Neuro Navigators: A Medbridge Podcast

Helene Polatajko, PhD, OT(C), FCAOT, FCAHS, LLD(h.c.), OC, a renowned occupational therapist, researcher, and co-developer of the CO-OP Approach, joins host J.J. Mowder-Tinney for a thought-provoking conversation on how cognition can drive motor performance. Together, they explore the power of guided discovery, client-centered goals, and the surprising role of self-generated strategies in rehabilitation. From dancing to dressing to stroke recovery, you’ll hear how thinking differently about movement can change what your patients are capable of. Tune in to reframe your clinical lens and get inspired to incorporate “goal-plan-do-check” into your own sessions.

Learning Objectives
Analyze the evidence around CO-OP approaches to meaningful activities across pediatric and adult populations
Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address challenges in occupational
Solve patient case scenarios involving clients with coordination or motor learning impairment
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:00:05) Introduction to cognition and motor-based performance
(00:01:20) Dr. Polatajko's background and journey in occupational therapy
(00:05:30) The self-driving car
(00:12:40) Cognitive orientation to daily occupational performance (CO-OP)
(00:14:35) Dynamic performance analysis
(00:22:15) Guided discovery
(00:30:24) Generalization and transfer of skills
(00:34:14) Goal-plan-do-check
(00:53:25) Key takeaways and conclusion
Neuro Navigators is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
To hear more episodes of Neuro Naviagators, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigators⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/

Leading neurorehabilitation expert Julie Hershberg, PT, DPT, NCS, joins host J.J. Mowder-Tinney, PT, PhD, to dismantle the persistent myths and "weird" clinician behaviors that often hinder the treatment of functional neurological disorder (FND). Together, they bridge the gap between outdated assumptions and current neuroscience, exploring the predictive brain model and the high prevalence of comorbid conditions. You will learn why practitioners should shift from a diagnosis of exclusion to a positive clinical framework that prioritizes building trust and addressing underlying sensory processing difficulties. You will also gain actionable strategies to treat FND with the same clinical rigor and confidence as any other neurologic condition, ensuring your patients feel truly seen and supported.
Learning Objectives
Analyze the evidence around functional neurological disorder (FND), including common myths, neurobiological mechanisms, and diagnostic clarity
Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address assessment and treatment planning for individuals with FND, including sensory, autonomic, and psychosocial factors
Solve patient case scenarios involving FND by using whole-person, trust-building approaches to guide interdisciplinary treatment and improve functional outcomes
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:00:05) Introduction and clinical training gaps
(00:01:30) Guest background and professional evolution
(00:03:37) Overcoming the stigma of "weird" therapy
(00:08:30) Debunking common FND myths
(00:10:10) Clinical diagnosis and neurological evidence
(00:13:27) Reviewing current treatment research
(00:16:30) Screening for comorbid conditions
(00:18:10) Autonomic nervous system considerations
(00:20:09) Integrating sensory and lifestyle factors
(00:21:45) Patient triage and readiness for change
(00:26:58) Acceptance of the brain-based model
(00:29:04) Assessment priorities and heavy hitters
(00:32:37) Practical sensory and autonomic interventions
(00:35:45) Establishing radical trust with patients
(00:37:46) Family education and environmental influence
(00:39:55) Promoting patient advocacy and autonomy
(00:46:10) Top three actionable takeaways
(00:47:04) Case studies in holistic recovery
(00:53:15) Creative adaptations in functional therapy

Neuro Navigators is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
To hear more episodes of Neuro Naviagators, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigators⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/

Dana Aravich joins host J.J. Mowder-Tinney for a deep dive into one of rehab’s most perplexing challenges: spatial neglect. Drawing on her clinical experience and research, Dana and J.J. unpack how this complex attention disorder impacts function and why it’s so often mistaken for a visual field deficit. Together, they explore practical, evidence-informed strategies for assessment, intervention planning, and team-based decision-making. Whether you're confident or still uncertain in managing neglect, this episode offers new ways to think about what truly guides your approach.

Learning Objectives
Analyze the evidence around the complexity and clinical implications of spatial neglect in individuals recovering from stroke and brain injury
Apply evidence-based, practical, and actionable strategies to address the identification, evaluation, and tailored intervention planning for clients experiencing spatial neglect
Solve patient case scenarios involving differential diagnosis and intervention planning for spatial neglect versus visual field deficits, incorporating contextual factors such as driving safety and functional independence
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:00:05) Introduction
(00:02:44) Understanding spatial neglect
(00:04:36) Types of neglect
(00:09:43) Evaluation challenges
(00:10:40) Evidence-based assessment tools
(00:15:40) The 292 assessment tools problem
(00:22:21) Treatment complexity
(00:24:30) Treatment strategies and research
(00:26:25) Prism therapy and vision considerations
(00:31:03) Screening and differential diagnosis
(00:37:30) Observational insights and self-awareness
(00:41:35) Self-reflection and chronic stages
(00:44:32) Severe cases and poor arousal
(00:47:48) Meaningful motivation
(00:49:27) Family education and involvement
(00:51:49) Key takeaways
(00:52:55) Closing remarks
Neuro Navigators is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
To hear more episodes of Neuro Naviagators, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigators⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/

Dr. Alison McKenzie, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA, a leading voice in neurorehabilitation and creator of Stroke Boot Camp, joins host J.J. Mowder-Tinney to explore how we can extend meaningful progress for people living with chronic stroke. Together, Alison and J.J. dive into the clinical reasoning, research, and real-world outcomes behind this high-intensity, interdisciplinary model. You’ll hear practical ideas to apply in your own setting, whether that’s a full boot camp or small-scale changes that shift the trajectory for your patients. Tune in to reimagine what’s possible beyond traditional rehab.

Learning Objectives
Analyze the evidence around recommendations for optimal health management, wellness, and ongoing rehabilitation for individuals with chronic stroke
Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address the delivery of short-term, high-intensity, interdisciplinary rehabilitation and wellness for individuals with chronic stroke
Solve patient case scenarios involving plateau or decline in function over time in individuals who are aging with chronic stroke
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:00:05) Introduction to stroke boot camp
(00:01:36) The journey of Dr. Alison McKenzie
(00:06:56) The importance of community and support
(00:09:46) Research-driven approaches in stroke rehabilitation
(00:12:25) Tailoring treatment for individual needs
(00:14:25) Stroke boot camp overview
(00:16:45) High-intensity training and its impact
(00:19:37) Neural priming and its benefits
(00:21:57) Measuring intensity and progress
(00:28:49) Expanding the boot camp model
(00:31:32) Engaging clinicians in community programs
(00:34:58) Flexible approaches to community rehabilitation
(00:39:15) Enhancing therapy through intensity and creativity
(00:45:05) Fostering socialization in rehabilitation
(00:47:20) Conclusion and future directions

Neuro Navigators is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
To hear more episodes of Neuro Naviagators, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigators⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/

Dr. Amy Yorke, PT, PhD, board-certified clinical specialist in neurology, joins host J.J. Mowder-Tinney for an energizing discussion on what it really takes to move evidence into practice. Together, they explore the everyday barriers rehab professionals face, such as time, resources, and habits, and offer practical strategies to help you implement evidence without losing clinical creativity. With examples from Amy’s own work in a student-led pro bono clinic, you’ll walk away inspired to start small, think critically, and share what you learn. If you’ve ever felt the tug between research and real life, this episode is for you.

Learning Objectives
Analyze current evidence on knowledge translation in rehabilitation practice
Apply practical, evidence-based strategies to bridge the research-to-practice gap
Implement clinical practice guidelines through real-world case scenarios

Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:00:05) Bridging research and practice
(00:01:29) Amy’s journey into knowledge translation
(00:04:12) The importance of evidence in practice
(00:08:50) Challenges in implementing evidence-based practice
(00:09:36) Adapting evidence to local contexts
(00:10:35) The role of patient values in evidence-based practice
(00:13:10) The human element in clinical practice
(00:14:58) Overcoming barriers to change
(00:17:19) Facilitators and barriers in knowledge translation
(00:22:10) Creating a supportive environment for evidence use
(00:24:50) Innovative podcast ideas for therapists
(00:26:05) Bridging gaps in clinical practice guidelines
(00:28:05) The role of learning health systems in rehab
(00:31:17) Collaborative approaches in neuro rehab
(00:33:10) Engaging patients in their recovery
(00:37:08) Overcoming barriers to patient engagement
(00:40:15) Action steps for clinicians
(00:41:55) Real-world application of evidence-based practice
(00:47:00) Fun wrap-up and superpower dreams:

Neuro Navigators is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
To hear more episodes of Neuro Naviagators, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigators⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
IG: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/