An interview with Carolyn Eddy, Doctor of Physical Therapy from Time 2 Move Wellness on July 6, 2023, by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
My name is Carolyn, and I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease. My motivation stems from my family history of Parkinson’s Disease as well as my drive to educate others on the importance of exercise.
My grandmother, who had PD, lived with us after struggling to live alone. Back then, I was in school for Physical Therapy and thought that there was not much she could do, other than take her medication and do some chair exercises.
It later dawned on me that if I was a PT and didn’t know the information I know now, then other people must not be aware of the life changing effects exercise can have on someone with PD.
I started Time 2 Move Wellness in 2022 with the original intent to see people at the earlier stages of PD. I quickly realized that there was a large crowd of younger folks between the ages of 30-40 reaching out to me, stating they felt underrepresented when it came to options for managing PD.
Which brings us to today! Although I reside in New England, I am currently helping people throughout the globe to slow the progression of PD and help them feel confident when managing their symptoms.
Please tell me a little about your background and what got you involved with awareness.
I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy that specializes in Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinson’s Disease runs on my mother’s side of the family, which made me wonder what my future looked like. I started working with people with PD, originally in a typical setting like the hospital, home health, or outpatient setting, and realized that there were people my age who were being diagnosed with YOPD. I saw the determination in their eyes and realized that the current insurance-based model for Physical Therapy did not allow for the guidance and accountability that people with YOPD were looking for, which leads us too today.
Can you tell me more about your advocacy?
After working with people who had PD, I noticed I never really had a good discharge plan for them once they achieved their goals. Eventually, people would return to the clinic, saying they never did their exercises or that the exercises were not relevant to them anymore, so they stopped, which made sense to me. With the current insurance model, I was unable to maintain that connection with my patients and make changes on the fly for them, so I took matters into my own hands and started Time 2 Move Wellness. Time 2 Move allows me to help people with YOPD slow the progression of the disease and allow for continuous modifications to their program throughout the year. I can educate, encourage, guide, and motivate the people I work with to realize that YOPD does not need to define them or their future.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion is helping people throughout the world realize that getting a diagnosis of YOPD is not a death sentence. I want people to know that YOPD can be managed with exercise and motivate them to make the changes that their body needs. It is not convenient to put the work in there, but I want to help guide people in the right direction to make it a little easier. Every day I talk to my clients or people online who discuss the current research out there on PD. I am usually known as the “reality police” but my family and friends know that I am certain there will be a cure, or at the least some form of medication (like a vaccine or pill) that will stop the progression of PD.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
When we first started to work with people, we talked about their goals to develop a plan that is right for them. Some people just have a generic goal of slowing the progression of the disease, which I agree should be at the top of the list, but others have goals of returning to the sports they once did or going on vacation with their family and not feeling like their PD is running the show. We can then develop a plan that is goal centered and will help facilitate their goals. Between aerobic training (think cardio), strength training, agility training, and more, we can successfully achieve our goals if they are consistent with their program. It takes work.
Move Better: Are you feeling like your feet just don’t want to do what you are asking them to do? Get your body on the same page as your mind.
Get Stronger: Getting stronger = feeling more confident. Feel confident in your ability to live your day without assistance from others.
Feel like Yourself: This diagnosis can make you feel like your old self is gone and nowhere to be found. You aren’t moving the same and you feel more tired. Let’s change that and get you moving again!
What type of training and how long are the programs?
Personalized Training: This program is designed specifically for patients with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease or Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease. Research shows that exercise can slow the progression of Parkinson’s Disease and improve cognition. This is not only an exercise program, but a space for you to learn more about your diagnosis and how you can move better. You will receive a program that is designed for you to manage your symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Since every case is different, there are no specific package details until your free virtual consultation has been completed to determine your needs.
What effect can it have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
The education I provide to those with YOPD is the framework of their success. Knowing WHAT you need to do, HOW much to do, WHEN to do it, and WHERE you can exercise is a great start. Right now, research shows that getting 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise can slow the progression of PD, and for someone in their 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s, it is huge! They have their whole lives ahead of them and they do not want PD to get in the way of that.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your advocacy?
Eventually, I would love to go full-time with my work with Time 2 Move Wellness to be a louder and more prominent voice for PD. I am currently working full-time in an assisted living facility with a great company, so I have a lot to think about with regards to my future and my business. My dream would be to work full-time with T2M and allow me to help more people around the world. I have helped people in 5 different countries around the globe so far and have people who have been working with me for over a year. Ideally, I would love to be able to support and be a larger presence in people’s care teams.
What events do you participate in?
I primarily participate in events run by the Parkinson’s Foundation in the Northeast of the US. I have developed a relationship with some of the event coordinators up here and I am so happy that they think of me during their events. I plan to help lead the warm-ups for the Walking Day events.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
When working with someone, I ask them who their cheerleaders are? Who is someone in their home or in their circle who they can ask for more accountability on top of me. If you can surround yourself with a team of people who encourage you to exercise when you just don’t feel like it, then you can be more successful. Some people invite their spouses to our meetings to discuss some of their symptoms or to be on the same page as me when making recommendations. I feel like it helps keep your loved ones involved so they can best support you.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
I always invite people to email me at time2movewellness@gmail.com. Usually people message me on Instagram on my handle @Time2MoveWellness as that is where I post most of my information however I do have a website (www.time2movewellness.com) . I could use some redecorating…. Anyone know a web designer?! 🙂
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson community, what would it be?
At a time when you feel like you have no control over what is happening in your life, you need to make a choice. Do you want to accept what is happening and see where this road takes you or do you want to take control of the situation and not allow PD to define who you are and what your future looks like. Don’t wait for the right time. The right time is now. If you never start, then you will never know. Don’t worry about finding “the best exercise”. Instead, put your efforts into finding something that you will be consistent with. Because consistency is what will lead you to success.