Evidence To Excellence: News In Neuroplasticity and Rehab

Host Polly Swingle is joined by Danny Heumann and TJ Hosa, PT, DPT. Danny shares his story of life before, during, and after having a spinal cord injury. TJ shares his insight on being Danny's Physical Therapist, friend, and what the future may hold for treatment of spinal cord injures.

Danny Heumann was paralyzed in a car accident on August 13, 1985, 2 weeks before he was to begin his freshman year at Syracuse University. He began at Syracuse a year later and graduated in 1991 from the Newhouse School of Communications with a degree in Television, Radio, Film, Management, and a minor in Political Science. He is involved as a patient advocate and leader of many organizations such as being the Vice President of the Daniel Heumann Fund for Spinal Cord Research, a foundation started by his parents, family and friends. Before joining with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation in 2007, the Daniel Heumann Fund for Spinal Cord Research raised over $5 million dollars in its 22 year existence. In 2003, Danny along with his wife Lynn started Heumannly Capable, a motivational speaking/consulting company. Danny has spoken to a wide range of audiences from all over the country including fortune 500 companies, health organizations, small companies, colleges, and universities. In 2005, Danny was instrumental with other advocates in creating a grassroots coalition, Michigan Citizens Stem Cell Research and Cures. Since the summer of 2016, Danny has been the ADA consultant at Syracuse University in Campus Planning Design and Construction, and Facility Services assisting in all aspects of accessibility. He loves traveling between Syracuse and Ann Arbor, MI where he lives with his wife Lynn and their 21 year old daughter Katie who will be graduating college next spring. Danny's philosophy for his life: he lives for today but he hopes for tomorrow.

Dr. TJ Hosa PT, DPT, earned his Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science from Ohio State University (2011) and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Ohio University (2015). TJ has been a Physical Therapist at The Recovery Project for 10 years. He is the lead of the spinal cord injury and vestibular programs and has additional training in functional electrical stimulation (FES). TJ also specializes in the implementation of high intensity therapy for patients with neuro diagnoses. He is also certified in dry needling and has used it to treat spasticity and a multitude of pain syndromes.

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Host Polly Swingle is joined by Dr. David Gordon, Dr. Jarhed Peña, Mary 

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Host Polly Swingle is joined by Dr. TJ Hosa PT, DPT, and Mark Pedziwiatr MS, OTR/L, ATP, to discuss the ARC-EX by Onward Medical, the first system approved for non-invasive spinal cord stimulation for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). It is intended to deliver programmed, transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation in conjunction with functional task practice in the clinic to improve hand sensation and strength in individuals between 18 and 75 years old that present with a chronic, non-progressive neurological deficit resulting from an incomplete spinal cord injury (C2-C8 inclusive). In 2024, the ARC-EX System was granted FDA clearance to market in the United States. You can learn more about this system for use in the clinical setting at www.onwd.com.

Dr. TJ Hosa PT, DPT, earned his Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science from Ohio State University (2011) and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Ohio University (2015).  TJ has been a Physical Therapist at The Recovery Project for 10 years.  He is the lead of the spinal cord injury and vestibular programs and has additional training in functional electrical stimulation (FES).  TJ also specializes in the implementation of high intensity therapy for patients with neuro diagnoses.  He is also certified in dry needling and has used it to treat spasticity and a multitude of pain syndromes.

Mark Pedziwiatr MS, OTR/L, ATP, earned his Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Midwestern University, where he conducted research on rehabilitation technology. As an occupational therapist, he brings experience across the continuum of care, including outpatient, inpatient, and acute-care settings. In his current role as a Therapy Consultant with Onward Medical, Mark leverages his clinical experience to support the integration and training of therapists in the use of ARC-EX within spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation clinics across the Midwest.

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Host Polly Swingle is joined by Gabrielle Tremp, MS, OTRL, and Dr. Elizabeth Osantowski, PT, DPT, CSRS, to discuss the latest evidence and research to treating individuals with upper extremity impairments following a stroke. Listen in to hear about what to expect following a stroke as it relates to the upper extremities, as well as the latest evidence-based practice to maximize recovery and function.

Gabrielle Tremp, MS, OTRL, is a licensed Occupational Therapist with a Master's degree from Western Michigan University. With three years of experience in the field, she has spent the last 2.5 years at TRP, where she specializes in neurorehabilitation, including The Recovery Project's Concentrated Stroke Rehab Program. Gabrielle also works in acute care on the orthopedic and trauma unit. Outside of her OT role, she has a passion for dance and teaches both traditional and adaptive dance. Recently, she launched the "Together in Motion" adaptive dance class at The Recovery Project. Gabrielle is especially passionate about working with clients facing neurological challenges, particularly those with spinal cord injuries, stroke, and Parkinson's disease.

Dr. Elizabeth Osantowski, PT, DPT, CSRS, is a dedicated physical therapist at The Recovery Project, specializing in neurological rehabilitation. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Central Michigan University in 2021 and has since focused her career on treating neurological diseases and disorders. Elizabeth is a Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist and an integral part of the Concentrated Stroke Rehab program at The Recovery Project. Additionally, she is a certified PWR! Moves Therapist. Since joining the team in 2023, Elizabeth has developed a strong passion for treating patients who have had a stroke and people with Parkinson's disease, continually advancing her expertise in these areas.

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Host Polly Swingle is joined by Marketing Representatives Lindsay Vos, CTRS, and Mike Knott, to talk about their approaches to marketing the services provided by The Recovery Project. Listen in to hear about successes and barriers encountered in the marketing world, specifically when representing a private practice outpatient rehabilitation clinic. Topics discussed range from marketing materials, referral metrics, outcome measures, community events, and much more!

Lindsay Vos, CTRS, joined The Recovery Project in 2021 and is a stroke survivor, recreational therapist, marketing representative, and wellness trainer. Lindsay is a former collegiate athlete who graduated from the University of Toledo with her bachelor's degree in recreational therapy. Lindsay has always been interested in learning more about the brain and physical medicine and rehabilitation. She has a strong background working many years with individuals who sustained a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury from catastrophic accidents. Lindsay is passionate about community reintegration and animal-assisted therapy to promote non-pharmacological pain management techniques which ultimately improve an individual’s quality of life. Lindsay knows what it is like to be both a patient and a therapist, as she suffered from a massive stroke in 2017. Lindsay participated in both physical and occupational therapy here at The Recovery Project and feels honored to now work here.

Mike Knott has been working for The Recovery Project since 2011. With a passion for all things sports and healing, upon graduating from high school, he first began as a Rehab Tech. Following graduating from Central Michigan University with a Bachelors in Exercise Science: Kinesiology, he became a Rehab Trainer at The Recovery Projects Livonia clinic. Since then, he has had the opportunity to work at all three locations, gained the knowledge and understanding of what it means to do things the TRP way, and is now out in the sales and marketing world as a Marketing Representative for the company.

Learn more about The Recovery Project!

• View our website at www.therecoveryproject.net
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Host Polly Swingle is joined by three Speech-Language Pathologists from The Recovery Project. Julia Best, MA CCC-SLP, Katie Schreur, MA CCC-SLP, and Racquel Knesel, MA, CCC-SLP talk everything Speech-Language Pathology in the outpatient rehab setting. Tune in to learn what SLP is, who is appropriate for therapy, and how it can help more than just your speech.

Julia Best, MA CCC-SLP, completed her graduate degree in 2023 from Michigan State University where she focused her studies on adult neurological rehabilitation. During her time at The Recovery Project, she has become certified in VitalStim dysphagia therapy, McNeil Dysphagia Therapy Program, and she is a Licensed SPEAK OUT! Provider.

Katie Schreur, MA CCC-SLP, graduated with a master's degree from Michigan State University. She is certified in VitalStim dysphagia therapy and is a Licensed SPEAK OUT! Provider for the management of Parkinson’s Disease.

Racquel Knesel, MA, CCC-SLP, graduated with a Master's degree from Wayne State University. She is certified in Vital Stim, SpeakOut!, and Manual Therapy for Voice and Swallowing.

Learn more about The Recovery Project!

• View our website at www.therecoveryproject.net
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Host Polly Swingle is joined by The Recovery Project's Shandra Hamilton, PT, DPT, Racquel Knesel, MA, CCC-SLP, Paige Boll, COTAL, and Chris Kennedy, Certified Personal Trainer, to talk about the new Power Over Parkinson's Program (POPP) at The Recovery Project's Clinton Township location. Listen in to learn about this comprehensive, multi-discipline, intensive, evidence-based program that provides PT, OT, SLP, training, wellness programing, and education to PD patients consisting of 5-6 hours per day 3 days per week for a 2 week duration.

Shandra Hamilton, PT, DPT, received her doctorate from Ohio University. She is PWR! certified, and is a certified PoNS Trainer.

Racquel Knesel, MA, CCC-SLP, graduated with a Master's degree from Wayne State University. She is certified in Vital Stim, SpeakOut!, and Manual Therapy for Voice and Swallowing.

Paige Boll, COTAL, specializes in the treatment of neurological conditions and has a specific passion for Parkinson’s and spinal cord injuries. Paige is certified in PWR! and Rock Steady Boxing for the management of Parkinson’s Disease.

Chris Kennedy, Certified Personal Trainer, graduated with a Bachelor's of science in Exercise Science from Saginaw Valley State University.  He is also a Certified Rock Steady Boxing Head Coach.

Learn more about The Recovery Project!

• View our website at www.therecoveryproject.net
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Host Polly Swingle is joined by Dr. Kayla Diebold, PT, DPT, Heath Stilwell, NSCA Certified Personal Trainer, and Andy Kronk, participant in The Meghan Malley Wellness Program at The Recovery Project. Listen in to learn about the re-naming of the wellness programs offered at The Recovery Project to The Meghan Malley Wellness Program in honor of the late Dr. Meghan Malley, PT, DPT,  Program Director and Physical Therapist at The Recovery Project.

Dr. Kayla Diebold, PT, DPT, CSRS is a Lead Physical Therapist and the Site Coordinator of Clinical Education at The Recovery Project.  She has specialized in the treatment of neurological diseases and disorders since 2017 with special interest in Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, and Vestibular disorders.  She is a Certified Stroke Rehab Specialist and heads the medical programming group for stroke at The Recovery Project. Kayla also has certifications in PWR! and Rock Steady Boxing for the management of Parkinson’s Disease. She is a guest lecturer in the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Macomb Community College and frequently presents on topics involving physical therapy management of neurological diseases and disorders across the continuum of care.

Heath Stilwell is a Certified Personal Trainer, Technician Supervisor, and Wellness Coordinator at The Recovery Project, Livonia. Heath has worked at The Recovery Project since 2016 as a Rehab Technician. Since then he has become the Technician Supervisor and now Personal Trainer. He is a certified Rock Steady Boxing coach and has lead over 1,000 wellness classes since 2018. Heath loves his work, and is passionate about helping his clients succeed.

Andy Kronk was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in January of 2017 has been a client at The Recovery Project since that time. Initially Andy was a therapy client and learned how Parkinson's specific exercise can help him manage his disease along with consistently taking his medications. He has been a loyal member of the wellness programs at The Recovery Project, starting with PWR! Moves and then he transitioned to Rock Steady Boxing and Cardio Intervals as a fun way to manage his Parkinson's Disease.

Learn more about The Recovery Project!

• View our website at www.therecoveryproject.net
• Call us 855-877-1944 to become a patient
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Host Polly Swingle is joined by Mark Pedziwiatr MS, OTR/L, ATP, to talk about Vivistim. Vivistim is a paired vagus nerve stimulation therapy that enhances the effects of neuroplasticity. Vivistim is FDA approved for chronic ischemic stroke survivors with ongoing upper limb deficits. Listen in to learn about the supporting research on this technology, who is an appropriate candidate, and how it works. You can also visit vivistim.com to learn more.

Mark Pedziwiatr MS, OTR/L, ATP, is a Therapy Development Specialist at MicroTransponder and works to help educate and train healthcare providers about Vivistim and the benefits it can bring to chronic stroke survivors living with an upper extremity impairment. As an occupational therapist, Mark has worked in the acute care setting, inpatient rehab, and outpatient rehab - working with stroke survivors across the continuum of care.

Learn more about The Recovery Project!

• View our website at www.therecoveryproject.net
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Host Polly Swingle is joined by Dr. Nick Mischel, MD, PhD, and Steve Watts, MOT, OTR/L, CSRS, CBIS, AIB-VR, to discuss Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). This procedure is FDA approved to improve symptoms of major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), migraines, and to help people stop smoking when standard treatments haven't worked well. The group also discusses ongoing research on this procedure for other neurological conditions.

Dr. Nick Mischel, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience in the Department of Psychiatry at Wayne State University’s School of Medicine, which is also where he completed his undergraduate medical training. He specialized in clinical electromagnetic brain stimulation during psychiatric residency training at Duke University Hospital from 2015-2019. He currently practices psychiatry under Wayne Health and Greenbrook TMS, treating adult patients with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and other interventions for medication-resistant neurobehavioral conditions. He is a leader in the Clinical TMS Society (CTMSS), Fellow in the American Psychiatric Association (FAPA), a proud father, and Michigander.

Steve Watts, MOT, OTR/L, CSRS, CBIS, AIB-VR, has worked evaluating and treating individuals with stroke for over 10 years.

Learn more about The Recovery Project!

• View our website at www.therecoveryproject.net
• Call us 855-877-1944 to become a patient
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Thanks for listening!