Neuro Navigators Episode 30: Sensory Retraining: Is This the Missing Link in Functional Rehab?

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

Timestamps

• (00:00:00) Welcome
• (00:00:00) Introduction to sensation in neurology
• (00:01:12) Hadas Ofek's journey in sensory retraining
• (00:06:20) The importance of sensation in patient recovery
• (00:12:20) Assessment tools for sensory testing
• (00:18:29) Practical applications of sensory training
• (00:22:40) Explicit vs. implicit sensory training
• (00:30:16) Understanding sensory training in rehabilitation
• (00:33:02) The importance of patient-centric approaches
• (00:34:32) Explicit vs. implicit sensory retraining
• (00:35:20) Gaining patient buy-in for sensory training
• (00:38:35) Case studies: overcoming sensory loss
• (00:47:13) Three key takeaways for sensory rehabilitation

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