Pelvic Health for Parkinson’s: Insights from OT Expert Erica Vitek

Join occupational therapist (OT) Erica Vitek as she shares her journey at the intersection of Parkinson’s (PD) rehabilitation and pelvic floor therapy. Erica recounts her path from general OT practice to specializing in PD and pelvic health, shaped by her roles at LSVT Global and the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, and discusses powerful patient stories where addressing bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction restored dignity and independence.

Listeners will explore how PD disrupts pelvic function, top myths related to receiving healthcare for pelvic function, communication tools for sensitive topics, collaboration strategies with specialists, and actionable self-management tips.

She also introduces her new self-paced course, Foundations of Pelvic Rehabilitation for Parkinson’s Disease, as a resource touching on PD neuroanatomy, pelvic floor function, evidence-based strategies, and self-management for therapy professionals and PD families. Perfect for OTs, PTs, neuro rehab clinicians, patients with PD, and caregivers seeking practical hope and awareness.

SHOW NOTES:

Special Guest: Erica Vitek, MOT, OTR, BCB-PMD, PRPCHost: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

RESOURCES:

Erica’s New Online Course (Open to everyone): Foundations of Pelvic Rehabilitation for Parkinson’s Disease: https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/foundations-of-pelvic-rehabilitation-for-parkinson-s-disease-a-guide-for-therapy-professionals/

Advanced Course for Rehab Professionals: Parkinson Disease and Pelvic Rehabilitation: https://hermanwallace.com/continuing-education-courses/parkinson-disease-and-pelvic-rehabilitation

Directory of APTA Women’s Pelvic Health Specialists: https://www.aptapelvichealth.org/wcs-directory

Directory of Certified Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioners (PRPC): https://pelvicrehab.com/?utm_source=hermanwallace.com&utm_medium=referrral&utm_content=findapractitioner

THEME SONG:

"Think LOUD for Parkinson’s" by Kindred Spirit and Leo Sayer. A song and video inspired by LSVT LOUD® speech treatment, developed to raise awareness for Parkinson’s worldwide. Available for download and streaming on all major music platforms. Proceeds benefit the UK charity Cure Parkinson’s.

Watch the Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

CONNECT WITH US:

Podcast Production Team: CS Design Studios https://www.csdesignstudios.com/

Get Certified: https://lsvtstore.mybigcommerce.com/

LSVT Global Website: https://www.lsvtglobal.com

Find LSVT Clinicians: https://www.lsvtglobal.com/LSVTFindClinicians