Host Polly Swingle is joined by team members of the Concentrated Stroke Rehab Program (CSR) to talk about the evolution and effectiveness of the program over the last few years.

Elise Thompson, MSOT, OTRL, is an occupational therapist that graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Master's of Occupational Therapy. Soon after graduating, Elise started with TRP and has been here for a year and a half. She has taken part in both the PMP and CSR program in the Livonia clinic. She is passionate about helping individuals with neurological conditions return to what they love doing most.

Dr. Kayla Diebold, PT, DPT, CSRS is a Lead Physical Therapist and the Site Coordinator of Clinical Education at The Recovery Project. She has specialized in the treatment of neurological diseases and disorders since 2017 with special interest in Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, and Vestibular disorders. She is a Certified Stroke Rehab Specialist and heads the medical programming group for stroke at The Recovery Project. Kayla also has certifications in PWR! and Rock Steady Boxing for the management of Parkinson’s Disease. She is a guest lecturer in the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Macomb Community College and frequently presents on topics involving physical therapy management of neurological diseases and disorders across the continuum of care.

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• View our website at www.therecoveryproject.net
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Host Polly Swingle is joined by members of The Chronic Pain Management Program of Michigan treatment team as they share about who is appropriate for this program, what the program entails, and the science behind this programs success. Click the link here to visit our website and learn more!

Mary Wingett, PT, DPT is a doctor of physical therapy at The Recovery Project- Livonia. She is passionate in treating patients with chronic pain and has been a leader in the development of the Chronic Pain Management Program of Michigan. She developed her skills with tying in physical function with neurological disorders at the Lansing Recovery Project where she was a treating therapist for FMD in the LIFE program, restoring individuals with functional movement disorders to healthy movement patterns. Outside of work, Mary is busy running marathons, hiking, and spending time with her friends and family.

Elise Thompson, MSOT, OTRL, is an occupational therapist that graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Master's of Occupational Therapy. Soon after graduating, Elise started with TRP and has been here for a year and a half. She has taken part in both the PMP and CSR program in the Livonia clinic. She is passionate about helping individuals with neurological conditions return to what they love doing most.

Dr. Jarhed Peña is a psychotherapist in private practice specializing in the treatment of autonomic nervous system–related conditions, including chronic pain and functional neurological disorder (FND). His work focuses on helping patients understand and regulate the physiological patterns underlying their symptoms, with the goal of reducing distress and improving daily functioning. Dr. Peña previously worked as a rehabilitation counselor for the State of Idaho, where he supported individuals with disabilities in achieving meaningful employment and community integration. This experience informs his holistic, function-oriented approach to care. In his current clinical practice in Michigan, Dr. Peña integrates Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and somatic-based approaches. He helps patients build interoceptive awareness, reduce reactivity to bodily sensations, and develop practical skills to influence nervous system regulation. His approach emphasizes both education and experiential learning to support sustainable symptom improvement. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Peña provides supervision to colleagues delivering psychotherapy for FND and collaborates with a local clinic to support coordinated, multidisciplinary care. Together, they work to improve access to effective, evidence-informed treatment for patients with complex neurological and pain-related conditions.

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• View our website at www.therecoveryproject.net
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Episode 40 takes on a different format, as Polly Swingle is a guest on the EmpowerHer Wellness Podcast hosted by Morgan Ekovich!

Menopause doesn't mean your best years are behind you—but it does mean your body needs a different approach. In this powerful conversation, host Morgan Ekovich sits down with Polly Swingle, a licensed physical therapist with 39 years of experience, to break down the real changes happening in women's bodies during perimenopause and menopause—and what to do about them.

Polly, who is also a yoga instructor for 15 years and currently pursuing her Pilates certification at age 62, shares evidence-based strategies for combating muscle loss, bone density decline, joint pain, fat distribution changes, and mood disruptions. This isn't about accepting aging as decline—it's about understanding that your body is asking to be used differently.

If you've noticed your metabolism slowing down, strength decreasing, or body composition changing despite eating less and exercising more, this episode will transform how you think about fitness, nutrition, and aging. Polly explains why strength training is the "new medicine" for women, why cardio alone isn't enough, and how much protein you really need to support muscle growth.

Whether you're in your 30s and want to prevent future issues, navigating perimenopause symptoms, or already postmenopausal, this conversation offers practical, actionable advice from someone who has both personally experienced these changes and professionally guided thousands of women through them.

WHAT LISTENERS WILL LEARN:

✅ Why muscle loss begins in your 30s (not your 50s)
✅ Understanding osteopenia vs osteoporosis
✅ How to naturally reduce or eliminate hot flashes
✅ Protein requirements for muscle building: How much women actually need
✅ Fat distribution changes explained
✅ How decreasing estrogen and testosterone affect muscles, bones, joints, mood, and cognition
✅ Joint pain and inflammation management
✅Understanding the cognitive impacts of hormonal shifts and how exercise helps
✅ How Yoga and Pilates support pelvic floor health, flexibility, core stability, and nervous system regulation
✅ Recovery and sleep hygiene:
✅ Why following age-appropriate experts and finding supportive groups matters for long-term success
✅ How to reframe menopause

Join Morgans 90-Day Kickstart Program: Customized strength training + nutrition baseline + habit building + weekly accountability. Only 3 spots available this month! Email "KICKSTART" to: morgan@getfitwithme-morganekovich.com

Want to listen to more EmpowerHer Wellness Podcasts check it out here: https://empowerherwellness.buzzsprout.com

Learn more about The Recovery Project!

• View our website at www.therecoveryproject.net
• Call us 855-877-1944 to become a patient
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Host Polly Swingle is joined by the physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and clinical psychologists involved in the creation and implementation of the Memory Health Program (MHP) at The Recovery Project. This program is built to support both those living with dementia and their loved ones through their journey with compassion, expertise, and personalized care. Visit therecoveryproject.net to learn more!

Abbey Seevers is an Occupational Therapy Doctoral student at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) where she plans to graduate in May 2026. Abbey earned her Bachelor of Science in Applied Human & Sport Physiology at Wayne State College in 2023. She has a passion for working with patients with dementia and has a long history working as a Certified Nursing Assistant in long-term memory care and home health throughout her high school, college and graduate schooling years. For her Doctoral Capstone project at UNMC she has partnered with TRP to develop this Memory Health Program.

Jordyn Sebastian, MA, CCC-SLP, graduated with a master's degree from Eastern Michigan University. She is licensed in SPEAKOUT! and a certified VitalStim provider for dysphagia therapy.

Riley Janssen, OTD, OTRL, is a licensed Occupational Therapist who earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University. She joined The Recovery Project in 2024 following graduation. Riley serves as one of the occupational therapists on the Power Over Parkinson’s program team at the Clinton Township location. She is passionate about working with individuals with neurological conditions and is committed to ongoing learning and evidence-based practice to provide the highest quality care.

Dr. Madeline Wideman, PT, DPT, has been a Physical Therapist at The Recovery Project since 2018. She earned her Bachelors degree in Allied Health Science from Bowling Green State University in 2014 prior to her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Oakland University in 2017. She specializes in neurological and orthopedic diagnoses with a primary focus in spinal cord injury and CVA. She is also dry needling certified.

Dr. Tiffany Tuttle is a clinical psychologist who provides mental health services to adults and older adults with underlying medical issues. She treats depression, anxiety, distress, and assists in trauma recovery. She has over 20 years of experience providing counseling and her approach is strength-based, supportive, and always patient centered. Helping individuals live their best life despite barriers they have encountered is a hallmark of the work Dr. Tuttle provides her patients. She can be reached at 248-245-2306 and found online at patientcenteredpsych.com.

Learn more about The Recovery Project!

• View our website at www.therecoveryproject.net
• Call us 855-877-1944 to become a patient
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Host Polly Swingle is joined by Paige Boll, COTA/L, to talk about the latest research and evidence relating to Parkinson's Disease. Topics discussed include the latest statistics in the United States, emerging research on risk factors, and the benefits of having an Occupational Therapist as a part of your care team.

Paige Boll, COTA/L, earned her Bachelor in Health Science with a concentration in Exercises Science at Oakland University (2018) and then went on to get her Certificate as an Occupational Therapy Assistant at Macomb Community College (2020). She joined The Recovery Project as a Rehab Tech in 2016 and had the ability to work through school before transitioning to a COTA in 2020. Paige is certified in PWR! and is a Rock Steady Boxing Coach. You can find her teaching some of TRP's Rock Steady Boxing classes in the Clinton Township location. Paige also plays an important role in the POPP (Power Over Parkinson's Program) serving as an OT provider.

Learn more about The Recovery Project!

• View our website at www.therecoveryproject.net
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Host Polly Swingle is joined by Speech-Language Pathologist, Chrissy Regan, M.A., CCC-SLP, to talk about the benefits of working with a Speech and Language Pathologist for those with head and neck cancer. Chrissy breaks down what head and neck cancer is, causes of this type of cancer, and effective treatments for those who have been diagnosed.

Chrissy Regan, M.A., CCC-SLP, earned her Bachelor of Applied Arts in Communication Disorders (2010) and Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology (2013) from Central Michigan University. She joined The Recovery Project in February 2025 after working for 10 years in a Michigan-based outpatient rehabilitation clinic, where she developed a head and neck cancer program focused on improving speech and swallowing outcomes for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Chrissy is certified in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD) and SpeakOut! therapy programs for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease and she specializes in adult neurological disorders. She also holds a certification in VitalStim® therapy, an evidence-based approach for the treatment of swallowing disorders. Chrissy is also a part of the Concentrated Stroke Rehabilitation team at The Recovery Project.

Learn more about The Recovery Project!

• View our website at www.therecoveryproject.net
• Call us 855-877-1944 to become a patient
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Host Polly Swingle is joined by Danny Heumann and TJ Hosa, PT, DPT. Danny shares his story of life before, during, and after having a spinal cord injury. TJ shares his insight on being Danny's Physical Therapist, friend, and what the future may hold for treatment of spinal cord injures.

Danny Heumann was paralyzed in a car accident on August 13, 1985, 2 weeks before he was to begin his freshman year at Syracuse University. He began at Syracuse a year later and graduated in 1991 from the Newhouse School of Communications with a degree in Television, Radio, Film, Management, and a minor in Political Science. He is involved as a patient advocate and leader of many organizations such as being the Vice President of the Daniel Heumann Fund for Spinal Cord Research, a foundation started by his parents, family and friends. Before joining with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation in 2007, the Daniel Heumann Fund for Spinal Cord Research raised over $5 million dollars in its 22 year existence. In 2003, Danny along with his wife Lynn started Heumannly Capable, a motivational speaking/consulting company. Danny has spoken to a wide range of audiences from all over the country including fortune 500 companies, health organizations, small companies, colleges, and universities. In 2005, Danny was instrumental with other advocates in creating a grassroots coalition, Michigan Citizens Stem Cell Research and Cures. Since the summer of 2016, Danny has been the ADA consultant at Syracuse University in Campus Planning Design and Construction, and Facility Services assisting in all aspects of accessibility. He loves traveling between Syracuse and Ann Arbor, MI where he lives with his wife Lynn and their 21 year old daughter Katie who will be graduating college next spring. Danny's philosophy for his life: he lives for today but he hopes for tomorrow.

Dr. TJ Hosa PT, DPT, earned his Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science from Ohio State University (2011) and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Ohio University (2015). TJ has been a Physical Therapist at The Recovery Project for 10 years. He is the lead of the spinal cord injury and vestibular programs and has additional training in functional electrical stimulation (FES). TJ also specializes in the implementation of high intensity therapy for patients with neuro diagnoses. He is also certified in dry needling and has used it to treat spasticity and a multitude of pain syndromes.

Learn more about The Recovery Project!

• View our website at www.therecoveryproject.net
• Call us 855-877-1944 to become a patient
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Host Polly Swingle is joined by Dr. TJ Hosa PT, DPT, and Mark Pedziwiatr MS, OTR/L, ATP, to discuss the ARC-EX by Onward Medical, the first system approved for non-invasive spinal cord stimulation for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). It is intended to deliver programmed, transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation in conjunction with functional task practice in the clinic to improve hand sensation and strength in individuals between 18 and 75 years old that present with a chronic, non-progressive neurological deficit resulting from an incomplete spinal cord injury (C2-C8 inclusive). In 2024, the ARC-EX System was granted FDA clearance to market in the United States. You can learn more about this system for use in the clinical setting at www.onwd.com.

Dr. TJ Hosa PT, DPT, earned his Bachelors Degree in Exercise Science from Ohio State University (2011) and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Ohio University (2015). TJ has been a Physical Therapist at The Recovery Project for 10 years. He is the lead of the spinal cord injury and vestibular programs and has additional training in functional electrical stimulation (FES). TJ also specializes in the implementation of high intensity therapy for patients with neuro diagnoses. He is also certified in dry needling and has used it to treat spasticity and a multitude of pain syndromes.

Mark Pedziwiatr MS, OTR/L, ATP, earned his Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Midwestern University, where he conducted research on rehabilitation technology. As an occupational therapist, he brings experience across the continuum of care, including outpatient, inpatient, and acute-care settings. In his current role as a Therapy Consultant with Onward Medical, Mark leverages his clinical experience to support the integration and training of therapists in the use of ARC-EX within spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation clinics across the Midwest.

Learn more about The Recovery Project!

• View our website at www.therecoveryproject.net
• Call us 855-877-1944 to become a patient
• Follow us on Instagram
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Thanks for listening!