Presenter
Michael Braitsch PT, DPD
Financial Relationship: Received an honorarium for this lecture
Nonfinancial Relationship: None.
Michael Braitsch, PT, DPT is a board-licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy, a former amateur fighter, former kinesiology professor, and an internationally certified fight referee. In addition to treating individual patients, Braitsch runs group exercise programs steeped in leading evidence from physical therapy and exercise science to help people with chronic and progressive conditions move and feel better. He currently researches the effects of non-contact boxing training on impairments associated with PD and provides programs including SOUTH PAWS Parkinson boxing and Tai chi for balance. As a board member of the Adaptive Martial Arts Association and through work on the board of the UT Southwestern Adaptive Sports Expo in Dallas, Texas, he wants to change the way physical therapy is structured for people with chronic and progressive conditions, empowering people to better participate in community wellness.
Lecture Description
We all know that exercise is medicine! We also often hear about the heightened importance of exercise for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in managing symptoms and maximizing function. This session addresses current concepts in exercise strategies for people with PD. Through review of current research and common impairments associated with PD, participants will better understand how they can apply specific training to address specific impairments. Also, we will discuss why boxing training has gained so much attention as a means of empowering people with PD to fight back against the progression of symptoms.
Led by physical therapist, exercise addict, and former amateur fighter Michael Braitsch, PT, DPT, this session promises to be informative and fun. “Dr. Mike” combines his knowledge of physical therapy for treating PD with his passion for boxing and lifetime of martial arts training to help others maximize function and lead fuller lives.