re listening to this podcast chances are anything you’re doing is skilled! On today’s show you’re going to be inspired by Chris McElderry, PT, DPT, NCS as he shares his journey with host Erin Gallardo, PT, DPT, NCS. Chris went into PT with a sports focus but quickly realized neuro was where it’s at. After completing his neuro residency and working full time in outpatient he was compelled to expand. He wanted to provide inspiration and ideas to other clinicians on social media and also grow his own wellness side gig. Chris, also known as @theneuroguy_dpt founded The Neuro Guy LLC, a wellness and coaching company, in 2022. In this episode he talks about how he overcame hesitation and fear of doing neuro wellness outside of the insurance model and prioritized giving people what they needed to thrive. One of the treatment interventions he’s using is blood flow restriction (BFR) training for neurological populations. Chris explains the mechanism behind BFR training, a technique that uses specialized cuffs to partially restrict blood flow during low-intensity exercises. He describes the potential benefits for patients with conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries, emphasizing its safety and effectiveness when properly implemented. He maintains that despite loads of research for BFR in the orthopedic population, it’s just emerging in neuro, and he’s ready for it to grow.   If you want to learn more about BFR in neuro, join us inside NeuroSpark when we open again Sept 16, 2025! Chris will be presenting an educational webinar on the topic inside! Learn how to join at www.joinneurospark.com Follow Chris at @theneuroguy_dpt 

Wonder if your documentation is up to snuff to pass an audit? Tune into this episode where hosts Erin Gallardo, PT, DPT, NCS and Claire McLean, PT, DPT, NCS interviewed Phyllis Goldstein, a speech-language pathologist with extensive experience in Medicare audits and appeals! She shares her journey from clinical work to becoming an expert in navigating the complex world of therapy documentation and reimbursement. Phyllis emphasizes the critical importance of detailed, skilled documentation using precise language that explains exactly what makes their intervention unique and necessary. The discussion explores the challenges therapists face, particularly in neurological specialties, when transitioning patients between skilled therapy and maintenance programs. Phyllis stresses the difficulty of determining when therapy becomes repetitive and no longer medically necessary, while acknowledging therapists' genuine desire to help patients maintain their functional abilities. She provides insights into the Medicare audit process, sharing her strategies for successfully appealing denied claims and her impressive 85-90% overturn rate. She also addresses the big question of are there a lot of cases of therapists going to court for charging cash for wellness services that should really be billed to Medicare as therapy? Get in touch with Phyllis here: 410-382-900 Phyllis@pgconsultants.net

Have you ever been curious how a naturopath approaches medicine for a person with Parkinson’s? Turns out it’s super comprehensive. Spoiler alert - we couldn’t cover it all, but what you’ll learn from Dr. Tanya Denne, ND will blow your mind! Hosts Erin Gallardo, PT, DPT, NCS and Claire McLean, PT, DPT, NCS learn about Dr. Denne’s journey into naturopathic medicine and her groundbreaking research on Mucuna pruriens, a botanical treatment for Parkinson's disease. Driven by a personal connection to neurological conditions through her grandmother's Alzheimer's, Dr. Denne discovered naturopathic medicine as a holistic approach to healthcare that goes beyond traditional Western medical treatments. Her research focuses on Mucuna pruriens, a subtropical plant with remarkable potential for Parkinson's patients. Unlike traditional medications, Mucuna contains high levels of levodopa and offers multiple beneficial constituents, including amino acids, glutathione, and antioxidants. Dr. Denne emphasizes that the plant isn't a cure, but can potentially slow disease progression when used correctly. The biggest challenge in using Mucuna is ensuring quality and proper dosage. Dr. Denne warns about widespread supplement adulteration, recommending patients work closely with qualified practitioners to source safe, effective products. She suggests using Mucuna as a complementary treatment to standard Parkinson's medications, particularly Sinemet, to optimize patient outcomes. One of her most compelling case studies involves a patient whose Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) score dramatically improved from 27 to 8 through an integrative approach combining Mucuna, exercise, and foundational health optimization. Patients interested in learning more can visit Dr. Denne's website at Dr Denne.com for consultations and further information about integrative approaches to neurological health. www.doctordenne.com DoctorDenne@gmail.com IG @Dr.TanyaDenne

Ever dream of having a lively clinic space where all of your neuro dreams come true? In this episode Claire McLean, PT, DPT, NCS and Emily Duval Ledger, NeuroBiz coach dive deep into the challenging journey of finding and establishing a brick-and-mortar space for a neurological therapy and fitness business. They share candid insights about their personal experiences, emphasizing that the process is far more complex than traditional real estate hunting. The conversation highlights the importance of starting small by renting space from others, which allows entrepreneurs to test their business model and understand their specific spatial needs without significant financial risk. Both Claire and Emily describe their initial steps of teaching classes in shared spaces like gyms, physical therapy clinics, and even parks before committing to a long-term lease. Their discussion reveals the intricate negotiations involved in commercial leasing, including understanding different lease types, build-out costs, and landlord expectations. They stress the value of creativity in lease negotiations, such as reduced rent periods, longer lease terms with incremental increases, and finding landlords who genuinely want long-term tenants. The podcast also delves into the practical challenges of renovations, with Claire sharing her experience of a $70,000 build-out that transformed a dated gym space into a perfect neurological wellness center. They candidly discuss unexpected costs, the importance of doing renovations comprehensively, and the need for spaces that can accommodate specialized equipment and exercise programs. Tell your clients about Parkinson’s Wellness Fund grants!

If you’re anything like us you always want to do everything possible to help your neuro patients recover and improve as much as possible. On today’s show host Erin Gallardo, PT, DPT, NCS interviews Rose Tilton, OTR/L, OTD about an intervention that she took straight from the research to the clinic: spinal cord stimulation with transcutaneous stimulation. After learning about its applicability in the literature Rose was eager to use it with her patients but hit some road blocks. Finally she was in touch with the authors of a study who helped her and her colleagues become trained in using transcutaneous spinal stimulation on people with spinal cord injury. The clinicians found the intervention was not only simple to do but also very effective for maximizing outcomes in upper extremity rehab, lower extremity rehab, trunk control for balance, bowel and bladder and even sexual function. In today’s episode Rose breaks down exactly what you need to know in order to start using this intervention with your patients today using equipment you already have!   Gain clinical insights that will spark your curiosity to learn more in this episode. While you’ll learn exactly what to do, best practice dictates that you do additional research to ensure you have competency and clearance from your clinical state practice act to perform this intervention. Rose encourages therapists to stay curious, reach out to researchers, and be proactive in exploring new interventions that could transform patient outcomes. Link to article discussed on the episode: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36188824/  

In this episode of the I Love Neuro podcast, hosts Erin Gallardo, PT, DPT, NCS and Claire McLean, PT, DPT, NCS sat down with Rachel Wiley, MS, OTR/L, CDP, an innovative occupational therapist who is transforming dementia care through her Dementia Collaborative. With over a decade of experience, Rachel has dedicated her career to supporting individuals living with dementia, their families, and healthcare professionals. Rachel's journey began with a personal connection - her practice, originally named Day by Day Home Therapy, was inspired by her grandmother and aunts who lived with dementia. Recognizing the isolation in dementia care, she created the Dementia Collaborative, a membership-based community that brings together occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals to share knowledge and support. After transitioning from direct clinical care to a consulting model, Rachel now focuses on family coaching, innovative research and education for healthcare professionals. She uses evidence-based approaches like the the Skills2Care framework, CARE checklist and framework, and the Green Activity Program study. The CARE checklist and framework is a tool she helped co-create that uses non-verbal cues to assess consent, protecting residents' dignity and right to human connection. She has a ton of resources for you to check out! Skills2care framework - training for OTs www.dementiacollaborative.com www.daybydaydementiaconsulting.com www.rachelwileyot.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-wiley-ms-otrl-cdp-80521079/

We know our listeners are lifelong learners and there are different ways to gain clinical excellence. On today’s show Erin Gallardo, PT, DPT, NCS talked to 4 occupational therapists who’ve completed an OT fellowship. Briana Elson, MS, OTR/L, BCPR, CBIS, Lindsey Talcott, MOT, OTR/L, Gianna Neutts, MS, OTR/L, and Jocelynn Aguilar, MSOT, OTR/L are here to discuss their experience and provide insights about OT fellowships and specifically the one they completed. OT fellowships are intensive one-year programs that offer more than just additional training; they provide a comprehensive approach to mastering neurological rehabilitation. Fellows experience concentrated mentorship, rotate through diverse neurological settings, and develop a deep understanding of evidence-based practice that goes far beyond traditional clinical education. The key motivation for pursuing a fellowship is clear: to become an exceptional clinician who can truly make a difference in patients' lives. The panel emphasized the importance of having at least a year of clinical experience before applying, demonstrating a strong work ethic, and showing a genuine passion for neurological occupational therapy. Also discussed are what the application process is like, the factors that would make you a competitive candidate and who is not a good fit for this type of program. The programs are challenging, requiring fellows to balance full-time clinical work with additional educational commitments - do you want that? Graduates emerge with increased confidence, specialized skills, and a commitment to lifelong learning that sets them apart in their field. Listen to the conversation and see which path you prefer to lead you to clinical excellence!