I Love Neuro

• 293: Navigating Dystonia With Leann Vitale, MS, OTR/L

  Is treating dystonia making you stuck? Dystonia remains one of the most challenging neurological conditions for clinicians to understand and treat. In this episode, hosts Erin Gallardo, PT, DPT, NCS and Claire McLean, PT, DPT, NCS talk to occupational therapist Leanne Vitale, MS, OTR/L about her holistic approach that goes far beyond traditional treatment methods. Dystonia isn't just a movement disorder; it's a complex interplay of neurological, psychological, and sensory experiences. Leanne emphasizes that understanding dystonia requires looking beneath the surface—much like an iceberg, where visible motor symptoms represent only a tiny portion of the underlying condition. The path to managing dystonia is not about finding a quick cure, but about comprehensive, patient-centered care. It involves addressing not just physical symptoms, but also psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and personal history. Leanne's approach integrates sensory retraining, nervous system regulation, and personalized strategies that help patients gradually reclaim control. Crucially, treatment success depends on collaboration—between healthcare providers, and between the clinician and patient. It's a journey of patience, understanding, and gentle, consistent intervention. By recognizing dystonia's complexity and treating the entire person, not just the symptoms, clinicians can offer hope and meaningful improvement to those struggling with this challenging condition.

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• 292: Balance Reimagined Using The Gibbon SlackBoard With Derek Mikulski

  Are you looking for tools to challenge dynamic balance? Duh! Check out what makes the Gibbon SlackBoard different and how it can transform balance outcomes. In the episode, host Erin Gallardo, PT, DPT, NCS interviews Derek Mikulski, BS, CSCS, CPT, National Director of Commercial Sales for Gibbon about what makes the SlackBoard different from other balance tools clinicians use, like foam pads and BOSU balls. Derek described his entrepreneurial journey that led him to Gibbon. The SlackBoard was born from a passion for fitness and personal transformation, and brings slack lining technology into clinics, schools, and homes. The SlackBoard offers an engaging, fun approach to improving body awareness and stability. With adjustable lines and scientific research underway, the board supports everything from rehabilitation to performance training for everyone from stroke survivors to professional athletes.  Check them out at www.gibbon-USA.com and save 10% with our affiliate code "neurocollab" GIBBON North America, Inc.

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• 291: Let's Have A Chat About Your Biz Finances With Emily Duval Ledger

  On today's episode hosts Erin Gallardo, PT, DPT, NCS and Claire McLean, PT, DPT, NCS talk with NeuroBiz coach Emily Duval Ledger about a topic many clinicians and business owners find intimidating: Money. This is exactly why we need to talk about it!  Are you investing, saving, or putting systems into place in your business for money management and your future? If not, we understand. And we also want to help make this less overwhelming. Learn how to break down your financial goals and understand your true needs so you can create a business that supports both your professional passion and personal aspirations. In the episode we'll discuss some surprising and easy ways you can understand your business finances and explore retirement savings options, health insurance costs and other necessities. While not legal or financial advice, learn about retirement options like SEP IRAs and 401(k) plans, high-yield savings accounts, and index fund investments. We'll walk you through it and show you how to build a business that supports your life in all the ways!

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• 290: Brace Yourself: AFOs After Stroke With Dr. Jennifaye Brown, PT, MSPT, PhD, NCS, CAPS

  Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFOs) are essential in neuro rehab yet can be an area clinicians feel a lack of knowledge. This episode is for the clinician who is both - super knowledgeable about AFOs, AND the clinician who could use more education. Hosts Erin Gallardo, PT, DPT, NCS and Claire McLean, PT, DPT, NCS interview Dr. Jennifaye Brown, PT, MSPT, PhD, NCS, CAPS about her work transforming the way we think about ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) for stroke survivors. Her approach goes far beyond traditional medical practice, focusing on personalization, functionality, and patient empowerment. Her level of understanding on the topic will leave even seasoned therapists with insightful takeaways. Dr. Brown doesn't just see AFOs as medical devices, but as tools that can dramatically improve a stroke survivor's quality of life. Her book, "Brace Yourself: Everything You Need to Know About AFOs After Stroke," was written to empower stroke survivors and their caregivers with comprehensive, accessible information about AFO selection and use. Yet there are important sections for healthcare professionals as well. It is an essential tool for the clinic.   With a PhD in exercise science and decades of clinical experience, Dr. Brown continues to push the boundaries of stroke rehabilitation. Her work reminds us that true healing goes beyond medical interventions - it's about understanding, adapting, and empowering individuals to live their best lives. jvb physical therapy services, llc Order ebook (Flipbook or PDF): jvbneuropt.com/book Website: jvbneuropt.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifaye-brown-pt-mspt-phd-ncs-caps/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-0M-apffkZl4vqjAqomd8g

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• 289: How Not To Abandon The Hemiplegic Arm In Every Treatment Session With Dr. Melissa Kimmerling, EdD, MOT, OTR/L

  How well are you incorporating the hemiparetic arm of your client into every treatment technique? Do you know when to use remediation vs compensation techniques? Let's talk about it! On today's episode host Erin Gallardo, PT, DPT, NCS and Dr. Melissa Kimmerling, EdD, MOT, OTR/L dive into strategies for upper extremity recovery, focusing on patients with limited arm function after neurological injuries. Dr. Kimmerling, an occupational therapy expert, shares invaluable insights into helping patients maximize their arm's potential, even when movement is minimal. The discussion centers on the critical concept of not abandoning the affected arm, but instead finding creative ways to integrate it into daily activities. Dr. Kimmerling emphasizes that recovery isn't an all-or-nothing process. Even a dependent arm can play a meaningful role in functional tasks. Key strategies include proper positioning, weight-bearing techniques, and incorporating the arm into bilateral activities. Mental imagery and mirror therapy emerge as powerful tools for maintaining neural pathways and sensory awareness. The experts stress the importance of helping patients feel independent, even if their movement looks different from before. The conversation highlights the delicate balance between remediation (working to restore function) and compensation (finding alternative ways to complete tasks). Dr. Kimmerling shares personal experiences and clinical insights, reminding listeners that participation is always the ultimate goal - even if it's messy or imperfect. FUEL upper extremity levels

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