I Love Neuro Erin Gallardo and Claire McLean

We’re back for another episode this week! This one is bringing you practical clinical tools you can start incorporating right now. It’s based on new evidence with intense exercise and its effect on increasing dopamine transporter and neuromelanin concentrations in the substantia nigra in Parkinson’s disease. While Rogue has always been known to implement the research into practice, a transition at the clinic and inspiration from a recent article (small “n” yet still inspiring) results in a new class format that just started at Rogue PT and Wellness, Claire’s gym for people with PD. Claire introduces the new high-intensity class at Rogue called "Hi Fi" for “high intensity” and “functional.” It incorporates cardio, strength and functional exercises into intervals with modifications. The format follows recent research on intense exercise improving neuromelanin in Parkinson's. Find the link below to the full text free article.
Hi Fi includes a warm-up before intervals alternating between two high-intensity exercises and five skilled exercises. Exercises target mobility, balance and strength. Visual cues and straps help improve participants' form.
Claire discusses adapting the class based on themes like last week's focus on mobility. Exercises included burpees, lunges and power moves using straps and chairs.
Check it out and let us know what you learned and what you’re going to try!
Intense exercise increases dopamine transporter and neuromelanin concentrations in the substantia nigra in Parkinson’s disease. Npj Parkinson’s disease. Published 09 February 2024

Our recent guest on the I Love Neuro podcast, Chanda Hinton, is doing impactful work to improve healthcare access and quality of care for individuals with disabilities. As the Executive Director of the Chanda Center for Health & Wellness in Denver, Colorado, Chanda leads efforts in both direct service provision and systemic advocacy.
Chanda shared her personal story of living with a spinal cord injury since 1991. She discussed the secondary conditions that often arise and how the medical model can fall short in long-term support. Chanda's experience with chronic pain and reliance on opioids inspired her vision for the Chanda Center - providing holistic, collaborative care through integrative therapies like physical therapy, acupuncture and massage.
For 19 years, the Chanda Center has evolved its approach. It now offers on-site services under one roof, including physical therapy, chiropractic, behavioral health and more. Chanda advocates for Medicaid coverage of these therapies based on her success with them. She works to reduce red tape around physical therapy access through Medicaid as well.
Chanda highlighted the need for improved disability competence among healthcare providers. Biases that disability equals sickness must be challenged. Providers need education and autonomy to respectfully serve individuals. Chanda also emphasized the importance of visibility - on social media and in mainstream representation. This helps normalize the reality that one in four people will experience disability.
Through direct service, advocacy and legislative change, Chanda empowers people with disabilities. She trains providers and works to redefine narratives around both disability and aging. Chanda's courageous and collaborative approach is uniquely improving lives and transforming healthcare systems. 
To learn more about supporting the Chanda Center's mission, visit their website at https://chandacenter.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chandacenter/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chandacenterforhealth/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chandacenterforhealth/  

On this episode of the I Love Neuro podcast, host Erin Gallardo sits down with guest Joy Cochran to discuss her business Joy Explorations and an upcoming Parkinson's disease retreat.
Joy started Joy Explorations in 2018 with a goal of empowering older adults and those with neurological conditions through adaptive outdoor activities and movement. She found many of her physical therapy clients were not continuing the activities they enjoyed after discharge. Joy wanted to help people live life to the fullest outside of the clinic setting.
Joy Explorations now offers group classes, one-on-one sessions, and "exploration days" where clients can try kayaking, biking on adaptive trikes, and more. Joy assesses each client's needs and works with them to problem solve challenges in a personalized way.
In September, Joy will host a four-day Parkinson's disease retreat focused on exercise, education, and immersion in healthy lifestyle strategies. The retreat will incorporate kayaking, biking, hiking, and other outdoor activities alongside workshops on managing non-motor symptoms. Joy's goal is to help participants realize they can do more than they think and leave with new skills and friendships.
The podcast provides valuable insights into Joy's process of planning the retreat budget, contracts, and activities. Overall, the episode offers inspiration and practical tips for anyone interested in hosting health and wellness retreats.
Learn more about Joy and the retreat here:
www.joyexplorations.com
https://joyexplorations.mykajabi.com/pd-retreat
@joyexplorations on Instagram and FB

Ever feel stuck between what you want to do and what you feel like you should do? Uh, yes, all the time! How does it feel when you have these ingrained expectations making decisions for you? Usually not so great. And it happens to everyone. So in this episode we talk about why that happens, how to recognize when you're operating in external “shoulds” instead of internal “shoulds”, what to do about it. Plus we’ll give you permission to be happier AND reach your goals in the way that works best for you. Get resources, examples and experience to draw from and help propel you forward to a life and business led in the exact best way for you.
The Crossroads Between Should and Must by Elle Luna
Full Focus Planner
 

Okay, so let’s address this head on: No one wants to fall. But falls do happen. Especially for people who have trouble with their balance. So wouldn’t it be great if when someone did fall, they knew how to roll or land in a way that minimized injury? That’s what we’re talking about today with physiotherapist Naomi Casiro of NeuroFit BC. She runs one on one and group therapy sessions for people with PD teaching them the fundamentals of controlling their movement and momentum in order to minimize risk.  
In the show we’ll address:
The actual format and progression of classes/sessions focused on fall training
The method Naomi uses to hone in on what type of falling to treat
What the MOST important factor is when teaching someone how to fall well
What the contraindications are for this type of training
What equipment is needed and how to get started
How to get your clients on board to try this training with you
You can reach out to Naomi and learn more about the fall training courses she teaches for healthcare professionals here:
www.neurofitbc.com 
www.neurofitbc.com/courses
Free exercise videos: www.neurofitbc.com/move 
naomi@neurofitbc.com

There are a lot of reasons you can go into private practice. Most of which have to do with the desire to provide care in a different way than you’ve seen in your community. But the way you set up your practice can be as unique as you are. One challenging question most neuro clinicians face when setting up their private practice is what to do about Medicare? As policies with Medicare continue to change, many opt to enroll in Medicare as a non-participating provider. This means you work with Medicare beneficiaries to deliver covered services but you bill differently. As a non-participating provider with Medicare you’re able to collect up front from patients, submit your claim to Medicare, and Medicare reimburses the patient for the visit (rather than you since you collected your money up front). There are pros and cons about going this route. In this episode we talk to physical therapist Tyler Horton of Synapse Neuro Rehab about his business model and why he decided to become a non-participating provider with Medicare. Tyler has been running his business this way for a few years and helps other neuro business owners who want to become non-participating with Medicare navigate this path.  
Website: https://synapseneurorehab.com/  
Instagram: @synapseneurorehab 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SynapseNeuroRehab/
dr.tyler@synapseneurorehab.com 
Join the free slack group, NeuroBiz Besties: https://forms.gle/32hJLWmsEmEW5Vs47