Neuro Navigators: A Medbridge Podcast

J.J. Mowder-Tinney, PT, PhD, NCS, C/NDT, CSRS, CEEAA, and world-renowned neurorehabilitation expert Edelle Field-Fote, PT, PhD, FAPTA, FASIA, as they challenge the traditional boundaries of task-specific training. Together, they unpack why kinematic repetition alone often fails to translate into real-world performance and how foundational clinical concepts may be limiting your patients’ functional restoration. Dr. Field-Fote shares her revolutionary motor skill training circuit and explains how to strategically use neuromodulation as a “burner” to amplify meaningful neural signals. You will discover how to move beyond simple task replication to embrace error, variability, and explosive power training that truly drives long-term neuroplasticity.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze the evidence around essential factors that are needed to translate task-specific training into real-world performance
• Apply evidence-informed, practical strategies to actionably incorporate multimodal movement parameters and neuromodulation into task-specific training
• Solve patient case scenarios involving the application of an expanded task-specific training framework to restore functional mobility and upper extremity function

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:01:38) Introduction to neurorehabilitation and Dr. Field-Fote's journey
• (00:06:16) Understanding task-specific training in neurorehab
• (00:10:48) The role of neuromodulation in rehabilitation
• (00:16:11) Developing a motor skill training circuit
• (00:21:02) Managing spasticity in rehabilitation
• (00:24:51) Embracing ambiguity in clinical practice
• (00:31:25) Isolating muscle function for enhanced training
• (00:35:22) Circuit training: a structured approach to rehabilitation
• (00:38:02) Challenging the nervous system for real-world performance
• (00:40:34) The importance of kinematics in rehabilitation
• (00:45:17) Key takeaways for clinicians in rehabilitation
• (00:52:05) Engaging patients through varied training techniques
• (00:54:34) Incorporating home programs for continuous improvement

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/⁠

Join host and neurorehab physical therapist J.J. Mowder-Tinney as she sits down with Dr. Hadas Ofek, PT, MSc, PhD, a neurophysiotherapist with over 30 years of expertise in somatosensory and pain management. Together, they explore why treating sensation is as critical as vestibular or visual rehab, offering a “missing link” for patients with somatosensory impairment across all rehab stages, especially relevant for those whose motor progress has plateaued. You’ll discover the practical differences between implicit and explicit sensory retraining and how to apply low-cost, high-impact “sensory games” to improve balance, mobility, function, and neuropathic pain. This episode provides actionable strategies to help your patients regain their “representation of self” and achieve meaningful participation goals.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze the evidence around somatosensory impairment across neurological diagnoses and the efficacy of sensory retraining for addressing sensorimotor deficits and pain syndromes
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably select between implicit and explicit sensory retraining based on the patient’s neurological profile and functional goals
• Solve patient case scenarios involving somatosensory impairment and neuropathic pain that limit motor control, balance, and overall participation in daily life

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:00) Introduction to sensation in neurology
• (00:01:12) Hadas Ofek's journey in sensory retraining
• (00:06:20) The importance of sensation in patient recovery
• (00:12:20) Assessment tools for sensory testing
• (00:18:29) Practical applications of sensory training
• (00:22:40) Explicit vs. implicit sensory training
• (00:30:16) Understanding sensory training in rehabilitation
• (00:33:02) The importance of patient-centric approaches
• (00:34:32) Explicit vs. implicit sensory retraining
• (00:35:20) Gaining patient buy-in for sensory training
• (00:38:35) Case studies: overcoming sensory loss
• (00:47:13) Three key takeaways for sensory rehabilitation

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/⁠

Join host J.J. Mowder-Tinney for a compelling conversation with Dr. Stacie Barber, a physical therapist and strength specialist who brings a bold, performance-based lens to neurological recovery. Drawing from her background in elite athletics and the personal journey of navigating her husband‘s massive stroke, Stacie challenges us to rethink the “traditional“ boundaries of neurorehabilitation. We explore how to safely integrate high-intensity strength training, multi-modal approaches, and objective force measurement to drive meaningful physiological adaptations. You‘ll walk away with actionable strategies to move beyond movement quality alone and empower your patients to reclaim their baseline strength and self-efficacy.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze the evidence around strength training principles in stroke rehabilitation, including the role of progressive loading, cross-education, and physiological adaptations that influence recovery
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address the implementation of high-intensity resistance training principles to improve physiological adaptations and self-efficacy in stroke survivors

• Solve patient case scenarios involving the use of multi-modal approaches to address spasticity, resting tone, and functional mobility in post-stroke recovery

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:05) Introduction
• (00:02:30) Stacie's journey from athlete to physical therapist
• (00:05:15) Personal experience with a stroke
• (00:08:09) Advocating for early mobilization
• (00:12:47) The role of strength training in neurorehabilitation
• (00:15:03) Incorporating blood flow restriction
• (00:19:58) Holistic rehabilitation
• (00:23:58) Motivating patients by challenging them
• (00:26:51) Strength, spasticity, and rehabilitation
• (00:31:40) Measuring strength for rehabilitation
• (00:32:05) Integrating strength training in the clinic
• (00:41:02) Patient engagement and buy-in strategies
• (00:44:52) Objective testing in strength training
• (00:53:50) Embracing trial and error in 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/⁠

This course is a recording of a previously hosted live webinar event. Polling and question submission features are not available for this recording. Format and structure may differ from those of standard podcasts.

Join host J.J. Mowder-Tinney, PT, PhD, NCS, for an insightful conversation with Julie Hershberg, PT, DPT, NCS, a renowned expert with over two decades of experience navigating the complexities of functional neurological disorder (FND). Together, they unpack the critical—and often fragile—role of the therapeutic alliance, exploring how past medical stigma and past clinical “gaslighting” can derail patient progress before treatment even begins. You will discover how to identify subtle “trust-breakers” in your own practice and replace them with actionable, evidence-based strategies that center the patient’s wisdom. Tune in to learn how to move beyond simple patient education and build a collaborative partnership that fosters genuine healing.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze the evidence related to medical stigma and the impact of mistrust on clinical outcomes in functional neurological disorder (FND)
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to build trust and foster patient-led collaboration in FND
• Integrate case-based approaches to restore therapeutic alliance and strengthen rapport with individuals with FND

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:00) Introduction to trust in FND
• (00:02:11) Building trust with patients
• (00:10:23) Understanding stigma in healthcare
• (00:15:36) Impact of stigma on trust
• (00:18:45) Explaining FND to patients
• (00:24:00) Interdisciplinary team approach
• (00:31:50) Discharge recommendations for FND patients
• (00:34:25) Starting therapy with FND patients
• (00:36:35) The importance of listening and believing patients
• (00:40:28) Building trust through empathy and understanding
• (00:47:40) Creative approaches in therapy sessions
• (00:59:20) Navigating insurance and patient care
• (01:10:00) Family dynamics and patient belief
• (01:11:00) Unusual adaptations in therapy for trust building

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/⁠

Join Dr. Annie Tapp, PT, DPT, PhD, NCS, an expert in implementation science and neurologic rehabilitation, as she breaks down the active ingredients of effective gait interventions. Alongside host J.J. Mowder-Tinney, you’ll discover how to move beyond “just walking” by using a clinical reasoning framework to prioritize gait subcomponents like stance stability and limb advancement. Together, they explore practical strategies for maintaining high intensity without sacrificing biomechanical specificity. You will learn how to calibrate sessions in real time and embrace patient errors as essential drivers for neuroplasticity.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze the evidence around high-intensity gait training and the motor learning principles that support its use
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address the biomechanical subcomponents of gait in individualized training sessions
• Solve patient case scenarios involving the design and progression of high-intensity subcomponent-targeted interventions for patients with stroke

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:05) Introduction to high-intensity gait training
• (00:02:54) Challenges in understanding abnormal gait
• (00:04:48) Functional subcomponents of gait
• (00:07:41) Barriers to implementing high-intensity gait training
• (00:11:01) Alternative approaches to high-intensity training
• (00:14:36) Motor learning and individualized interventions
• (00:16:50) Addressing cognitive impairments in therapy
• (00:18:52) High-intensity training for nonambulatory patients
• (00:21:48) Creating engaging therapy sessions
• (00:24:05) Examining gait components in therapy
• (00:30:00) Motivating patients through progression
• (00:32:49) Documentation strategies for clinicians
• (00:35:00) Heart rate and RPE in therapy
• (00:39:18) Building patient buy-in
• (00:41:58) Key takeaways for clinicians
• (00:42:58) Case study: outpatient stroke rehabilitation
• (00:48:38) Case study: inpatient stroke rehabilitation

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/⁠

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/