Michigan NeuroSport Physicians
The Michigan NeuroSport physician group is an example of an interdepartmental collaboration with physicians from Neurology, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and Pediatric Sports Medicine.
Neurology
Andrea Almeida, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology
Matthew Lorincz, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Neurology
Michael Popovich, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology
Physical Medication & Rehabilitation
James Eckner, MS MD, Associate Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Andrea Aagesen, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Pediatric Sports Medicine
Ingrid Ichesco, MD
Michigan NeuroSport Additional Healthcare Providers
The Michigan NeuroSport Care team also includes physical therapists, athletic trainers and health care providers who work as a collaborative team to provide an individualized, comprehensive, effective treatment plan. This multidisciplinary approach is what makes our program unique and allows for excellent service.
Michigan NeuroSport Vestibular Physical Therapy
Concussions can affect the vestibular system and cause an individual to feel dizzy, off balance and have issues with vision. Impairment to the vestibular system can lead to headache, eye strain, nausea and prolonged recovery if left untreated. The Michigan NeuroSport Vestibular Physical Therapists have specialized education in treating post-concussive vestibular symptoms.They provide evaluation and treatment during clinical encounters and provide a home therapy program that is built to optimize recovery and shorten the time to get back to normal daily activities including work, school and sports in a safe manner.
Wendy Carender, PT, MPT, NCS
Melissa Grzesiak, PT
Bara Alsalaheen, PT, PHD
Michigan NeuroSport Spine Physical Therapy
Head and neck injuries can affect the musculoskeletal system leading to neck pain headache, dizziness and nausea, and if left untreated can prolong concussion recovery. The Michigan NeuroSport Spine Physical Therapists have specialized education in treating post-concussive musculoskeletal symptoms primarily stemming from the neck and spine.This spine physical therapy care is directed at the orthopedic rehabilitation needs of the post-concussion athlete for neck pain and headaches. Physical therapy and physician care is coordinated to provide in clinic treatment along with a home therapy program to optimize recovery.
Pam Knickerbocker, PT, MS, OCS
Kari Alsager, PT, DPT, OCS
Cindy Munday, PT, MPT
Julia Okuly, PT, DPT, OMPT
Diane Rufe, PT, MHS
Nina Strang, PT DPT CSCS
Michigan NeuroSport Pediatric and Adult Neuropsychology
Concussion and its downstream impact can lead to psychiatric and cognitive sequela. In some patients persistent psychiatric and cognitive issues become the primary cause of symptoms. Michigan NeuroSport has collaborated with adult and pediatric Neuropsychologists to serve the needs of these individuals by providing cognitive assessment and cognitive behavioral intervention. Overall, the goal is to help empower patients and their families by identifying actions they can take to improve their situation. Neuropsychologists work in collaboration with the NeuroSport physicians and therapists to provide comprehensive care for all patients recovering from concussion as well as those with potential long-term consequences of mild traumatic brain injury.
Abigail Ruth Johnson Beals, PhD
Marie VanTubbergen, PhD
Michigan NeuroSport Social Work
Following a neurologic injury from sport, particularly concussion, new or worsening psychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, can be a significant barrier to recovery. The mission of Michigan NeuroSport Social Work is to provide mental health care in a timely manner in order to improve outcomes. Factors leading to anxiety include missing school, social isolation, fear of falling behind and the potential implications of lower academic performance. Michigan NeuroSport Social Work can also serve as a liaison to schools, to aid issues surrounding academic reintegration and developing coping strategies to help deal with these potential issues.
Kristine M. Konz, LMSW
Michigan NeuroSport Athletic Training
Exercise is a key aspect to recovery of sports-related concussion. Michigan NeuroSport has developed a groundbreaking supervised exertional therapy protocol in which an athletes’ sub-symptom exercise tolerance in determined during the clinic visit. Based on performance during supervised exercise, the athlete can then be prescribed an individually tailored home exercise treatment plan to facilitate recovery. In addition, symptom free supervised exercise is a promising biomarker of recovery of concussion. Michigan NeuroSport Athletic trainers play a key role in administration and interpretation of supervised exercise.
Jeremiah Freeman, ATC
Brooke Ernst, ATC
