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

Last October, we celebrated National Physical Therapy Month and the one-year anniversary of Sean Bulanda’s journey of self-renewal. Sean, a physical therapist and the Proud Parkinson’s Ninja, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in early 2025. Since then, he’s rebuilt his health, earned LSVT BIG certification, launched a support group and fundraiser, and even begun exploring comedy and songwriting.

Sean’s story shows that Parkinson’s is not the end, but a new chapter filled with purpose and possibility. With his belief that “anyone can be a ninja,” he shares inspiration and practical wisdom for living fully, no matter the challenges.

Connect & Learn More:

• Facebook Support Group: Parkinson’s Support – Got Dopamine?

• LSVT Certification & Info: lsvtglobal.com

In this episode, we dive deep into LSVT BIG, an occupational and physical therapy approach designed to improve movement amplitude and daily function for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Join researchers and occupational therapists Dr. Barbara Doucet, Dr. Mark Blanchard, and Dr. Ingrid Franc as they discuss their pivotal study on how LSVT BIG impacts the speed and quality of everyday tasks. Discover what bradykinesia really feels like, hear patient stories, and explore practical applications of this therapy from the perspectives of both science and lived experience. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, researcher, or someone affected by Parkinson’s, this conversation offers valuable insights into the power of targeted occupational therapy to enhance independence and quality of life.

Show Notes:

Special Guests: Barbara M. Doucet, PhD, OTR

Mark Blanchard, OTD, OTR/L, ATP

Ingrid Franc, PhD, OTR/L

Host: Elizabeth Peterson, MA, CCC-SLP

Publication Citation:

Doucet, B. M., Blanchard, M., & Franc, I. (2025). Effects of LSVT BIG® on Bradykinesia During Activities of Daily Living. OTJR: occupation, participation and health, 15394492251367275. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/15394492251367275

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. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li1sfIXnrpc

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