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This support group is created by patients for patients in the belief that together we can make a difference in the quality of our lives.

Below are past meeting that we have had. These topics have proven helpful to leaders of other support groups. Please contact me if any of these meetings are ones you would like to see repeated!

FROM PREVIOUS EDUCATIONAL MEETINGS....

  • Friday, March 3, 2017
    2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
    Room 200 (adjacent to Information Desk inside Main Entrance, at south end of complex)
    St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA

    Dystonia - A Neurologist's Perspective
    Jason Aldred, M.D., Movement Disorder Specialist, of Northwest Neurological, PLLC
    Back by popular demand, Dr. Aldred will speak to us about dystonia. We all have questions about this disorder as we face day-to-day trials. As a movement disorder specialist, Dr. Aldred will give us perspective on dystonia and bring us an up-date on the medical research being discovered.
            Dr. Aldred joined Northwest Neurological in April 2014. Previously, he completed a neurology residency at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) where he served as neurology chief resident. He continued training by completing an additional two-year fellowship in Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders at the Parkinson’s Disease Research, Educational, and Clinical Center (PADRECC), a collaborative program between the Portland VA and OHSU. During this time he received formal training in botulinum toxin injection techniques, patient selection for deep brain stimulation (DBS) and postoperative DBS programming and management, and advanced medication management for movement disorders. Dr. Aldred also completed formal training in clinical research through the Human Investigators Program (HIP) at OHSU.
            Currently Dr. Aldred is the director of the Movement Disorders Clinic and Deep Brain Stimulation program at the Inland Northwest Parkinson Center of Northwest Neurological. He was appointed clinical assistant professor of neurology at the University of Washington and teaches neurology to medical students during clinical rotations at Northwest Neurological.

  • Friday, October 13, 2017
    2:00-3:30 p.m.
    Room 200 (adjacent to Information Desk inside Main Entrance, at south end of complex )
    St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA
    Deep Brain Stimulation for Dystonia
    Presented by Danielle Wald, Psy.D., Northwest Neurobehavioral Institute and
    Jonathan Carlson, M.D., Ph.D., Inland Neurosurgery & Spine

    Deep brain stimulation surgery has shown remarkable success for those of us with dystonia. The idea of brain surgery is intimidating. But it is important to learn and understand all the options that are available in our arsenal as we face a life with dystonia.
            Drs. Carlson and Wald will help us navigate the pros and cons of DBS, explore the components, and give us a look into the miracle of the brain and how this marvelous procedure is changing the lives of so many people.
            Dr. Carlsonis a Neurological Surgeon with expertise in DBS and surgery of movement disorders.
            Dr. Danielle Wald, is a licensed psychologist and clinical neuropsychologist who will enlighten us about the psychological aspects of DBS surgery.

  • Friday, March 11, 2016
    2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
    Room 200 (adjacent to Information Desk inside Main Entrance, at south end of complex)
    St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA

    Update on Dystonia
    Jason Aldred, M.D., Movement Disorder Specialist, of Northwest Neurological, PLLC
    What is Dystonia, how does it affect us, and what treatments are available and emerging? The more that is discovered about dystonia, the more its complexities are revealed. Ground breaking research may offer potential new medications and therapies. As patients it is important to stay informed about dystonia. Dr. Jason Aldred, a Spokane neurologist specializing in movement disorders, will update us on the latest findings. Dr Aldred works with the Northwest Neurological team of specialists serving the movement disorder community

  • Friday, October 14, 2016
    2:00-3:30 p.m.
    Room 200 (adjacent to Information Desk inside Main Entrance, at south end of complex )
    St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA
    Anxiety, Depression & Dystonia
    Presented by Danielle Wald, Psy.D., Northwest Neurobehavioral Institute
    Why is it that anxiety and depression often accompany dystonia? Are they merely a response to our condition or is there a neurological component involved? Dr. Danielle Wald, a licensed psychologist and clinical neuropsychologist, will enlighten us and offer some options for dealing with these persistent issues.
    ...and...
    Meditation Sitting
    Taught by Mary Webster, M.S., C.S., ARNP (Retired)Spokane
    Vipassana Meditation Community

    Following the presentation on Anxiety & Depression, Mary Webster will give a brief introduction to meditation followed by a short sitting. Enjoy the sensation of quieting our minds!

  • Friday, March 13, 2015
    2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
    Room 200 (adjacent to Information Desk inside Main Entrance, at south end of complex)
    St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA

    Structural Integration for Dystonia
    Kevin Lucas, LMP, BCSI, of Structural Innovations
    What is Structural Integration Therapy and why has it helped so manymembers of our support group with their dystonia? Kevin Lucas will explain how posture influences neurology and, in turn, how neurology influences posture! We will learn the benefits of a lengthenedbody through structural integration and begin to understand thisextraordinary therapy developed by Ida Rolf. The Rolf Method of Structural Integration is a manual touch therapy which calms the autonomic nervous system. This method of therapy works the fascia, the envelope that surrounds the muscles, tendons and joints, and frees our muscles for better function. This form of therapy has been extremely helpful to a number of the members of our dystonia support group. Join us and find out why.

  • Friday, October 9, 2015
    2:00-3:30 p.m.
    Room 200 (adjacent to Information Desk inside Main Entrance, at south end of complex )
    St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA
    Physical Therapy for Dystonia
    Brian Cronin, MPT of U-District Physical Therapy
    Is it possible to help balance the contracted muscles of dystonia? Brian Cronin, MPT of U-District Physical Therapy, will speak to us about Physical Therapy for Dystonia, helping us to understand muscle tone and how dystonia’s imbalance can be modified through Pysical Therapy. Get to know more about your dystonia and what you can do to help yourself! Questions and answers will follow, so join us and learn!

  • From Friday, FEBRUARY 14, 2014
    2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
    Room 200 (by south entrance information desk)
    St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA

    Resonant Voice Therapy
    Nancy Potter, PhD, CCC-SLP, Speech & Hearing Sciences, Washington State University Spokane
    Normally vocal folds effortlessly open and close to produce voice. When there is too much tension on the vocal folds due to tight muscles or stiffness, vocal folds may "slam" together producing a tight, harsh, or abrupt voice. Resonant voice therapy (RVT) is a specific program designed to reduce vocal fold tension. Dr. Nancy Potter, a speech-language pathologist and an associate professor at WSU Spokane, will discuss RVT and facilitate an RVT session at our February meeting. Learn to speak in a way that reduces stress on your vocal cords.
    If you have any difficulty with speach due to dystonia, this is a meeting you won’t want to miss!

  • From Friday, March 14, 2014
    2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
    Room 200 (by south entrance information desk )
    St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA

    Hypnosis for Dystonia?
    David A Myers, Ph.D., Clinical Consulting Psychologist
    Hypnosis does not address dystonia directly, relaxation techniques such as self-hypnosis can improve well-being and quality of life. Dr. David Myers will share information about the nature of hypnosis and the safety of the hypnotic experience. We will have the opportunity to experience hypnotically enhanced visualization for stress reduction, and find answers to our questions about hypnosis.
    Dr. Myers has used clinical/medical hypnosis in his psychology practice for over 40 years and has taught his patients how to safely use it to help with a wide variety of medical issues, including stuttering, tardive dyskinesia, pain management, and stress reduction. Hypnosis can create remarkable changes in health via the mind/body connection.

  • From Friday, April 11, 2014
    2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
    Room 200 (by south entrance information desk )
    St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA

    Wellness for Dystonia
    Jeffery J. Emery, D.O., Preventive Medical Specialist, Northwest Neurological, PLLC
    As patients we have noticed how sensitive we are to any kind of stress. It seems to exacerbate our dystonia. So it makes sense to proactively investigate the possibility of negative stresses put on our body by other diseases.
    Dr. Emery will discuss how identifying and preventing diseases that rob us of health and vitality, such as dementia, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and obesity can help us live healthier, longer lives. Dr. Emery helps his patients develop step-by-step plans of prevention to help them become more active, energetic and healthier versions of themselves. Even with dystonia it is important to reach optimal health, and this meeting is a first step toward becoming proactive.
    To help you live better with Dystonia, this is a meeting you won’t want to miss! .

  • From Friday, May 9, 2014
    2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
    Room LL1/LL2 (adjacent to Lower Level cafeteria)
    St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA

    Let’s Talk!
    Group Discussion
    Our May meeting is dedicated exclusively to discussion between our members. This is a great opportunity to bring your questions and share your experiences with others who have dystonia. If you are hurting you will learn about what has helped others. If you are doing well, come and share with others what has made the difference.
    Remember you are not alone! Together we can help each other.

  • Friday, September 12, 2014
    2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
    Room LL1/LL2 (adjacent to Lower Level cafeteria)
    St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA

    Emerging Treatments for Dystonia
    Jason Aldred, M.D., Northwest Neurological, PLLC,
    The more that is discovered about dystonia, the more its complexities emerge. Fortunately that ground breaking research may lead towards potential new medications and therapies.

    As patients it is important to stay informed about emerging dystonia treatements. Dr. Jason Aldred, an excellent movement disorder
    specialist, will speak to us on this exciting topic. He has recently moved to Spokane to join an outstanding Northwest Neurological team of specialists serving the movement disorder community. This meeting will give us the perfect opportunity to meet Dr. Aldred and learn more about dystonia, its causes and new treatments.

  • Friday, October 10, 2014
    2:00-3:00 p.m.
    Room 200 (by south entrance information desk )
    St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA
    Deep Brain Stimulation: A Surgical Option for Treating Dystonia
    Jonathan Carlson, M.D., Ph.D., Inland Neurosurgery and Spine
    Jamie Mark, MSN, ARNP, Deep Brain Stimulation Clinic Coordinator, Northwest Neurological, PLLC
    Spokane neurosurgeon Dr. Jonathan Carlson and DBS stimulation programmer Jamie Mark will talk to us about Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery. DBS surgery is not just a surgery; it is a treatment process. It involves pre-surgical testing including MRI scans of the brain, neurology and neurosurgery clinical consultations, and cognitive testing. The implantation is performed in two surgeries; the first implants the stimulator wires into the brain, the second surgery places the pacemaker(s) into the chest. Then intensive neurology clinic visits with Jamie Mark are necessary for the next 3 to 6 months as the stimulator is adjusted and medications may be changed. Dr. Carlson and Jamie Mark will explain DBS and help us understand the benefits and risks of this surgery, as well as how to achieve the best clinical outcome. This surgery has proven helpful for dystonia patients for over 20 years.

  • From Friday, FEBRUARY 8, 2013
    2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
    Room LL1/LL2 (adjacent to Lower Level cafeteria)
    St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA

    Cervical Dystonia - What to Expect
    Bill Johanson, M.A., Senior Neuroscience Specialist with Allergan Neuroscience.
    Cervical Dystonia is the most common of the dystonias, and it affects many of us in our Spokane Dystonia Support Group.
    Bill Johanson, M.A., Senior Neuroscience Specialist with Allergan Neuroscience, will cover the signs and symptoms of cervical dystonia, as well as the diagnosis and treatment options, including an in-depth look at Botox® as a treatment option.
    In addition he will provide patient education about Cervical Dystonia and Blephrospasm, the dystonia affecting the eyes..

  • From Friday, March 8, 2013
    2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
    Room 200 (by south entrance information desk )
    St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA

    9 Simple Steps to Fight Fatigue and Regain Your Health
    Dr. Dawn Fichter, Wolf Chiropractic Clinic, Massage Therapy & Acupuncture
    From managing stress to managing your time to managing your dystonia, there are simple steps to take back ownership of your health.
    Dr. Fichter will help us identify those things that are outside of our control and then focus on how to make small changes in the ones we can control — changes that are easily attainable and can make a difference for a lifetime.

  • From Friday, April 12, 2013
    2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
    Room 200 (by south entrance information desk )
    St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA

    Assessment & Treatment of Voice and Swallowing in Dystonia
    Nancy Potter, PhD, CCC-SLP, Speech & Hearing Sciences, Washington State University Spokane
    Dr. Nancy Potter, a speech-language pathologist and an associate professor at WSU Spokane, will give us a hands-on workshop demonstrating the assessment and treatment of voice, respiration, and swallowing disorders in dystonia. This meeting will give you the opportunity to try both strengthening and relaxation-focused treatments.
    Since breathing, speech and swallowing can be adversely affected by dystonia, this is a meeting you won’t want to miss!.

  • From Friday, May 10, 2013
    2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
    Room 200 (by south entrance information desk )
    St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA

    How Structural Integration benefits our Nervous Systemy
    Kevin Lucas, BCSI, LMT, Structural Innovations: The Rolf Method of Structural Integration and Advanced Body Work
    What is Structural Integration Therapy and why has it helped so many members of our support group with their dystonia? Kevin Lucas will explain how posture influences neurology and, in turn, how neurology influences posture! We will learn the benefits of a lengthened body through structural integration and begin to understand this extraordinary therapy developed by Ida Rolf..

  • From Friday, June 14, 2013
    2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
    Room 200 (by south entrance information desk )
    St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA

    Dystonia and Aquatic Therapy Techniques
    Aimee Wallace, MS, PT, ATRIC, St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute
    The symptoms of dystonia can be effectively addressed through aquatic based physical therapy. Use of the buoyant environment coupled with the resistance from water allows for improvement in flexibility and strength through the use of a supportive medium. Review of the properties of water as well as how aquatic therapy can benefit those with dystonia will be addressed.
    Many of our members have asked about water therapy, or mentioned how helpful it is for them. This is your chance to learn about this effective treatment option!

  • From Friday, October 11, 2013
    2:00-3:00 p.m.
    Room 200 (by south entrance information desk )
    St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA
    Let's Talk
    Our October meeting will give us a chance to meet others with dystonia, learn about community resources and share insights about dealing with dystonia. It is a time to simply be among friends.
    parLearning from speakers is wonderful. But equally important is the opportunity to learn from each other about strategies and resources that seem to help. It is crucial to know that we are not alone in facing the challenges of dystonia. Talking with others is of immense value and brightens our spirits. Please join us for fun and conversation!

  • From Friday, November 15, 2013
    2:00-3:00 p.m.
    Room 200 (by south entrance information desk )
    St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA
    Dystonia - A Collaborative Approach to Health Care
    Barbara Richardson, PhD, RN, Director, Riverpoint Interprofessional Education & Research, Washington State University Division of Health Sciences
    In February interdisciplinary teams from EWU, WSU and UW health science programs at the Riverpoint Campus were given a complex case study for team-based problem solving during their annual Health Care Team Challenge. Denise Gibson, our support group leader who has multiple forms of dystonia, was their chosen patient to study. The teams took history, interviewed Denise, researched dystonia and treatment options, asked follow-up questions, and came up with excellent and creative solutions for treating dystonia. Dr. Richardson will tell us more about this collaborative team effort, what the students learned about dystonia, and the variety of solutions that were offered. It will be exciting to hear how this multi-disciplinary approach works!

  • From Friday, FEBRUARY 24, 2012
    3:15 - 4:15 p.m.
    Room 200 (by south entrance information desk )
    St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA

    Physical Therapy - Understanding the Aspects of Tone
    Len Norfleet,, PT, BCAT, Masters level physical therapist / board certified athletic trainer, specializing in neuro kinetic systems (NKS).
    Len will speak to us about Physical Therapy for Dystonia, helping us tounderstand muscle tone and how dystonia’s imbalance can be modified through Pysical Therapy. Get to know more about your dystonia and what you can do to help yourself!
    Len has his own physical therapy office at 1303 S. Grand Blvd., 838-6060 and provides a variety of therapies...gentle yet progressive...cranial/ sacral, myofascial release, joint mobilization neuro-kinetics blending neuro developmental sequencing with slow progressive exercise to restore tone, balance, ROM, posture, strength, power and speed in supportive, directly supervised, life long skilled Physical Therapy. Coming soon Occupational Therapy, as well post rehab advance wellness so you never stop training, and learning. On call weekends for pain, acute injury, sprain, strains.

  • From Friday, March 16, 2012
    2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
    Room 200 (by south entrance information desk )
    St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA

    Acupuncture Works
    Jeanann Eckert, Acupuncturist.
    For over 5000 years Traditional Chinese Medicine has been the mainstay for health care in China, and has made it's mark here in the USA and around the world. Jeanann will demonstrate Acupuncture, adjunctive techniques, and share her passion for this type of medicine.
    The presentation will include a demonstration, so if you have ever been curious about acupuncture this is a great chance to learn!

  • From Friday, April 20, 2012
    10:15 - 11:15 a.m.
    Room LL1/LL2 (lower level, adjacent to cafeteria)
    St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA

    Patient/Physician Communication
    Susie Ro, M.D., a movement disorder specialist with N.W. Neurological
    How do we describe the symptoms of dystonia to our physicians? What do they need to know from us? What do our words and their words mean? Susie Ro, M.D., will present an overview of dystonia and the treatment options, while taking a closer look at patient expectations and how to better communicate to achieve the best results.

  • From Saturday, May 19, 2012
    3:15 - 4:30 p.m.
    South Perry Yoga at the Buddhio
    Located at 915 S Perry, adjacent to the Buddhist Temple

    Yoga, Nia and Tai Chi
    Shawn Brow, CRNA, MAE, E-RYT, yoga instructor; Laura Markman, Nia Certified Black Belt, nia instructor; and Elwyn Lapoint, Sifu, Tai Chi instructor.
    Shawn, Laura and Elwyn willl introduce us to these beautiful therapies.
    Shawn Brow enjoys integrating therapeutic aspects of yoga and Mindfulness Meditation teachings. Balanced within the worlds of art and science, her teachings reflect the paradox between the body’s structural biomechanics, and the subtleties of intuitive grace and creativity; Laura Markman explores the healing potential of Nia and other dance movement art forms; and Elwyn Lapoint will introduce us to the moving flow of Tai Chi.

  • From Friday, June 8, 2012
    2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
    Room 200 (by south entrance information desk )
    St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA

    Anxiety and Dystonia: How are the two related?
    Darrelle Volwiler, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in independent practice in Spokane, WA, Dr. Volwiler specializes in treating people with neurological and other medical disorders.
    How does a person with dystonia respond to feelings of anxiety in their body? How do people vary in their perceptions of the physical symptoms of anxiety? These questions will be explored as well as some skills to manage the physiological and emotional symptoms of anxiety.

  • From Friday, September 21, 2012
    2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
    Room LL1/LL2 (lower level, adjacent to cafeteria)
    St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA

    Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
    Jonathan Carlson, M.D., Neurosurgeon
    Deep brain stimulation surgery is showing great promise for those of us with dystonia. The idea of brain surgery is intimidating. But it is important to learn and understand all the options that are available in our arsenal as we face a life with dystonia.
    Dr. Carlson will help us navigate the pros and cons of DBS, explore the components, and give us a look into the miracle of the brain and how this marvelous procedure is changing the lives of so many people.
    Dr. Carlson is a Neurological Surgeon with expertise in DBS and surgery of movement disorders. You don’t want to miss his talk!

  • From Friday, October 26, 2012
    2:00-3:00 p.m.
    Room 200 (by south entrance information desk )
    St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA
    Let's Talk!
    Our October meeting will give us a chance to meet others with dystonia, learn about community resources and share insights about dealing with dystonia. It is a time to simply be among friends.
    parThis year has brought us wonderful speakers who taught us about physical therapy and tone, acupuncture, communicating with your neurologist/physician, yoga, tai chi, NIA, anxiety and psychological considerations, and deep brain stimulation surgery.
    parBut what is equally important is learning from each other about what strategies and resources we use. It is crucial to know that we are not alone in facing the challenges that dystonia confronts us with every day. Talking with others is of immense value and brightens our spirits. Please join us for fun and conversation!

  • From FEBRUARY 3, 2011
    PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR DYSTONIA
    Len Norfleet,, PT, BCAT, Masters level physical therapist / board certified athletic trainer, specializing in neuro kinetic systems (NKS).
    Len will address balance issues and present a specialized movement and therapeutic exercise regimen he has developed for people with movement disorders.

    Len has his own physical therapy office at 1303 S. Grand Blvd., 838-6060 and provides a variety of therapies...gentle yet progressive...cranial/ sacral, myofascial release, joint mobilization neuro-kinetics blending neuro developmental sequencing with slow progressive exercise to restore tone, balance, ROM, posture, strength, power and speed in supportive, directly supervised, life long skilled Physical Therapy. Coming soon Occupational Therapy, as well post rehab advance wellness so you never stop training, and learning. On call weekends for pain, acute injury, sprain, strains.

  • From MARCH 18th, 2011
    PSYCHOLOGICAL AND COGNiTIVE ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH DYSTONIA
    Darrelle Volwiler, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in independent practice in Spokane, WA, Dr. Volwiler specializes in treating people with neurological and other medical disorders.
    Jennifer Van Wey, Psy.D.,
    a clinical psychologist at Northwest Neurobehavioral Institute in Spokane who specializes in the assessment of individuals with dementia and other neurological disorders.

    Dr. Van Way will talk about cognitive functioning in individuals with dystonia, specifically how dystonia can affect attention, language, memory, and frontal executive functions.
    Dr. Volwiler will discuss the psychological impact of living with dystonia, including adjustment to the physical and cognitive changes in this group of neurological disorders.

  • From APRIL 28th, 2011
    DYSTONIA: Wellness for a Healthier Brain
    Monique Giroux, M.D., a nationally recognized movement disorder specialist and medical director of the Northwest Parkinson's Foundation in Kirkland, WA. She has created an online wellness community for people with Parkinson's and other movement disorders.
    Dr. Giroux is the medical director of the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation and the Director of the Wellness Center, which offers a new kind of care combining the best of medical and rehabilitative care with a focus on wellness and inner healing. Dr. Giroux also leads The National Parkinson’s Foundation Care Consortium, designed to bring together national experts in the spirit of collaboration and innovation. She has treated many people with dystonia and other movement disorders, and she will speak to us about wellness and its affects on quality of life in dystonia.
    Dr. Giroux is currently studying holistic medicine as a clinical fellow in Integrated Medicine at the University of Arizona. Dr. Giroux completed her medical residency at Yale followed by a two-year fellowship in Movement Disorders at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. She is board certified in Neurology and serves as medical faculty for the NPF Allied Team Training Program.

  • From MAY 12th, 2011
    DR. KAREN STANEK is a renowned Spokane physiatrist specializing in spasticity. She has treated many people who have dystonia and she will speak to us about different ways to manage dystonia and how rehabilitation medicine can help with function.

    What is a physiatrist? It is a medical doctor trained in physical medicine and rehabilitation. A physiatrist’s goal is to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life for those with physical impairments or disabilities.

    Dr. Stanek is highly respected in her field, is loved by members of our group who are her patients, and will give us some new perspectives.

  • From JUNE 1st, 2011
    Dr. Susie Ro, M.D., a movement disorder specialist, is moving to Spokane in May, 2011, and will practice at N.W. Neurological, in association with Dr. David Greeley. Dr. Ro currently is the director ot the Movement Disorder Clinic at Swedish Neuroscience in Seattle. She has completed fellowships in both clinical neurophysiology (EMG and evaluation/ treatment of neuromuscular disease) and in movement disorders, so she will be a great addition to the Spokane medical community.
    Dr. Ro's specialties include Botox Treatment, Botulinum Treatment, Deep Brain Stimulation, Dystonia, Electromyography (EMG), Gait Analysis, Hemifacial Spasm, Movement Disorders, Parkinson's Disease, Tic Disorders, and Tremor.
    Dr. Ro will practice at N.W. Neurological, in association with Dr. David Greeley.
    Dr. Ro will speak to us about Neuromodulation for Dystonia, including BoNT, ITB, and DBS (and she will explain what all these things mean!).

  • From SEPTEMBER 10th, 2011
    Sunflower Yoga Studio, 6413 E. 14th Ave., Spokane Valley 99212, 509-535-7369
    GENTLE & RESTORATIVE YOGA WITH JACKIE KITTEL
    Jackie Kittel OTR/L, E-RYT is the owner and yoga instructor at Sunflower yoga. She is an Iyengar certified yoga instructor and is an experienced registered teacher at the 500 hour level with Yoga Alliance. She has been practicing hatha yoga since 1990 and began teaching in 1994. Jackie graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in occupational therapy. She has over a dozen years of experience working as an occupational therapist helping to rehabilitate people of all ages with physical disabilities. Jackie's special interests include yoga for stress reduction and balancing of the nervous system, working therapeutically with yoga for back care, scoliosis, cancer recovery as well as many other physical conditions. Jackie combines her medical knowledge with the ancient wisdom of yoga.
    Jackie will teach us yoga poses that will help us with dystonia.

    One of our members recently sent me this response when she read that we were having a meeting about Iyengar Yoga....
    "I've been doing yoga (Inyengar style) for the past 5 years (even before I was diagnosed with dystonia) and I can't say enough on how much it has helped me remain flexible. I can't imagine how any amount of yoga could not help with someone who has dystonia. The awareness that it brings to your body is amazing. If you have any folks that live in the Moscow-Pullman area that want to give it a try, I would highly recommend The Moscow Yoga Center. My instructor for the past 3 years, Erika, has been really helpful in modifing poses for me and is very aware of movements that might affect my particular dystonia. I honestly believe that I receive just about as much relief from the yoga as I do from my Botox. "
    Family & friends welcome. Cost is FREE.

  • From OCTOBER 17th, 2011
    SPEECH THERAPY: dystonia and the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) program - Loud! - with Doreen Nicholas
    Speech plays a critical role in everyday life. It is our way to communicate with others. Yet dystonia can infringe upon our ability to express ourselves by contracting our vocal cords, affecting the flexibility of our diaphragms, or making us self conscious of our limitations.
    The Lee Silverman Program is a fun approach to speech therapy, appropriate for anyone with dystonia, whether or not this disorder affects your vocal cords. This will be a chance for us to learn and play with our voices, while gaining confidence in expressing ourselves.
    Family & friends welcome. Cost is FREE.

    Doreen Nicholas
    , M.S., CCC-SLP, M.H.P.A,. is a Senior Lecturer and Clinical Director of the University Hearing and Speech Clinic at Eastern Washington University, Riverpoint Campus. Doreen joined the department in 1995. Doreen received her M.S. in Communication Disorders from the University of Texas at Dallas. She also earned a Master of Health Policy Administration from Washington State University in 1998. Her interests include medical speech pathology, with emphasis in aphasia and dysphagia, as well as accent modification. She is also interested in the business practices of speech pathology and audiology. Doreen is trained in the Lee Silverman Therapy Program which has proven very helpful to many people with movement disorders.

  • From NOVEMBER 2nd, 2011
    LET'S TALK!: a dystonia discussion group
    Denise Gibson, leader of our Dystonia Support Group of Spokane.
    Bring your thoughts and questions about dystonia and how you are dealing with this movement disorder. The meeting will be an open discussion with members sharing tips, concerns, resources and ideas. Since our educational meetings seldom give us an opportunity for sit-down discussion, this is our time for each other.

  • from Feb. 10, 2010
    LEARNING ABOUT DYSTONIA AND THE BRAIN
    William Britt, Jr., MD
    Dr. Britt will give us an overview of dystonia and the parts of the brain that are affected.
  • from March 11
    BRAIN FITNESS
    PositScience.com. or enjoy the book, The Brain that Changes Itself, by Norman Doidge, PhD.
  • from April 15, 2010
    Living with Dystonia
    DYSTONIA: DEFINING & TREATING THIS DISORDER
    David Greeley, MD, FAAN
    Dr. Greeley, a Spokane neurologist, will give us a definition of dystonia and explain the medical therapies available for treatment. As a member of the International Dystonia Study Group, he can also update us on the latest research. A Question-and-Answer session will follow the talk, so bring your questions and be prepared for an informative discussion.
  • From May 15, 2010
    Living with Dystonia
    OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY FOR DAILY LIVING WITH DYSTONIA
    William Gibson, OTR/C,
    Bill Gibson is an occupational therapist whose wife has dystonia. He will give us an inside perspective on how we can best work with an Occupational Therapist to better cope with this challenging disorder. His talk will be relevant to those of us with dystonia and to our loved ones who support us on a daily basis.
  • From June 8, 2010
    Living with Dystonia
    I THINK I AM RELAXED: NOW WHAT?
    Anthony Whitney, MS, IMHC, BCIA
    With Dystonia our perceptions can become skewed by the erroneous sensory input we receive from overly contracted muscles and tightened joints. So our concept of being relaxed may not allow us to achieve a full state of deep relaxation. Anthony will help us understand the importance of breathing, relaxation and meditation, and the impact they have on our brains and bodies. He will give us a guide for starting to practice and develop more profound relaxation skills.
  • from September 7, 2010
    LET'S TALK: Discussion about Dystonia
    This was a discussion about dystonia, sharing understanding and tips.
  • from October 9
    STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION THERAPY FOR DYSTONIA
    Kevin Lucas, LMT, CSI
    Structural Integration is a manual therapy that works on the fascia, the envelope that surrounds the muscles. A number of our members have found enormous relief through this therapy. An article in the National Spasmodic Torticollis (Cervical Dystonia) Association quoted a member who visited a physician in Houston who worked the fascia and found that after 7 months of therapy most of her symptoms are abated. Kevin Lucas will demonstrate how structural integration helps our muscles to move more fluidly and bring us relief.
  • from November 9, 2010
    A NEW NEUROTOXIN - XEOMIN
    Jeff Riordan, Merz Pharmaceuticals
    Xeomin is a new generation of neuroToxin therapy. It is more purified, resulting in 84% less protein than the leading brand. Will this help those who have built up an immunity to a neuroToxin previously? Time will tell. It is of interest to all of us so that we know our options and can help make decisions about our treatments.
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A support group of the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation.
With thanks to the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, the National Spasmodic Torticollis Association, as well as St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute.