The Hidden Muscles: Pelvic Floor Health in PD

The Hidden Muscles: Pelvic Floor Health in PD

In this episode of Parkinson’s EmPower Talks, our guest is Erica Vitek, MOT, OTR, BCB-PMD, PRPC with Aurora Health Care. Today, we’re talking about pelvic floor health in Parkinson's. This can be a very sensitive topic, but it needs to happen more often in Parkinson's care. Many individuals with Parkinson's experience bladder changes, constipation, urgency, nighttime bathroom trips, and these symptoms are rarely talked about openly. The good news is there are some therapies, exercises, and strategies that can help. Erica’s EmPowering message is, “The pelvic floor is a muscle; we can do something about it. We can help the pelvic floor muscle, training it in a different way to help you to really maximize your quality of life. You are not alone; it's common, we can help it, and track patterns. So, when you go to your clinician, you can have at least some idea of some of the patterns that you've been experiencing, and then we can start from there and take steps to help you get this all taken care of.” To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/b5Qa530Agu0 Resources: BCIA, look for a practitioner certified as BCB-PMD (board certified in biofeedback for pelvic muscle dysfunction) Consumers - https://www.bcia.org/consumers-find-a-practitioner Herman and Wallace, look for a practitioner certified as PRPC (board certified pelvic rehabilitation practitioner) Find a Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Near You - https://pelvicrehab.com/?utm_source=hermanwallace.com&utm_medium=referrral&utm_content=findapractitioner American Physical Therapy Association PT Locator | Find Expert Care for Pelvic and Abdominal Health - APTA Pelvic Health - https://www.aptapelvichealth.org/ptlocator To support more programs like this: https://wiparkinson.app.neoncrm.com/forms/support-parkinson-empowertalks Wisconsin Parkinson Association  website: https://wiparkinson.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

When Parkinson's Changes: How Home Care Adapts Over Time

In this episode of Parkinson’s EmPower Talks, our guest is Ruth Busalacchi, Owner and President of Synergy HomeCare. “Parkinson’s doesn’t stay the same. Neither should care. Today, we’re talking about how home care adapts over time—and how families can plan proactively instead of reacting in crisis.” Ruth’s EmPowering message is, “Avoid the ‘cross your finger’ plan. Be proactive: get all the information you can—ask your friends, go online, reach out to Wisconsin Parkinson Association, and get all of those resources in your back pocket. Then have a conversation with your family: here are my thoughts in the moment; here’s what I want to do. It’s a hard conversation to have, but then you are less likely to be reactive and more likely to be proactive.” Synergyhomecare.com 414-763-8368 To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ju-D0FBQMZU To support more programs like this: https://wiparkinson.app.neoncrm.com/forms/support-parkinson-empowertalks Wisconsin Parkinson Association  website: https://wiparkinson.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

Advocacy for a Parkinson’s Registry in Wisconsin

In this episode of Parkinson's EmPower Talks, our guest is Stephanie Johnson, founder of the Rick Johnson Parkinson's Disease Registry and the Parkinson's Disease Alliance of Wisconsin. She will share what led her to become an advocate for the Parkinson’s community and the importance of a statewide Parkinson’s registry. We’re grateful to have her with us to discuss this important work. Stephanie's EmPowering message is, "Connect with your values and the values that pull you forward, that give you a sense of meaning and purpose and hope. I think there's room for everybody to do a little something to make an impact and make change." Parkinson's Disease Alliance of WI Website link: https://www.pdalliancewi.org/ Take Action Today: https://emboldenwi.salsalabs.org/pdregistry0/index.html To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aJxJ6w4uY98 To support more programs like this: https://wiparkinson.app.neoncrm.com/forms/support-parkinson-empowertalks Wisconsin Parkinson Association  website: https://wiparkinson.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

Reclaiming Your Voice: The Power of Speech Therapy in Parkinson's

Discussion with Lisa Dickas, SLP - In this episode with Lisa, we will discuss the topic of speech therapy. Lisa's EmPowering message is, "You can still make  important and meaningful gains despite the diagnosis. You can take some things back from Parkinson's; it is not a one way street. The hardest part is the start. You can start now with adding good habits and dumping the bad ones, and really trying to set your current and future self up for as many options as possible." To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/miZCaF2YtP8 To support more programs like this: https://wiparkinson.app.neoncrm.com/forms/support-parkinson-empowertalks Wisconsin Parkinson Association  website: https://wiparkinson.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/

Alternative Therapies for PD

Discussion with Christian Biegel, DPT - In this episode with Dr. Biegel, we will discuss the topic of Alternative Therapies for PD. Dr. Biegel's EmPowering message is, "if you don't use it you lose it, motion is lotion, and be an active participant in your health and wellness care." To watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ka_O0okdsGU To support more programs like this: https://wiparkinson.app.neoncrm.com/forms/support-parkinson-empowertalks Wisconsin Parkinson Association  website: https://wiparkinson.org/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wiparkinson facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiparkinson/ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiparkinson/