Neuro Navigators: A Medbridge Podcast

Join host ⁠J.J. Mowder-Tinney, PT, PhD⁠, as she sits down with ⁠Matthew Caraher, PT, DPT, NCS⁠, a board-certified specialist with extensive experience in multidisciplinary ALS and Huntington’s disease care. Together, they explore how to move past a “fear-based” clinical mindset and toward intentional, staged rehabilitation when working with neurodegenerative conditions. You’ll discover practical, evidence-based strategies for dosing moderate-intensity exercise, using objective assessment tools and subjective reports to guide treatment, and recognizing when “skilled maintenance” is the ultimate clinical win. Learn how to shift your focus from impairment correction to maximizing participation and quality of life for patients and their caregivers.
Learning Outcomes
Analyze the evidence regarding exercise and rehabilitation dosing across disease stages in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Huntington’s disease (HD), including strength, aerobic, and respiratory training
Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to select outcomes and dose interventions across the disease continuum while balancing fatigue, fall risk, and respiratory decline
Solve patient case scenarios involving clinical decision-making for ALS and HD related to staging, dosing, equipment, and interdisciplinary coordination
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:00:05) Introduction to neurodegenerative conditions
(00:01:14) Matt's journey into neurodegenerative medicine
(00:05:25) Addressing clinician fears in treatment
(00:07:29) Redefining success in patient care
(00:10:22) The importance of multidisciplinary care
(00:13:45) Assessment tools for ALS patients
(00:22:43) Challenges in assessing Huntington's disease
(00:26:00) Principles for effective patient management
(00:29:30) Understanding patient emotional states
(00:31:00) The importance of therapeutic presence
(00:36:20) Exercise guidelines for neurologic patients
(00:49:40) Effective communication with patients and caregivers
(00:56:17) Key takeaways for clinicians
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/⁠

In this episode, host J.J. Mowder-Tinney sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Skidmore, PhD, OTR/L, FACRM, FAOTA, to challenge how we view the "silent epidemic" of cognitive impairments in rehabilitation. They explore moving from traditional "drill and repeat" exercises to Strategy Training. This metacognitive approach helps clients lead their recovery through active learning. You’ll discover how the START framework uncovers subtle executive function deficits, supporting greater independence for even complex patients. Learn how slowing down your clinical approach can accelerate patients’ return to meaningful community participation.

Addendum:This episode discusses Strategy Training for individuals who can learn new skills and generalize them, such as people with acquired brain injury. Dr. Skidmore notes that Strategy Training is not suitable for individuals with moderate to severe dementia or significant clinical apathy. For these populations, clinicians should instead focus on errorless learning and habit training to help maintain structured routines.

Learning Outcomes
Analyze the evidence around attention and executive function after acquired brain injury
Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably improve rehabilitation outcomes for this population
Solve patient case scenarios focused on achieving community independence and participation after acquired brain injury
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Welcome
(00:00:05) Introduction to cognitive rehabilitation
(00:02:48) Understanding cognitive impairments
(00:06:00) Screening and assessment tools
(00:08:50) Communicating cognitive changes
(00:11:53) Interventions for cognitive impairments
(00:15:10) Metacognitive strategies in therapy
(00:18:00) Guided discovery in practice
(00:20:59) Addressing attention and executive function
(00:23:45) Real-life application of strategies
(00:28:00) Building client independence
(00:33:50) Engaging family in therapy
(00:45:30) Impactful takeaways for therapists
(00:55:18) Conclusion and reflections
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/

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/