Unstoppable Strides: Navigating Dystonia, movement longevity and neuro plasticity

Julie Bergfeld

Join Julie for information, exploration, stories of hope and real talk related to running with dystonia, neuro plasticity and establishing better movement patterns at any age. Runner’s dystonia is a type of repetitive exercise dystonia that is brought on by running. Some are affected by walking and cycling as well.  Dystonias are a class of movement disorders marked by involuntary muscle contractions in one or more parts of the body, depending on the type of dystonia. Runner’s dystonia is considered task-specific, which means that it only occurs when doing a repetitive motion—in this case, the repetitive nature of the running gait cycle.Give us a listen if you'd like to learn more. One small favor... if you like these podcasts and want to support the show, could you buy us a cup of coffee through a donation to support our hosting and producing fees? https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dystonia You can email us here if you're interested in collaborating or contributing - runnersdystonia@gmail.com

  1. Jul 24

    Bree Sutton, BrainSpotting and Heart Math as Mental Health Tools for Athletes

    Bree Sutton is a mental health therapist specializing in helping athletes and high achievers overcome anxiety and reach their full potential. Her approach is unique because of the integration of techniques like HeartMath biofeedback to enhance heart rate variability and brainspotting to target deep, subconscious roots of anxiety and performance blocks in the neurological system. These methods help clients not just manage anxiety but transform it into a source of strength, resilience, and peak performance. HeartMath Brainspotting Support the show The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals. You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - julie@juliebergfeld.com and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - joellef510@gmail.com

  2. Jul 8

    Tim Koh Shares his story and Genetic Mutation

    Tim Koh, Professor of Kinesiology and Nutrition at the University of Illinois-Chicago, shares his story of dystonia and information about a possible link with a genetic mutation (THAP 1).  Please share these podcasts with friends, supporters, healthcare providers, your team. Without your support, we could not exist. If you'd like to contribute to our keeping these going, please consider donating via the links here.  Support the show The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals. You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - julie@juliebergfeld.com and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - joellef510@gmail.com

  3. May 29

    Researcher Ariel Beccia Shares her Dystonia Story

    Julie talks with Ariel Beccia, a researcher with the Harvard School of Public Health, on her dystonia story and how she got from not running 10 years ago to where she is now with running and racing and workouts.  Please Like, Comment, Share! Support the show The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals. You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - julie@juliebergfeld.com and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - joellef510@gmail.com

  4. May 20

    Exploring Oral Therapy with Dr. Bernard Ravina of Vima Therapeutics

    Julie sits down with Dr. Bernard Ravina, CEO and founder of Vima Therapeutics. His company is developing a drug that looks promising in helping those with dystonia.  Vima Therapeutic website Vima Therapeutics team Site for current Phase 2 dystonia study into first oral medication. The study is named "Stride Dystonia" Survey done with the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF).   Support the show The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals. You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - julie@juliebergfeld.com and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - joellef510@gmail.com

  5. May 13

    Where we are with Dystonia Research with Neurologist Erik van Wensen

    Neurologist Erik van Wensen shares his personal story and where we are with current understanding and research in the area of dystonia and specifically task-specific sports dystonia.  Mentioned in the recording: EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Botox - Botulinum Toxin David Marsden Dystonia Medical Research  Dart-Player Jules van Dongen Pedals and Points fundraiser for Dystonia You can support our work by contributing to research and by supporting the podcast.  Support the show The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals. You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - julie@juliebergfeld.com and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - joellef510@gmail.com

  6. Apr 21

    Cervical Dystonia in a Runner with David Abelson

    Julie has a conversation with Boulder, CO runner David Abelson. David has cervical dystonia and has been active in running for more than 30 years. In 2022, he developed dystonia and shares his 4 keys to his path of recovery.  "Don't give up" Mentioned in the podcast: Botox Colchicine Rapamycin Dr. Steven Frucht at NYU-Langone Support the show The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals. You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - julie@juliebergfeld.com and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - joellef510@gmail.com

  7. Apr 8

    EMDR Explained with Whitney Dittmar

    Julie has a conversation with EMDR specialist, Whitney Dittmar, MA, LPC, EMDR Therapist for Athletes, Performance & Trauma Specialist Listed in the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee Mental Health Directory (2025) for the Mental Health Directory. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be used with athletes and performers to enhance performance, break through mental and physical blocks.  EMDR is therapy that encourages the patient to focus on a traumatic memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the memories. This therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help recovery from trauma and PTSD symptoms. Research shows EMDR therapy as a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences, and may even be more effective than Prozac in treatment.  Learn more about Whitney Dittmar, MA LPCEMDRIA to locate a therapist in your areaSupport the show The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals. You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - julie@juliebergfeld.com and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - joellef510@gmail.com

  8. Apr 2

    Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

    Julie talks with Stacey Ginesin and Dr. Iahn Cajigas about DBS. We cover a lot of territory here, including how to get the procedure approved by Insurance, when DBS becomes a viable option, success rates, risks and Stacey's experience with dystonia and DBS surgery.  Support the show The information shared in this podcast is not intended to diagnose. recommend nor treat medical conditions. We are not licensed medical professionals and do not take the place of your team of medical professionals. You can find us here: Julie Bergfeld - julie@juliebergfeld.com and juliebergfeld.com (@juliebergfeldcoaching) and JoJo Fraser - joellef510@gmail.com

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About

Join Julie for information, exploration, stories of hope and real talk related to running with dystonia, neuro plasticity and establishing better movement patterns at any age. Runner’s dystonia is a type of repetitive exercise dystonia that is brought on by running. Some are affected by walking and cycling as well.  Dystonias are a class of movement disorders marked by involuntary muscle contractions in one or more parts of the body, depending on the type of dystonia. Runner’s dystonia is considered task-specific, which means that it only occurs when doing a repetitive motion—in this case, the repetitive nature of the running gait cycle.Give us a listen if you'd like to learn more. One small favor... if you like these podcasts and want to support the show, could you buy us a cup of coffee through a donation to support our hosting and producing fees? https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dystonia You can email us here if you're interested in collaborating or contributing - runnersdystonia@gmail.com

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