This episode explores how physical and occupational therapists can integrate Parkinson’s disease–specific functional training into everyday clinical practice. Host J.J. Mowder-Tinney is joined by Dr. Becky Farley, neuroscientist, physical therapist, and founder of Parkinson Wellness Recovery (PWR!), to discuss the science and art of applying exercise as medicine for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Together, they break down the core motor control building blocks—such as antigravity extension, weight shifting, axial mobility, and transitions—and demonstrate how these fundamentals can be retrained and progressed to improve real-world function. Listeners will learn practical strategies to make exercise goal-directed, challenging, and fun, while also addressing cognitive and emotional barriers that often limit mobility. Through case examples and clinical pearls, this conversation highlights how to design interventions that feel more like sport than therapy, empowering patients to move with greater ease and confidence. Ideal for PTs and OTs working in rehabilitation or community-based settings, this episode offers actionable insights you can bring directly to your practice

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the fundamental motor control building blocks that support functional mobility training as a foundational intervention for people with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD)
• Apply evidence-informed strategies to target key motor control fundamentals when designing PD-specific functional mobility training
• Solve patient case scenarios to develop individualized plans of care that integrate PD-specific functional mobility training across rehabilitation and community settings

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:01:09) Introduction to guest
• (00:04:20) The importance of functional mobility training
• (00:06:38) Understanding Parkinson’s symptoms and their impact
• (00:10:25) Core fundamentals of movement in therapy
• (00:14:50) Recapping fundamental building blocks of movement
• (00:25:20) Common impairments in Parkinson’s beyond rigidity and bradykinesia
• (00:28:55) Research insights on essential ingredients for rehabilitation
• (00:32:40) Defining FUN-ctional exercise
• (00:36:04) Practical examples of motor-cognitive challenges
• (00:41:43) Translating research into day-to-day clinical practice
• (00:43:07) Creative case example: turning and freezing of gait
• (00:49:22) Engaging care partners for home and community carryover
• (00:51:14) Three actionable clinical takeaways
• (00:54:30) Superpower question and closing thoughts

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

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Dr. Nancy Byl, a pioneer in neuroplasticity and expert in focal dystonia, joins host J.J. Mowder-Tinney for a dynamic conversation on how OTs and PTs can rethink assessment and intervention for this underrecognized movement disorder. J.J. brings curiosity and clinical insight as they explore the sensory origins of dystonia, surprising traits shared by many patients, and why behavioral retraining may hold more promise than you think. Along the way, Dr. Byl shares case examples, brain mapping data, and creative treatment strategies grounded in decades of experience. Tune in to discover how targeted sensory retraining—and a little outside-the-box thinking—may help retrain the brain.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence around the definition, diagnosis, and prevalence of focal dystonia (FD)
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to address the treatment of FD, grounded in principles of neuroplasticity and behavioral interventions, and to support engagement in meaningful occupations
• Solve patient case scenarios involving FD while integrating current research, clinical reasoning, and potential directions for future investigation

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:01:05) Introduction to guest and focal dystonia research
• (00:06:56) Understanding focal dystonia in context
• (00:11:16) The impact of focal dystonia on lives
• (00:16:01) Personality traits and focal dystonia
• (00:18:35) Neuroscience insights into dystonia
• (00:24:39) Behavioral retraining and dystonia
• (00:28:18) Patient characteristics and outcomes
• (00:33:49) Assessment techniques for dystonia
• (00:46:08) Innovative treatment approaches
• (00:47:17) The role of behavioral training in recovery
• (00:49:46) Real-life retraining success stories and insights

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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Dr. Nora Fritz, PhD, PT, DPT, NCS, an expert in postural control and fall risk in people with multiple sclerosis, joins host J.J. Mowder-Tinney for a deep dive into reactive balance—why it matters, how it’s measured, and what we can do about it. J.J. and Nora explore the latest research around sensory reweighting, backward walking, and compensatory stepping, connecting the science to real-world clinical applications across patient populations. Together, they discuss strategies to support your clients’ safety and confidence through tailored interventions and meaningful conversations. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your assessment approach or rethink fall prevention strategies, this episode offers insights you won’t want to miss.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence around reactive postural control in persons with MS
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address reactive balance control in persons with MS
• Incorporate measures of psychological functioning that may impact goal setting for reactive postural control in persons with MS

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:47) Introduction to reactive balance and multiple sclerosis (MS)
• (00:03:04) Understanding reactive balance mechanisms
• (00:06:50) Research insights on backward walking
• (00:11:55) Neural control of reactive balance
• (00:17:45) Applications across different diagnoses
• (00:20:57) Practical examples in therapy sessions
• (00:26:41) Assessing reactive balance in clinical settings
• (00:29:02) Understanding patient concerns and fear of falling
• (00:33:04) Interventions for improving reactive balance
• (00:35:24) Creative approaches to reactive balance training
• (00:38:44) Key takeaways for clinicians
• (00:40:34) Case studies and clinical insights
• (00:42:31) Research and future directions in balance training

Resources Mentioned in Episode

• Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (ANPT) podcast episode that discusses the CAFFE Scale: DD SIG Episode 53: JNPT highlight: Concern About Falling and Fear of Falling in MS with Taylor Takla

• Balance Assessments

• Mini-BESTest
• Push and Release
• ABC Scale
• FES-I
• CAFFE Scale

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/⁠⁠⁠

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Sarah Brzeszkiewicz, MS, OTR/L, an expert at the intersection of rehab therapy and health tech, joins us on this episode of Neuro Navigators to demystify the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in therapy. With host J.J. Mowder-Tiney, she unpacks what AI really means for rehab professionals today—and what it doesn’t. Together, we explore emerging research, practical use cases, and everyday clinical scenarios that show how AI can enhance care rather than replace therapy practitioners. If you're curious about how to bring AI into your workflow to enhance your clinical edge, this conversation is for you.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the current evidence on the use of AI in rehabilitation practice
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address the role of AI in the therapeutic process
• Solve patient case scenarios to explore practical applications of AI in everyday practice

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:47) Introduction to AI in rehabilitation

• (00:02:54) The importance of AI in clinical practice

• (00:06:06) Research insights on AI in healthcare
• (00:08:58) AI solutions for clinicians
• (00:11:52) Enhancing assessment and treatment planning with AI
• (00:14:51) AI in remote monitoring and patient care
• (00:17:53) Predictive analytics and future of AI in rehab
• (00:22:37) Innovative tools for therapy interventions
• (00:26:09) AI in rehabilitation: enhancing engagement and outcomes
• (00:30:52) Expanding the scope: cognitive and vision rehabilitation
• (00:34:11) Actionable insights for clinicians
• (00:37:58) Real-world applications: case examples in therapy
• (00:44:19) Creative adaptations 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/⁠⁠

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Julie D. Ries, PT, PhD, a professor of physical therapy and an international educator on dementia care, joins host J.J. Mowder-Tinney for an honest conversation about elevating therapy for older adults living with dementia. Together we dive into the biases that often shape clinical decisions and explore how shifting your approach can enhance engagement, occupational participation, and outcomes. You’ll walk away with practical strategies that can help boost your confidence and make every interaction count through relationship building, positive communication, environmental awareness, and leveraging motor learning strategies. Whether you’re new to dementia care or looking to refine your skills, this episode offers a fresh lens—and a few simple mindset shifts—to maximize your impact.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence around therapists’ perceptions of working with older adults with dementia and strategies to maximize therapeutic engagement and occupational participation of these individuals
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address therapists’ confidence and competence in working with individuals with dementia
• Examine pragmatic suggestions for engagement and best therapeutic outcome in working with individuals with dementia

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:01:19) Julie Ries, PT, PhD, shares her background and what drew her to dementia care
• (00:03:11) Therapeutic nihilism and shifting clinician mindsets
• (00:06:45) Introducing Ries’s framework and its use in educational settings
• (00:08:45) Origins and evidence for the four-part framework
• (00:10:14) Component 1: Relationship building—personalization, respecting reality, and reminiscence
• (00:14:40) The value of validation and emotional safety in dementia care
• (00:18:45) Component 2: Communication strategies—tone, simplicity, elderspeak, and nonverbal cues
• (00:23:58) Intentional smiling and reading body language
• (00:25:07) Behavior as communication and decoding “inappropriate” actions
• (00:28:53) Ensuring basic needs are met before sessions
• (00:29:15) Component 3: Environmental awareness—consistency, routine, and visual cues
• (00:33:32) Environmental enrichment with music and personalization
• (00:34:54) Component 4: Motor learning optimization—functional salience, errorless learning, and blocked practice
• (00:42:58) Applying errorless learning in clinical scenarios
• (00:46:29) Repetition and safe intensity in therapeutic interventions
• (00:48:35) Adjusting approaches for various levels of dementia
• (00:50:32) Fostering self-efficacy and honoring cognitive capabilities
• (00:52:54) Educating families to prevent “excess disability”
• (00:57:08) Top three actionable takeaways
• (00:58:15) Episode close and Medbridge resources reminder

Resources Mentioned in Episode

• Be Light Care (Resource for education and practical tips from a rehabilitation provider)
• Alzheimer’s Association (Resource for information related to dementia)
• Alzheimers.gov (Resource for information related to dementia)

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/

Jeff Walter, DPT, NCS, returns to Neuro Navigators to share even more clinical practice tips for clinicians who are both new and experienced with vestibular rehab. Host JJ Mowder-Tinney and Jeff dive into the vestibular management hidden gems that could be the strategies to transform your clinical practice. From alternative benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) assessment techniques to under-recognized treatments for Meniere’s disease to emerging treatments for vestibular-related imbalance and falls, you’ll walk away with practical tools you can apply immediately. Whether you are a physical or occupational therapy practitioner, this episode is for you. Don’t miss this engaging discussion filled with actionable takeaways to enhance your confidence in treating dizziness and balance disorders.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the evidence regarding optimal management of vestibular disorders
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address the efficient evaluation and treatment of vestibular-related dizziness
• Solve patient case scenarios involving frequent falls and disabling vertigo to support participation in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), such as community mobility and home management

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:15) Welcome back, guest Jeff Walter, DPT, NCS
• (00:00:55) Jeff’s background and work at Geisinger Medical Center
• (00:02:11) Evolution of Jeff’s vestibular specialization
• (00:03:12) Overview: tips for clinicians with foundational vestibular knowledge
• (00:04:42) Sidelying test: what it is and why to use it
• (00:06:54) How to perform the sidelying test with exact head positioning cues
• (00:08:21) Embedding the sidelying test into functional mobility assessments
• (00:11:55) Splinting the patient’s head: comfort and compliance tips
• (00:13:21) Half Dix-Hallpike: identifying short-arm posterior canal BPPV
• (00:16:40) Flashlight fixation-blocking: a goggle-free nystagmus test
• (00:18:11) When to use it and how to prep the patient
• (00:25:10) Mastoid vibration test: screening for vestibular hypofunction
• (00:26:00) Interpretation: direction-fixed nystagmus and its implications
• (00:26:40) When and why to use mastoid vibration (TBI, falls, etc.)
• (00:34:04) Gentamicin injections: managing Meniere’s-related vertigo
• (00:40:00) Vestibular drop attacks (Tumarkin events): signs and screening tips
• (00:42:30) Real-life example and how to follow up when falls are unexplained
• (00:46:00) Vibrotactile belt: a future-forward sensory substitution device
• (00:47:00) Who it’s for, how it works, and early user feedback
• (00:52:50) Wrapping up: Jeff’s top takeaways for novice and experienced physical and occupational therapy practitioners
• (00:56:25) Superpower time: Jeff’s vestibular-themed wishes
• (00:58:00) Closing remarks and where to listen to Episode 1

Resources Mentioned in Episode

• Alonso, S. M., & Caletrío, Á. B. (2024). Clinical Advancements in Skull Vibration-Induced Nystagmus (SVIN) over the Last Two Years: A Literature Review. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(23), 7236.

Neuro Naviagators 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/

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Dr. Mary Warren, a leading expert in visual impairments and hemianopia in adults with acquired brain injury, joins host J.J. Mowder-Tinney to shed light on this common and often-overlooked condition. Together, we explore why hemianopia is so critical for rehabilitation professionals to understand and look for, how it can permanently impact daily life and participation, and what clinicians like you can do to assess and address it effectively. You’ll gain clarity on how to differentiate between hemianopia and neglect, as well as evidence-based insights into treatment techniques and compensatory strategies. Tune in for a conversation packed with practical takeaways to enhance your approach to vision-related challenges in neuro rehab.

Learning Objectives

• Interpret the evidence around characteristics of HH that limit participation in occupations
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address the client’s limitations in mobility and reading and participation within indoor and community environments
• Solve patient case scenarios involving characteristics of HH that limit performance and participation

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:03) Introduction to Neuro Navigators and guest introduction
• (00:00:49) Dr. Mary Warren’s background and expertise
• (00:05:59) The importance of understanding hemianopia
• (00:11:00) Challenges faced by individuals with hemianopia
• (00:13:23) Distinguishing hemianopia from neglect
• (00:16:47) Observational strategies for clinicians
• (00:21:00) Interventions and current research on hemianopia
• (00:27:01) Understanding hemianopia and environmental impact
• (00:28:14) Compensatory visual scanning techniques
• (00:32:24) Assessment strategies for hemianopia
• (00:36:25) Creating supportive environments
• (00:37:36) Addressing fear and anxiety in patients
• (00:42:00) Communicating with caregivers
• (00:46:42) Actionable takeaways for clinicians
• (00:49:40) Empowering patients through practical strategies

Neuro Navigators 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 Navigators, visit https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigators

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

On this episode of Neuro Navigators,⁠ Kristen Keech⁠ and⁠ Jessica Asiello⁠ join host ⁠J. J. Mowder-Tinney ⁠to tackle a vital and often misunderstood topic: disorders of consciousness (DoC). Together, we bust myths, consider ethical challenges, and offer actionable insights grounded in cutting-edge research, including recent clinical practice guidelines. How can we ensure equitable access to treatment and avoid strikingly common pitfalls like misdiagnosis or premature withdrawal of care? Tune in to explore evidence-based practices, practical strategies, and inspiring examples that challenge us to rethink what’s possible for these patients.

Learning Objectives

• Interpret the evidence around rehab professionals’ role in assessment and recovery of consciousness
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address gaps in knowledge translation to ensure implementation of best practices when managing individuals with disorders of consciousness
• Solve patient case scenarios involving individuals at various levels of consciousness

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:50) Introduction to guests and disorders of consciousness (DoC)
• (00:02:20) Personal journeys and passion for DoC
• (00:06:05) Misconceptions and clinical questions
• (00:09:23) Assessment techniques and team collaboration
• (00:13:29) Recent research and evidence-based practice
• (00:23:10) Understanding disorders of consciousness
• (00:25:33) Multimodal approaches in rehabilitation
• (00:27:45) Assessment tools and techniques
• (00:29:13) Importance of documentation
• (00:31:45) Individualizing patient care
• (00:33:15) Engaging families in therapy
• (00:36:25) Overcoming barriers in treatment
• (00:39:58) Empowering clinicians
• (00:41:14) Actionable takeaways for clinicians
• (00:43:17) Case studies in practice
• (00:49:11) Final thoughts and inspiration

Resources Mentioned in Episode

• ⁠Practice guideline update recommendations summary: Disorders of consciousness⁠

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 Navaigators, visit

⁠https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigators⁠

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In this episode we welcome Dr. Candace (Candy) Tefertiller, an expert in spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation, to explore the exciting potential of transcutaneous spinal stimulation (TSS) in augmenting motor recovery. Candy breaks down the mechanisms behind TSS, offers insights into the latest research, and shares the current and emerging clinical applications of this noninvasive technique. Together with host J.J. Mowder-Tinney, we dig into key considerations for therapists, including patient outcomes, and strategies for keeping a pulse on relevant research. Listen in to learn how TSS might be the next innovative intervention to augment SCI recovery.

Learning Objectives

• Interpret the evidence around the underlying mechanism associated with noninvasive spinal stimulation to facilitate sensory and motor recovery after SCI
• Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably address motor recovery and activation after SCI, with a focus on enhancing functional outcomes in daily activities
• Solve patient case scenarios involving individuals with limited voluntary motor activation after SCI

Timestamps:

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:0049) Introduction to guest
• (00:03:05) Background and research focus
• (00:06:14) The impact of noninvasive spinal stimulation
• (00:10:04) Understanding transcutaneous spinal stimulation mechanisms
• (00:14:03) Comparing noninvasive and invasive spinal stimulation
• (00:15:54) Patient tolerance and individual variability in stimulation
• (00:18:01) Distinguishing between spinal and peripheral nerve stimulation
• (00:20:57) Current research status and future directions
• (00:25:38) Understanding noninvasive spinal stimulation
• (00:27:48) Research insights and case studies
• (00:30:55) Impact on spasticity and functional improvements
• (00:37:16) Key considerations for therapists
• (00:45:30) Real-world applications and patient engagement
• (00:48:51) The future of physical therapy and research

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 Navigators, visit https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigators

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/

Dr. Herbert Karpatkin, PT, DSc, NCS, GCS, MSCS, joins J.J. Mowder-Tinney to share his expertise on improving mobility in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Herb discusses the common misconceptions about MS in physical therapy and offers practical strategies, including interval training and task-specific exercises, to enhance patient outcomes.

Learning Objectives

Timestamps

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 Navigators, visit https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigators

If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/