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For our first Live Well Today webinar of 2025, we were delighted to welcome Dr. Mike Braitsch. Mike is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy who dedicated his career to helping individuals with neurological conditions recover and thrive. During this webinar, we discussed ways to overcome some of the common the hurdles to exercise you might encounter while living with Parkinson's.
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MIKE BRAITSCH, PT, DPT is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy and Assistant Clinical Professor of Physical Therapy at Texas Woman’s University in Dallas. With extensive experience in running an outpatient clinic focused on neurological conditions, he has dedicated his career to helping individuals recover and thrive despite their neurological diagnosis. As a lifelong martial artist and former competitive fighter, Dr. Braitsch has leveraged his unique background to create specialized exercise programs for people with Parkinson’s. Dr. Braitsch’s passion extends beyond the clinic, as he is involved with the Dallas Area Parkinson’s Society (DAPS), the Adaptive Martial Arts Association, and numerous other organizations that support people with neurological challenges. His goal is to empower individuals with chronic conditions, like Parkinson’s, to move better, feel better, and regain confidence in their everyday lives.
Time Stamps:
2:42 - Importance of exercise: How movement impacts symptoms and quality of life
4:20 - The role of neuroplasticity in improving motor and non-motor symptoms
5:27 - How exercise improves mood, sleep, and emotional well-being
7:01 - Question: How can someone ensure their exercise is efficient and effective for Parkinson’s?
7:26 - Challenges of asymmetrical movement in exercise, including swimming and walking
15:14 - The impact of rhythmic auditory stimulation on gait and movement patterns
19:45 - Addressing on-off fluctuations: How to navigate medication timing and exercise
27:30 - Managing fatigue: How to balance energy levels and maintain an exercise routine
43:42 - Addressing apathy: How to encourage exercise without nagging
51:55 - Freezing and festernation: Strategies to overcome movement blocks and gait disturbances
1:00:58 - Is any exercise good exercise? How to choose the right movement for you