Evidence To Excellence: News In Neuroplasticity and Rehab

Learn more about the innovative, 2 week intensive stroke program at The Recovery Project known as the Concentrated Stroke Rehabilitation Program. 

Host Polly Swingle is joined by Dr. Meghan Malley, PT, DPT, Program Director at The Recovery Project. Meghan discusses how this program is different from "traditional therapy" and shares an update on the progress program participants have experienced. Polly also shares the latest research on two new FDA approved treatment approaches for stroke rehabilitation. 


Dr. Meghan Malley, PT, DPT is the Program Director and Physical Therapist at The Recovery Project. She has specialized in the treatment of neurological diseases and disorders since 2008. She is also a Certified Oncology Rehabilitation Therapist with advanced training in physical therapy management for individuals diagnosed with cancer. Meghan also specializes in the management of Parkinson’s Disease, including receiving certifications in LSVT BIG, PWR! and Rock Steady Boxing. She has been integral in the development of various medical and wellness programs at The Recovery Project. Meghan is a guest lecturer in the physical therapy program at Wayne State University and frequent presenter on topics involving physical therapy management of neurological diseases and disorders.

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! 

In this episode, Polly talks with Occupational Therapist, Eryn Donnellon all about heart rate variability and how it can serve as as therapeutic tool when managing anxiety.

Heart rate variability is literally the difference in time between the beats of your heart, and is a function of our autonomic nervous system.  Heart rate variability biofeedback can help mitigate the effects of anxiety by slowing the nervous system's fight or flight response. 

Tune in to hear how rehab professionals can use this tool to help patient's affected by anxiety and what the latest research says about the use of heart rate variability to address mental health. 


Eryn Donnellon, OTR/L is an Occupational Therapist at The Recovery Project. She started at The Recovery Project as a rehab tech in 2018, and returned in 2021. Eryn has worked at all three TRP locations, most recently in Livonia and Clinton. Eryn is a certified Rock Steady Boxing coach, and Brain Injury Specialist through the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists, and most recently became certified as  Heartmath Trauma Counselor. Eryn has a passion with mental health disorders in the neuro population and is excited about the opportunity to use the current research to improve mental health and wellbeing in our clientele.

Learn more about The Recovery Project!

• View our website at www.therecoveryproject.net
• Call us 855-877-1944 to become a patient
• Follow us on Instagram
• Like us on Facebook

Thanks for listening! 

Case management is an invaluable component of comprehensive, multi-disciplinary care. In today's episode, Polly has the pleasure to discuss the expertise and value of case management with Sonia Shah, a Certified Case Manager and Founder/Owner of Horizon Case Management. 

Sonia Shah, BS, BSN, CCM, is a Certified Case Manager and Founder/Owner of Horizon Case Management.

Sonia developed a commitment to serving individuals with disabilities related to auto accidents, worker's compensation, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and more. She has devoted her entire life to caring for others and has been working in the healthcare field since the age of 15. Her biggest inspiration to help others stems from her parents – a doctor and a nurse – who inspire Sonia to continue their passion for healthcare. She has over ten years of experience in pharmaceuticals, mental health, public health, public policy, home health, and nursing. Her personal experience caring for her sick mother and serving as her mother’s case manager has inspired her to start Horizon Case Management. There are many challenges with navigating our complex healthcare system. Sonia and her team strive to make the lives of their clients and loved ones easier by shifting through resources and advocating for them.

Sonia enjoys Muay Thai Boxing, hiking, acting classes, traveling, reading about changes in healthcare, donating her time to charities, going to church, and living a Christian life. She currently volunteers at her church as a catechist teacher for 7th graders and travels often, working in medical camps worldwide. 

Learn more about Horizon Case Management at www.horizonccm.com or call (855) 487-6626. 

Learn more about The Recovery Project!

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

This episode is one you don't want to miss!
Polly hosts a vulnerable and inspiring conversation with guests, Laura Jackson and Billy Vickers about life after a spinal cord injury.

As we continue to honor Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, tune in to hear how Laura and Billy have coped, adapted, and learned to live extremely fulfilling lives after their life-changing injuries nearly 20 years ago.

Laura Jackson experienced a C1-C2 complete spinal cord injury in 2003 at only 14 years old. Since that time, Laura has graduated from college, earned her MBA, became a peer mentor for the Christopher Reeves Foundation, and was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Michigan in 2020 and 2021! She is a dedicated advocate for disability equality and awareness, and is a source of inspiration, motivation and humor for all those who know her.

Billy Vickers became a T6 paraplegic at 22 years old after a motorcycle accident. In the years following his injury, Billy has devoted himself to maximizing his health and wellbeing, and sharing that knowledge and inspiration with others in similar circumstances. Billy works for Rehab and Mobility Systems and is a peer mentor for the Perspectives program. He lives an active life full of outdoor adventures and experiences!

To learn more about the Spinal Cord Injury recovery program at The Recovery Project, visit our website or call today.
855-877-1944 
www.therecoveryproject.net

Learn more about The Recovery Project!

• View our website at www.therecoveryproject.net
• Call us 855-877-1944 to become a patient
• Follow us on Instagram
• Like us on Facebook

Thanks for listening! 

If you are living with Parkinson's disease or are a therapist treating individuals with PD, this episode is for you! 

The Recovery Project's Program Director, Dr. Meghan Malley, PT, DPT,  joins Polly on this episode of "Evidence to Excellence" to discuss the latest research and best practices for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. 

Significant research has emerged over the last several years that has changed the way we approach treating PD. Tune in to learn what we now know about how to best manage PD, why exercise is so important when  living with PD,  what  types of exercise have neuroprotective benefits (and what that means!), and what you can do today to help improve your function and quality of life if you are living with Parkinson's.

Dr. Meghan Malley, PT, DPT is the Program Director and Physical Therapist at The Recovery Project. She has specialized in the treatment of neurological diseases and disorders since 2008. She is also a Certified Oncology Rehabilitation Therapist with advanced training in physical therapy management for individuals diagnosed with cancer. Meghan also specializes in the management of Parkinson’s Disease, including receiving certifications in LSVT BIG, PWR! and Rock Steady Boxing. She has been integral in the development of various medical and wellness programs at The Recovery Project. Meghan is a guest lecturer in the physical therapy program at Wayne State University and frequent presenter on topics involving physical therapy management of neurological diseases and disorders.

Learn more at www.therecoveryproject.net

https://www.facebook.com/TheRecoveryProjectLLC
Instagram: @recoveryproject

Learn more about The Recovery Project!

• View our website at www.therecoveryproject.net
• Call us 855-877-1944 to become a patient
• Follow us on Instagram
• Like us on Facebook

Thanks for listening! 

Listen in to learn more about a collaborative team approach to orthotic management for individuals with locomotion and mobility challenges. 

Our host, Polly Swingle, discusses the importance of proper evaluation, prescription, and implementation of orthotics for individuals with neurological conditions and is joined by a panel who know all about this! Orthotist Seth Cochrill, CO, Physical Therapist Nikki Warner, MPT and Tiffany Crowe, a brain cancer survivor living with hemiplegia, all sit down with Polly to discuss the impact of a collaborative approach to orthotics.

Nikki Warner is a graduate of the class of 2000 University of Michigan-Flint Master’s of Physical Therapy program. She has dedicated her career to  neuro field for the last 22 years. Her specialties include working with populations such as amputees, TBI, CVA, SCI and PD. She has been an expert trainer for Mobility Research’s LiteGait for the last 16 years. She is currently the Lead PT for residential and community-based rehab program at The Recovery Project.

Seth is a Certified Orthotist with Wright & Filippis providing care for patients from the Madison Heights location.   He began his career in the Orthotic & Prosthetic Field in 2006 as an assistant at Wright & Filippis RIM office. Seth attended Northwestern University receiving a certificate in Orthotics. He enjoys working with children and also people with neurological and neuromuscular disorders. Seth values relationships with patients, therapists, and physicians to achieve a team approach for orthotic care. This team approach allows for successful outcomes and patients able to achieve personal goals.     

Tiffany Crowe is a 16 year survivor of brain cancer after being diagnosed when she was a senior in high school. Since her diagnosis, Tiffany has undergone twelve brain surgeries, which resulted in left hemiplegia with limited mobility in her left arm and leg. She has a great deal of experience with physical and occupational therapy, and with the use of various orthotics to help improve her functional mobility and safety. Tiffany shares her story and experiences to help shed light on what it's like for those living with disabilities, and how important a team approach is to her overall care.  


Show Notes: 

The Recovery Project:
www.therecoveryproject.net
@recoveryproject
www.facebook.com/TheRecoveryProjectLLC/

Wright & Filippis: 
www.firsttoserve.com  or call 1.800.482.0222

Trend-Able:
https://www.trend-able.com
@trend.able 

Learn more about The Recovery Project!

• View our website at www.therecoveryproject.net
• Call us 855-877-1944 to become a patient
• Follow us on Instagram
• Like us on Facebook

Thanks for listening! 

Join host Polly Swingle as she talks with Dr. Kayla Diebold, PT, DPT and Chris Plague, MS, OTR about the latest evidence in stroke rehab and the development of a high intensity stroke program at The Recovery Project. 

Learn the practical applications of the APTA's Clinical Practice Guidelines for stroke rehabilitation, optimizing neuroplasticity, task specific training, and the benefits of a comprehensive individualized program. 

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.

Christopher Plague, MS, OTRL is an Occupational Therapist at The Recovery Project. He specializes in the treatment of neurological conditions and has a specific passion for stroke and spinal cord injuries. Chris has certification in Upper Extremity Motor Rehabilitation. He is also a Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer through ACSM. Chris is the lead OT for the Concentrated Stroke Rehab program at The Recovery Project. He has spent time in volunteer roles for adaptive sports and recreation programs through Michigan State University, community colleges in Southern California, Special Olympics of Michigan, and others. 

Learn more about The Recovery Project!

• View our website at www.therecoveryproject.net
• Call us 855-877-1944 to become a patient
• Follow us on Instagram
• Like us on Facebook

Thanks for listening! 

Are you familiar with the term "Functional Movement Disorder"?

This is a complex condition that affects thousands of individuals and until recently, has been quite misunderstood by the medical community.  

Join host Polly Swingle as she sits down with Dr. Megan Reid, PT, DPT to discuss this nervous system disorder and how a multidisciplinary, integrative approach to treatment has been so successful in helping those with FMD regain their independence and quality of life.  

Dr. Megan Reid received her Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology from Michigan State University prior to attending Oakland University where she earned a Doctorate of Physical Therapy.  She has worked at The Recovery Project for the last 7 years and now serves as the clinic supervisor for the Lansing clinic. She is the director of the LIFE FMD Program, a certified Duchenne's therapist, and certified in PWR! and Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson's disease. 

To learn more about the LIFE Program for Functional Movement Disorders at The Recovery Project visit https://therecoveryproject.net/medical-programs/functional-movement-disorder/

Learn more about The Recovery Project!

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

On today's podcast, host Polly Swingle speaks with pelvic health therapists, Dr. Jessica Somerville, PT, DPT and Corinne DiPrima,  OTRL.  Jessica and Corinne provide extensive education on various pelvic floor diagnoses, treatments and strategies to optimize quality of life. 


Jessica Somerville is a PT, DPT, and a Lead Physical Therapist at The Recovery Project. She has specialized in the treatment of neurological disorders since 2016 at The Recovery Project. She initially became passionate about working with people who have pelvic floor dysfunction in the neurological setting to improve the quality of life of those living with incontinence. Since then, Jessica has branched into pelvic floor therapy in the oncology sector as well as for maternal care.  She has taken Pelvic Floor Level 1 and Pregnancy Rehabilitation through Herman and Wallace as well as Pelvic Cancer and Lower Extremity Rehabilitation through PORi (Physiological Oncology Rehabilitation Institute). 

Corinne DiPrima,  OTRL is an Occupational Therapist at The Recovery Project. She has been a licensed OT for the last eight years following graduation from A.T. Still University in Arizona.  During her time at The Recovery Project, Corinne has become certified in VitalStim dysphagia therapy, and is an active member of the oncology, FMD and pelvic health programming groups. She has completed Pelvic Floor Level 1A , 2A, and 2B courses through Herman and Wallace.  Corinne is also currently enrolled in a postpartum rehabilitation course.

Learn more about The Recovery Project!

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

All speech and language Pathology are not the same especially in a Neurological setting. Host Polly Swingle talks with Andrea Bettis, Speech and Language Pathologist about the Broad scope of Speech Therapy in Parkinson's and Brain injury patients. 

Host:
Polly A. Swingle,  PT, GCS, CEEAA

Polly joined the Recovery Project in 2003, after graduating from Ohio University in 1986 with a BS in Physical Therapy. Her accreditations and certifications include: Neuro development treatment – adult (NDT), Geriatric clinical specialist, Burdenko, Registered yoga instructor and certified exercise expert in the aging adult. Before coming to The Recovery Project, Polly was the Director of Outpatient Services at The Rehab Institute of Michigan and the Director of Rehab Services at Good Samaritan Medical Center. She was recognized as Crain’s Healthcare hero in 2016, MDA Clinician of the Year in 2015 and Clinical Instructor of the year in 2007. She loves to do yoga in her free time.


Guest:
Andrea, Bettis, Speech Pathologist

Andrea graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences. She received her Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology at Eastern Michigan University. Andrea became interested in specializing in neuro following an internship at Special Tree Rehab Services. She was later hired there and became a certified brain injury specialist (CBIS). Wanting to expand her experience in neurological disorders, Andrea began working at The Recovery Project in 2018. She is specialized in the treatment of voice and speech disorders in individual’s with Parkinson's Disease through certifications such as LSVT LOUD and SPEAK OUT!

Other certifications: Vital Stim (FDA approved treatment of swallowing).

therecoveryproject.net
Instagram @RecoveryProject
Facebook @TheRecoveryProjectLLC

Learn more about The Recovery Project!

• View our website at www.therecoveryproject.net
• Call us 855-877-1944 to become a patient
• Follow us on Instagram
• Like us on Facebook

Thanks for listening!