You're Not Alone Podcast

Caffeinate & Advocate! - Talking APTA, Washington D.C. & Medicare Payment Reform

Welcome back to You're Not Alone Podcast!  This week Val shares all about her trip to Washington D.C. with the APTA to advocate on behalf of physical therapy and our amazing patients.  In April, 250 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of physical therapy descended upon Washington D.C.  in part of APTA's annual PT Day at the Capitol to lobby for important changes benefiting the profession and our patients.  While it isn't the most entertaining topic, Medicare payment reform remains high on the list of discussion points while lobbying at the Capitol. For far too long, Medicare payment has remained stagnant and has not reflected the rising inflation rates many clinics are negatively impacted by. Add in the Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction (MPPR) policy and you'll see why this advocacy is vital for the future of physical therapy and meeting community needs.  Additionally, the APTA strongly advocated against moving physical therapy out of the professional degree catagory, as this limits federal student loans to a lifetime cap of $100,000, well above most DPT program tuition costs. Val shares her predictions of what this could mean down the line.  If you are interested in writing your congressional representatives in support of the motions and legislation discussed in this episode, please visit:  https://www.apta.org/advocacy/take-action/patient-action-center The letters are pre-filled, making it easy to write to your local representatives in just minutes! Thank you in advance!!  ************************************************** If you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, email us at: yourenotalonepodcast48@gmail.com If you or your loved one is in need of neuro physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy, give us a shout!  Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC 5761 E Brown Rd #19, Mesa, AZ 85205 Phone: 480-719-8080 Fax: 480-981-8595 Website: neuroandbrain.com

Ra-Jon's Story - Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) Recovery

Welcome back to another episode of the You're Not Alone Podcast!  This week, Morgan and Val interviewed Ra-Jon James, who shares his amazing recovery from Guillain-Barre Syndrome, often referred to as GBS.  Ra-Jon's symptoms were dismissed by his local urgent care as "just the flu", but within days, he would be receiving life-saving measures and months of therapies to regain his ability to walk and live independently again.  Ra-Jon shares the intimate details of his recovery and what inspired him to keep going, and gives thanks to his family and friends for raising him up when he was not feeling strong. Shout out to Ra-Jon's parents and his wonderful friend, Maureen, who motivated him to keep moving forward - literally!!  Thank you, Ra-Jon, for sharing your amazing recovery story with us!!  ******************************************************************************** Details about Guillain-Barre Syndrome via Mayo Clinic website: "Guillain-Barre (gee-YAH-buh-RAY) syndrome is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves. It can cause weakness, numbness or paralysis. Weakness and tingling in the hands and feet are usually the first symptoms. These sensations can quickly spread and may lead to paralysis. In its most serious form, Guillain-Barre syndrome is a medical emergency. Most people with the condition need treatment in a hospital. Guillain-Barre syndrome is rare, and the exact cause is not known. But two-thirds of people have symptoms of an infection in the six weeks before Guillain-Barre symptoms begin. Infections can include a respiratory or a gastrointestinal infection, including COVID-19. Guillain-Barre also can be caused by the Zika virus. There's no known cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome. Several treatment options can ease symptoms and help speed recovery. Most people recover completely from Guillain-Barre syndrome, but some serious illnesses can be fatal. While recovery may take up to several years, most people are able to walk again six months after symptoms first began. Some people may have lasting effects, such as weakness, numbness or fatigue." (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/guillain-barre-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20362793) ************************************************************************************** If you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, email us at: yourenotalonepodcast48@gmail.com If you or your loved one is in need of neuro physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy, give us a shout!  Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC 5761 E Brown Rd #19, Mesa, AZ 85205 Phone: 480-719-8080 Fax: 480-981-8595 Website: neuroandbrain.com

Q & A with Morgan and Val - Presenting to Creighton University's DPT Program

Welcome back to another episode of You're Not Alone Podcast!  Recently, Morgan and Val were asked to present to Creighton University's DPT Program for their Neurological Organization Day. While prepping for their presentation, they decided to also bring their podcast friends along and allow you to listen in as they answer student's questions.   ***************************************************************************** If you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, email us at: yourenotalonepodcast48@gmail.com If you or your loved one is in need of neuro physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy, give us a shout!  Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC 5761 E Brown Rd #19, Mesa, AZ 85205 Phone: 480-719-8080 Fax: 480-981-8595 Website: neuroandbrain.com

Community Resources and NPSA Week with Kiera Flahart, PTA, of Encompass Health East Valley

Join us as we discuss community resources, collaboration, and patient-centered care with Kiera Flahart, PTA from Encompass Health East Valley.  Morgan, Val, and Kiera each have a unique experience with managing patient care and caregivers and they share their perspectives on how best to navigate early interventions and the transition to outpatient care. Kiera points out the three C's of advocacy: collaborate, connect, and communicate - all values that we each believe in while managing patient care.  Kiera shares details not only about the upcoming National Patient Safety Awareness Week and events being held during the week at Encompass Health East Valley, but also many resources available to patients and caregivers the community may be unaware of.  Thank you to Kiera and Encompass Health for all you do for our community!!  National Patient Safety Awareness Week -  March 8-14, 2026 Scheduled events at Encompass Health East Valley: Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 @ 3pm - Damsel in Defense Thursday, March 12th, 2026 @ 3pm - R.O.S.E. Fraud Seminar for the Elderly Address: Encompass Health East Valley 5652 E Baseline Rd Mesa, AZ 85206 480-567-0350  Upcoming Events: Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona - Run, Walk & Roll 10k/5k/1 mile Event, Saturday, March 21st @ Kiwanis Park Community support groups at Encompass Health East Valley: Parkinson's Disease - PWR group - 2nd Wednesday of every month @ 1pm Amputee support group - last Monday of every month Stroke support group - 4th Wednesday of every month @ 2pm Other community resources talked about during podcast: Meals on wheels : https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org  Arizona self help: https://www.arizonaselfhelp.org Measurabilities: https://measurabilities.com Ability 360: https://ability360.org Azcaregiver.org Area Agency on Aging: https://www.aaaphx.org Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona: BIAAZ.org

Nancy's Story - CVA/Stroke Recovery

Welcome back to another episode of the You're Not Alone Podcast!  Join Morgan and Val as they interview stroke survivor Nancy Consalvo and learn more about her recovery and what got her through the last two years of rehabilitation. Nancy credits her husband, Matt, and son, Ben, for their quick action and getting on the phone to call for life-saving aid. Nancy discusses everything from rehab to returning home, and eventually returning to traveling, after hearing encouraging words from her primary care physician, Dr. Powell - "Live your life - What's the point of surviving something like this if you're not gonna live?"  Nancy, always the teacher, has gone on to earn a certificate as a neuro science coach and continues to learn about how the brain recovers from a stroke. She continues to work hard in physical and occupational therapy and is a true believer in neuroplasticity - the brain's lifelong ability to reorganize its structure, functions, and neural connections in response to learning, experience, or injury.  Thank you, Nancy, for sharing your journey with us!!  ************************************************************************************** If you'd like to be a guest on our podcast, email us at: yourenotalonepodcast48@gmail.com If you or your loved one is in need of neuro physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy, give us a shout!  Neuro & Brain Performance Centers LLC 5761 E Brown Rd #19, Mesa, AZ 85205 Phone: 480-719-8080 Fax: 480-981-8595 Website: neuroandbrain.com