An interview with Katie Nathan from Moved by Movement on September 14, 2023by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
Dr. Katie Nathan PT, DPT, NCS is a physical therapist that specializes in neurologic care. She has a passion and expertise working with people with Parkinson’s disease. She is the owner and founder of Moved by Movement Physical Therapy and Wellness (Moved by Movement), a fitness training and wellness practice specifically for people with Parkinson’s providing virtual and mobile services.
She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California (USC) and has been practicing physical therapy for 7 years. Her love of neuro led her to become a Board Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS). Her love of Parkinson’s care led her to become Parkinson Wellness Recovery Certified and LSVT BIG Certified, which are Parkinson’s specific exercise programs.
Dr. Katie now focuses most of her time on her wellness clients providing access to high-quality exercise to help people combat the symptoms of Parkinson’s and slow disease progression. Through the power of exercise and movement, she has helped countless clients regain mobility, improve function, and thrive.
Please tell me a little about your background and what got you involved with awareness.
Hi there! I am Dr. Katie Nathan PT, DPT, NCS. I am a board-certified neurological physical therapist who has a passion and expertise in working with people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other movement disorders.
People with chronic conditions find it hard to receive the consistent care and information they need and deserve. Our health system is overwhelming, and I was tired and frustrated of the same story where people felt ignored, unseen, and/or insurance limited what health services were available to them. This led me to start my own company Moved by Movement- a cash-based wellness business that does not allow insurance to dictate what I do and how I help people.
Can you tell me more about your advocacy?
I am the owner and founder of Moved by Movement Physical Therapy and Wellness (Moved by Movement), a fitness training and wellness practice specifically for people with Parkinson’s providing 1:1 and group virtual and mobile services. Aside from exercise training, I offer education on PD-specific topics, knowledge of how to navigate the healthcare system, and easier access to healthcare.
Working on other virtual projects and options for people so more to come!
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
I am passionate about helping people go from feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, and frustrated about their future and health with PD to feeling hopeful, revitalized, and empowered about their future and health with PD through the power of exercise and lifestyle changes.
As a neuro therapist, I was fascinated by the brain, and PD peak my interest from its uniqueness in that the single best intervention for PD is exercise and movement.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s awareness have when working with you?
To learn, to dance with their child at their wedding, to hold their grandkid without pain, to keep up with their grandkids, to travel the world, to play golf, to avoid spine surgery, to reduce their PD meds.
What type of training do you have in advocacy?
7 years’ worth of advocating for my patients when insurance would pushed back, hospital funds were not allocated for neuro-specific programs, building neuro-specific programs at clinics
All of this led me to take matters into my own hands and start my own business so I could provide these services to people.
What effect can advocacy have on an individual through Parkinson’s awareness?
It can help people get diagnosed sooner and get the care they need faster. It can set them up for success later in life. It can help connect people and reduce the isolation that people experience.
Community and knowledge are so powerful!
What would you like to see as a future goal for yourself?
I would LOVE to have a bigger impact on the PD community than I do now!
What events do you participate in?
Local events in Northern Nevada right now- work heavily with Parkinson Support Center of Northern Nevada (they are a good organization to reach out to, they are currently helping with PD-specific legislation in NV)
How does this also assist the caregivers?
Resources for people with PD and their loved ones.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
I invite people to message over email at katie@movedbymovementpt.com or you can reach out on my Instagram handle @drkatiept. I would love to meet new people!
If you are looking for more PD-specific information, check out my website at https://www.movedbymovementpt.com.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
To date, exercise is the single BEST intervention for PD. It’s never too late to start!