On this episode of the Healthy Wealthy and Smart Podcast, Win Kelly Charles joins us to share the patient perspective of living well with Cerebral Palsy. Win was born with Cerebral Palsy and has dedicated her life to inspiring others as a bestselling author, artist and podcast host of Butterflies of Wisdom. If you would like to learn more about Cerebral Palsy, Move Forward PT provides a great introductory resource: Physical Therapist's Guide to Cerebral Palsy. Be sure to check out the first episode with Win here!
In this episode, we discuss:
-The evolution of physical therapy care for patients with Cerebral Palsy
-Win’s experience being the first woman with Cerebral Palsy to wear an exoskeleton
-Win’s rehabilitation and fitness schedule
-First-hand advice from a Cerebral Palsy patient on how to effectively treat the condition
-The challenges of gaining adequate insurance coverage for lifelong conditions
-And so much more!
Cerebral Palsy has a variety of presentations and requires a customized treatment plan for each individual. Win encourages all physical therapists, “Don’t go by the textbook!”
Medical coverage is a never ending battle for patients with chronic conditions. Win has found results using innovative physical therapy technology but has had to go outside of her coverage. From Win’s experiences, “The medical system gives all of us the heebie-jeebies.”
Win has benefited from and encourages physical therapists to explore new technologies. Her positive experience being the first women with Cerebral Palsy to wear an exoskeleton has convinced her of the benefits of alternatives in physical therapy. She states, “I never thought I would see a day of my life where I would be the bionic women. I never thought that I would be walking in an exoskeleton.”
For more information on Win:
Born with Cerebral Palsy, Win Charles has defied the odds by becoming an author. Her memoir I, Win is an amazing story of how she remembers her life through the years of having a condition called "CP". As a competitor in the Kona Iron Man Triathlon, CEO of her own jewelry design company, and motivational speaker, Win Charles truly is an inspiration to many. Today Win Charles tours the country, speaking to schools and institutions to raise awareness about cerebral palsy and living a full life no matter what holds you back. She is also an advocate of veterans across the world.
Resources discussed on this show:
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Xo Karen
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