This support group is created by patients for patients in the belief that together we can make a difference in the quality of our lives.

Please join us at our meetings. The cost is FREE. Please try to rsvp if at all possible. We look forward to seeing you!

MEETING DATES FOR 2012
Our meetings for 2012 have been scheduled, so that you can add them to your calendar and join us!

EDUCATIONAL MEETINGS:
Times and Dates will vary depending on the speakers's availability.
Meeting will be held at St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute, 711 So. Cowley St., (location map), Spokane

• Friday, FEBRUARY 24, 2012
  3:15 - 4:15 p.m.
  Room 200 (by south entrance information desk )
  St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA
  Physical Therapy - Understanding the Aspects of Tone
  Len Norfleet,, PT, BCAT, Masters level physical therapist / board certified athletic trainer, specializing in neuro kinetic systems (NKS).
  Len will speak to us about Physical Therapy for Dystonia, helping us tounderstand muscle tone and how dystonia’s imbalance can be modified through Pysical Therapy. Get to know more about your dystonia and what you can do to help yourself!
  Questions and answers will follow, so join us and learn!.
  If you want to stay afterwards and talk, please take advantage of this opportunity to meet others with dystonia.
  
  
• Friday, March 16, 2012
  2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
  Room 200 (by south entrance information desk )
  St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA
  Acupuncture Works
  Jeananne Eckert, Acupuncturist.
  For over 5000 years Traditional Chinese Medicine has been the mainstay for health care in China, and has made it's mark here in the USA and around the world. Jeanann will demonstrate Acupuncture, adjunctive techniques, and share her passion for this type of medicine.
  The presentation will include a demonstration, so if you have ever been curious about acupuncture this is a great chance to learn!
  
  
• Friday, April 20, 2012
  10:15 - 11:15 a.m.
  Room LL1/LL2 (lower level, adjacent to cafeteria)
  St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA
  Patient/Physician Communication
  Susie Ro, M.D., Neurologist specializing in movement disorders
  How do we describe the symptoms of dystonia to our physicians? What do they need to know from us? What do our words and their words mean? Susie Ro, M.D., will present an overview of dystonia and the treatment options, while taking a closer look at patient expectations and how to better communicate to achieve the best results.
  
  
• Saturday, May 19, 2012 (...we think! Please check back to confirm date)
  3:15 - 4:30 p.m.
  The Buddhio at the South Perry Yoga Studio
  915 South Perry (in the basement of the Buddhist Temple)
  Yoga, Nia and Tai Chi
  Shawn Brow, CRNA, MAE, E-RYT, yoga instructor; Laura Markman, Nia Dertified Black Belt, nia instructor; and Elwyn Lapoint, Sifu, Tai Chi instructor.
  Shawn, Laura and Elwyn willl introduce us to these beautiful therapies.
  Shawn Brow enjoys integrating therapeutic aspects of yoga and Mindfulness Meditation teachings. Balanced within the worlds of art and science, her teachings reflect the paradox between the body’s structural biomechanics, and the subtleties of intuitive grace and creativity; Laura Markman explores the healing potential of Nia and other dance movement art forms; and Elwyn Lapoint will introduce us to the moving flow of Tai Chi.
  
  
• Friday, June 8, 2012
  2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
  Room 200 (by south entrance information desk )
  St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA
  Psychology: Title and description TBA
  Darrelle Volwiler, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist
  What are the psychological issues we face with dystonia and how do we learn how to adapt? These are important considerations, so check back to find out the full description of this talk (to come soon!)
  
  
• July & August
  There will not be any educational meetings during the summer. Enjoy these long, warm summer days and get out and exercise! (See note about our walking group the first Monday of each month.)
  
  
• Friday, September 21, 2012
  2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
  Room LL1/LL2 (lower level, adjacent to cafeteria)
  St. Lukes Rehabilitation Institute. 711 S. Cowley St., Spokane WA
  Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
  Jonathan Carlson, M.D., Neurosurgeon
  The results of DBS surgery is showing great promise for those of us with dystonia. Dr. Carlson will introduce us to deep brain stimulation surgery from the perspective of a neurosurgeon.
  
  
• October meeting TBA