The Power of Choice, Belief and Physical Activity "As King" in Stroke Recovery Artwork

Know Stroke Podcast

Welcome to the Know Stroke Podcast with your co-hosts Mike Garrow (stroke caregiver) & David Dansereau (stroke survivor). Listen back to Episode 1 of the podcast to hear our personal stories of how stroke impacted our lives and sparked a mission to amplify the voices, contributions, and achievements of change makers in stroke care.

Show music by Jake Dansereau (JAKEEZo on Soundcloud) and show intro welcome voice of stroke survivor Caroline Goggin (see episode 2).
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Know Stroke Podcast

The Power of Choice, Belief and Physical Activity "As King" in Stroke Recovery

April 10, 2026 • Episode 92

0:00 | 56:58

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Guest: Mike Studer,PT, DPT, FAPTA Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist with Co-Hosts Michael Garrow and David Dansereau

On episode 92, Mike Studer returns to the show and shares new insights on neuroplasticity, the importance of physical activity "as king" in recovery, and the role of dopamine in motivation. He shares insights from his two books, (The Brain That Chooses Itself and My Face Book:Beyond What the Mirror Show Us in Crisis), his personal journey with Bell's palsy and the lessons learned from it, as well as the challenges and future of stroke rehabilitation. The discussion also looks into the future of reimbursement for neurologic physical therapy and emphasizes the need for personalized care, and the significance of measuring outcomes in physical therapy. If you missed Mike on episode 42 on Neuroplasticity, listen here.

Takeaways:

Neuroplasticity is crucial for recovery from stroke.
Exercise should not be seen as the only form of movement.
Dopamine plays a significant role in motivation and habit formation.
Self-imposed stigmas can hinder recovery and well-being.
Measuring outcomes is necessary for effective treatment and reimbursement.
Psychologically informed practice is gaining traction in therapy.
Sharing experiences can lead to healthier coping mechanisms.
The future of stroke rehabilitation is optimistic with new approaches.
Engagement and autonomy in therapy enhance recovery outcomes.

More About Mike: Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the APTA ,APTA Geriatric Section Clinician of the Year 2014, APTA Neurology Section Clinician of the Year 2011, TEDxSalem 2020 speaker: Neuroplasticity Instagram: @mikestuderdpt

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Show credits:
Music intro credit to Jake Dansereau. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on Episode 2 of the podcast.

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Know Stroke Podcast Disclaimer:
Our podcast and media advertising services are for informational purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.