Parkinson’s changes how the brain controls movement. But movement can also change the brain.

In this episode, Todd Vogt and Eric Von Frohlich sit down with Julie Hershberg, neurological physical therapist and founder of re+active therapy & wellness, to talk about why exercise may be one of the most powerful tools we have for living with Parkinson’s. They get into neuroplasticity, symptom variability, training the nervous system, and what it means to adapt when the body does not always respond the same way twice.

This conversation is about learning to work with what is there, train what is possible, and keep moving with purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• Exercise can support brain change, not just physical fitness
• Parkinson’s requires adaptable training because symptoms vary
• Progress starts with working from what is real, not what is ideal

Key Moments:

00:00 Introduction to Julie Hershberg and re+active therapy & wellness
03:40 Why exercise matters so much in Parkinson’s
08:15 Neuroplasticity and how movement affects the brain
13:35 Training the nervous system, not just the muscles
18:20 Symptom variability and adapting day to day
23:10 How athletes approach Parkinson’s differently
28:00 Why meaningful movement works better than going through the motions
33:10 Working with what is there, not what you wish was there
38:00 Final thoughts on training, adaptation, and purpose

About the Guest:

Julie Hershberg is a neurological physical therapist and founder of re+active therapy & wellness, where she helps people with Parkinson’s and other neurologic conditions rebuild trust in their bodies and nervous systems, while keeping movement creative, challenging, and fun.

She is passionate about interdisciplinary care, creative movement, and helping people return to the activities that make life meaningful.

Connect with Julie:

Website: https://www.reactivept.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hershberg-pt-dpt-ncs-40481545/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reactivept/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neurologicptlosangeles

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@reactivept

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reactivetherapy

About the hosts:

Todd Vogt and Eric Von Frohlich are athletes living with Parkinson’s who share what they’re learning in real time: what’s working, what’s frustrating, and how to keep moving forward with an athlete’s mindset.

Follow / connect:

📩 Join our Community: ericvonfrohlich.com/emailsignup
🎧 Listen and Subscribe: https://parkinsons-an-athletes-journey.transistor.fm/
🎬 Watch on YouTube: @parkinsonsathletepodcast

📸 Instagram: @parkinsonsathletepodcast
🤝 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/parkinsons-an-athletes-journey-podcast
🌐 Website: https://www.ericvonfrohlich.com/podcast

Disclaimer:

This podcast contains personal experience and education only, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical decisions.