Sensory Retraining: Is This the Missing Link in Functional Rehab?
Presented by J.J. Mowder-Tinney and Hadas Ofek
Audio Runtime: ___ Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: ___Minutes
Join host and neurorehab physical therapist J.J. Mowder-Tinney as she sits down with Dr. Hadas Ofek, PT, MSc, PhD, a neurophysiotherapist with over 30 years of expertise in somatosensory and pain management. Together, they explore why treating sensation is as critical as vestibular or visual rehab, offering a “missing link” for patients with somatosensory impairment across all rehab stages, especially relevant for those whose motor progress has plateaued. You’ll discover the practical differences between implicit and explicit sensory retraining and how to apply low-cost, high-impact “sensory games” to improve balance, mobility, function, and neuropathic pain. This episode provides actionable strategies to help your patients regain their “representation of self” and achieve meaningful participation goals.
Learning Outcomes
- Analyze the evidence around somatosensory impairment across neurological diagnoses and the efficacy of sensory retraining for addressing sensorimotor deficits and pain syndromes
- Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to actionably select between implicit and explicit sensory retraining based on the patient’s neurological profile and functional goals
- Solve patient case scenarios involving somatosensory impairment and neuropathic pain that limit motor control, balance, and overall participation in daily life
This is an audio-only course. Additional materials are available for download within the course. To receive continuing education credit, complete the course and the accompanying quiz.
Meet your instructors
J.J. Mowder-Tinney
Dr. J.J. Mowder-Tinney holds a bachelor of science degree in psychology from the University of Colorado Boulder, a master of science in physical therapy from the University of Miami, and a doctorate in physical therapy from Nova Southeastern University. With nearly three decades of diverse clinical experience, her expertise…
Hadas Ofek
Hadas Ofek (PhD, University of Haifa, 2018; MSc, BPT, Tel Aviv University) is a neurophysiotherapist with years of clinical expertise, having led stroke, SCI, and TBI units as head PT at Loewenstein Rehabilitation Center. She is a lecturer at Zefat Academic College’s physiotherapy department, teaching at both undergraduate…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Sensory Retraining: Is This the Missing Link in Functional Rehab?
In this episode, host J.J. Mowder-Tinney and Dr. Hadas Ofek reveal how prioritizing somatosensory retraining can unlock functional gains, reduce neuropathic pain and be key for patients who have plateaued in traditional motor-focused rehabilitation.
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