I Love Neuro

In the ever-evolving world of neurorehabilitation, Dr. Ryan Lovell, PT, DPT, NCS, ATP has carved out a unique path that blends his clinical expertise with a passion for research and storytelling simply through curiosity and exploration. As a physical therapist, doctoral student, and podcast host, Ryan's multifaceted career serves as an inspiring example of the diverse opportunities available within the neuro field. Ryan's journey began with a strong foundation in the medical field, influenced by his mother's work as a registered nurse. Drawn to the intersection of sports medicine and neurology, Ryan found his calling in physical therapy, particularly after a fortuitous opportunity to intern at Casa Colina Hospital. This experience ignited his interest in neurorehabilitation and set him on a course to pursue a neuro residency, specialized certifications, and eventually, PhD candidacy in Rehabilitation and Movement Science. As a researcher, Ryan has tackled intriguing questions, from exploring the use of transcranial stimulation devices for stroke and spinal cord injury rehabilitation to investigating clinical biomarkers in post-concussion syndrome. His work has highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between clinicians and product companies, ensuring that new technologies are not only safe but also truly beneficial for patients. Ryan's passion for storytelling has also found expression through his podcast, The Parallax Effect. Recognizing the power of narrative in making complex scientific concepts accessible, Ryan has used this platform to share diverse perspectives and foster meaningful dialogue within the neuro community. His ability to seamlessly blend his scientific expertise with creative flair serves as a testament to the value of interdisciplinary thinking. As Ryan continues to navigate the realms of research, teaching, and podcasting, his story serves as a reminder of the boundless opportunities that await those willing to embrace the intersection of science, technology, and storytelling. By bridging the gap between clinicians, researchers, and the broader community, Ryan Lovell's work exemplifies the transformative power of a multidimensional approach to neurorehabilitation. Episode 189 of the I Love Neuro Podcast with Lynne Becker YouTube: The Parallax Effect Podcast Instagram: @parallaxeffectmedia X: @parallaxeffects TikTok: RyloKen27 Facebook: The Parallax Effect Podcast

Did you know there are some unique differences when working with aging adults who experience concussions? In fact, patients may come to your clinic after a fall and not have the diagnosis of concussion but they may actually have one. How would you know? What would you do to screen for it? What would you treat first? Tune in to answer all of these questions and more! - Concussions in the elderly population often result from falls at standing height, rather than high-velocity impacts. - Symptoms like imbalance and dizziness may be overlooked or attributed to other conditions, making diagnosis difficult. Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment - Evaluating neck pain, vestibular function, balance, and autonomic dysfunction is crucial for managing geriatric concussion. - Strengthening neck muscles, improving cervical proprioception, and incorporating vestibular rehabilitation exercises can aid recovery. - Screening for BPPV and addressing visual motion sensitivity are also important treatment considerations. Monitoring Exertion and Symptom Management - Graded exercise testing, such as the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test, can help determine safe activity levels. - Educating patients on pacing activities and using the "gas tank" method can prevent overexertion and prolonged symptoms. - Incorporating breathing exercises can help regulate the autonomic system and promote calming. Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Ongoing Support - Referring patients to the appropriate specialists, such as neurologists or physiatrists, is key for comprehensive care. - Participating in mentorship opportunities, like the NeuroSpark office hours, can provide valuable guidance for clinicians. - Continuous monitoring and adjustments to the treatment plan are essential for successful geriatric concussion management. Check out this episode for more information! 182: Assessing and treating dysautonomia in neuro clients with Jennifer Lazaro, PT, DPT, NCS Learn more about NeuroSpark here!

In this episode, hosts Erin Gallardo and Claire McLean are joined by guest Dr. JJ Mowder-Tinney, PT, PhD, NCS, a highly experienced physical therapist specializing in neurological conditions. Are you afraid to get your patients on the floor? Are you nervous it will be too painful for them (or you)? Join us for this engaging discussion on the importance of getting patients down on the floor and practicing floor transfers, as well as strategies to overcome the common fear and hesitation clinicians may have around this. Some of the key takeaways include: - The significance of building patients' self-efficacy and confidence in getting up from the floor, as fear of falling is closely linked to increased fall risk. - The value of strong movement analysis skills that allow therapists to tailor floor activities to each patient's unique presentation and abilities. - Practical tips for breaking down the task into smaller, more manageable parts and adjusting the environment (e.g. using padded mats) to facilitate success. - The collaborative approach of problem-solving with patients to find the best methods for them, rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all technique. - The importance of regularly assessing floor skills and incorporating floor exercises into treatment, even for higher-functioning patients. - Encouragement for clinicians to reflect on their own comfort level with floor transfers, seek support from colleagues, and continuously expand their skills in this area. We are also excited to announce a free webinar on September 24th titled "Gettin’ Down and Dirty: Mastering Floor Transfers and Exercises in Neuro Without the Fear," which will give you the opportunity to brainstorm live with hundreds of neuro colleagues from around the world, see some helpful videos, and give you specific takeaways you can use the next day.   Here is the floor mat Claire uses at her clinic (not an affiliate link)  https://www.neurocollaborative.com/floor-transfers Follow @jjmowderpt 

In this episode Erin, Claire and Emily Duval Ledger interview Vanessa Kaczmarek, PT, DPT, NCS about her experience starting a private practice focused on neurologic physical therapy. Some of the key takeaways include: Starting a Niche Private Practice - Vanessa saw gaps in care for patients transitioning from inpatient rehab to outpatient, so she launched Neuroactive Therapy to provide high-intensity, research-based therapy. - Her practice is primarily cash-pay, allowing her to offer more frequent, customized treatment sessions. Growing a New Business - Vanessa initially struggled to build her caseload, but has since gained momentum through networking with other therapists and reaching out to referral sources. - Marketing and business tasks don't come naturally, but she's embraced them as necessary to sustain her passion for patient care. Balancing Work and Life - As a mobile PT, Vanessa has had to get creative with scheduling to maintain a healthy work-life balance, especially as a mom of young kids. - She's learned to prioritize patient treatment time while streamlining administrative tasks like documentation. Leveraging Technology - The group discussed using AI and dictation tools to improve the efficiency of documentation, though Vanessa prefers a more hands-on approach for now. - They agreed that finding ways to reduce the administrative burden could be game-changing for private practice PTs. Throughout the conversation, Vanessa's authenticity and dedication to her patients shone through. Her story provides inspiration and practical insights for other therapists considering the leap into private practice. Learn more about Vanessa and her practice here! https://neuroactivetherapywellness.com/ Instagram @neuroactivetherapy

Dr. Rose Schlaff is a pelvic PT and sex counselor, focusing on enhancing intimacy and pleasure through neuroscience. In this enlightening conversation, she introduces her "Reclaim the Flame" method, combining cranial nerve exercises with neuroanatomy to help clients overcome societal pressures related to sex. Listeners learn how simple eye movements can boost dopamine levels and reset the nervous system. Dr. Rose also provides guidance on addressing intimate topics with clients, ensuring that emotional and sexual wellness is prioritized in therapy.

Have you ever wondered how to effectively use telehealth to provide care? Maybe you’re already using it and want to know how to improve. In this episode of the I Love Neuro Podcast, host Erin Gallardo sat down with two leading experts in the field - Dr. Jennifer O'Neil and Dr. Alan Lee - to learn the latest research about telehealth. Dr. O'Neil, a physiotherapist and professor at the University of Ottawa, shared her passion for using telehealth to improve access to rehabilitation services. She became interested in this area after seeing how much time she spent traveling to see her patients in Canada's vast countryside. Her doctoral research focused on implementing intensive home-based telerehabilitation programs for people living with traumatic brain injuries. She also discussed her work on a telehealth falls prevention program tailored for Francophone communities, highlighting the importance of addressing health equity. Dr. Lee, a physical therapist and professor at Mount Saint Mary's University, provided historical context on the development of telehealth in physical therapy. He talked about the contributions of the international physical therapy community, including the recent publication of a clinical practice guideline (CPG) on telehealth from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). This guideline covers everything from video conferencing to remote monitoring and asynchronous visits. The experts shared their insights on key considerations for implementing telehealth, such as safety, patient satisfaction, and the importance of shared decision-making with patients. They emphasized the need for standardized terminology and the inclusion of qualitative research to better understand the nuances of telehealth delivery. Erin asked about the barriers and best practices for clinicians using telehealth, how to use telehealth with people with cognitive difficulties, tips for using telehealth with groups vs individuals and how to overcome some of the common barriers that clinicians face when using telerehab. The speakers highlighted the importance of preparation, digital literacy, and adapting clinical skills for the virtual environment. They also discussed the latest changes in billing and reimbursement, as well as their opinions on whether telehealth visits should cost the same as in-person visits.  Download the CPG here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38513257/ https://x.com/oneil_jenn https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-health-sciences/rehabilitation/our-professors/jennifer-o-neil joneil@uottawa.ca @oneil_jenn @alanleedpt (X) https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-lee-21211314/ (Linkedin) allee@msmu.edu (email)

Katie Bouchillon, OTR, CBIST, MCMT, is the owner and CEO of Spero Rehab, a thriving multidisciplinary outpatient clinic across Texas. She shares her transformative journey from therapist to entrepreneur, revealing the challenges of starting a neuro clinic. Katie emphasizes the need for core values and vision, as well as the importance of community engagement. She candidly discusses financial strategies, the significance of mentorship, and the vital role of independent practices in countering corporate healthcare influences.

In this episode of the I Love Neuro Podcast, hosts Erin Gallardo and Claire McLean sat down with Dr. Beth Templin, PT, DPT, GCS, the founder of House Fit Physical Therapy, to discuss her innovative approach to serving the aging population and those living with Parkinson's disease. Beth shared her journey into geriatric physical therapy, starting a mobile practice and then expanding to a 5,000 square foot facility that offers a range of services beyond one-on-one therapy. Some key highlights from the conversation include: - Navigating Medicare billing as a non-participating provider initially, then transitioning to a participating provider to remove barriers for clients - Offering a diverse range of fitness classes tailored to different ability levels, with physical therapists leading the classes. Classes are with mixed populations of people, which is unique. - Incorporating non-invasive regenerative therapies like electromagnetic transduction therapy and shockwave to provide pain relief - Launching a comprehensive nutrition education and coaching program, including monthly plant-based potlucks - Emphasizing the importance of integrating nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes to achieve the best outcomes for their aging adult and Parkinson's clients The discussion provides valuable insights for physical therapists and other healthcare providers looking to expand their services and take a more holistic approach to patient care. By blending traditional therapy, innovative treatments, and lifestyle interventions, House Fit Physical Therapy is setting a new standard for supporting the aging population and those living with neurological conditions. https://www.housefitstl.com/ https://www.facebook.com/housefitstl https://www.instagram.com/housefitstl https://www.youtube.com/@housefitstl

In today’s episode we hosted three experts in vision rehabilitation, optometrist Dr. Melissa Zarn Urankar, occupational therapist Katy Coleman, and physical therapist Xenia Andrzejewski to discuss the importance of optimizing care for people with neurologic conditions who have vision dysfunction.  The episode will address who sees patients for vision impairment - an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or neuro-ophthalmologist? Plus what are the differences in their roles for clinicians and optometrists. What are some of the things clinicians should look for that would prompt them to assess a patient's vision more closely? What are some key assessments or techniques they can use? What resources and training are available for physical therapists and occupational therapists who want to improve their skills in visual rehabilitation? Are there any certification programs? The guests will share their key insights into having a collaborative relationship with other disciplines and where you can find your team. Key takeaways: - Building relationships with your "weirdos" or like-minded clinicians who are open to sharing perspectives is crucial for problem-solving complex patient cases. - Optometrists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists each bring unique expertise, but must be willing to listen and learn from each other to provide the best care. - Clear communication and avoiding jargon is key when working across disciplines. Clinicians should focus on describing functional observations rather than making assumptions. - Attending continuing education courses like the NORA annual conference can help build interdisciplinary knowledge and networks. - Reaching out to local vision therapy specialists and being open to learning from their perspective can greatly benefit OTs and PTs working with neuro patients. By embracing an interdisciplinary approach and putting the patient's needs first, clinicians can provide more comprehensive and effective neuro vision rehabilitation. Collaboration is key to unlocking the best outcomes for those recovering from neurological injuries or conditions. Helpful links: https://noravisionrehab.org/about-nora/annual-conferences/2024-annual-conference https://www.facebook.com/www.noravisionrehab.org/ https://www.youtube.com/c/NeuroOptometricRehabilitationAssociation    

Dr. Cassandra List, a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist, and Briana Elson, an occupational therapist, discuss spasticity management. They explore the decision-making process behind medication versus neurotoxin injections and when to consider treatments like intrathecal baclofen. The duo emphasizes the importance of communication between therapists and physicians for optimal patient care. They also address how neurotoxin treatments can impact pain and the complexities of individualized treatment plans, stressing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration.