Stroke Recovery with Vivistim Featuring Rachel Pienta, OTR & Han Nguyen, DPT

What if recovery didn’t stop at six months post-stroke? In this episode of the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast, Dr. Kerry Reller is joined by Rachel Pienta, OTR, and Dr. Han Nguyen, DPT, to explore how Vivistim—a vagus nerve stimulation device—is helping stroke survivors regain arm and hand function, even years after their stroke.

What We Discuss

Stroke recovery can be a long and frustrating journey, especially when progress seems to plateau. But what if a new technology could help jumpstart the brain’s ability to rewire and heal—no matter how long it’s been since the stroke?

In this episode, Dr. Kerry Reller speaks with two passionate rehabilitation experts—Rachel Pienta, an occupational therapist and therapy development specialist at Vivistim, and Dr. Han Nguyen, a neurologic physical therapist and founder of Neubility Rehabilitation and Wellness.

They dive deep into what happens in the brain during a stroke, the challenges of upper limb recovery, and how Vivistim uses vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) to enhance neuroplasticity—the brain’s natural ability to form new connections. Even better? Vivistim works alongside physical or occupational therapy to help patients regain independence in meaningful tasks like handwriting, using tools, or turning on a light switch.

Key Takeaways

• Stroke recovery is possible—even years later. Neuroplasticity doesn’t expire. Vivistim helps reawaken dormant pathways in the brain.

• Vivistim is FDA-approved for chronic ischemic stroke and can be used as early as 6 months post-stroke.

• The device works by stimulating the left vagus nerve during task-specific movements in therapy, boosting the brain’s ability to relearn and strengthen those actions.

• Success stories include patients regaining the ability to write, tie shoes, or use power tools—tasks they thought they had lost forever.

• Candidates must have some movement in the fingers and thumb to qualify, and motivation plays a key role in the success of treatment.

• Vivistim is covered by Medicare through a special pass-through program, and commercial insurance may be available with prior authorization.
  
  

Conclusion

Recovery after stroke doesn’t have to end after a few months. With the help of cutting-edge tools like Vivistim and committed professionals like Rachel Pienta and Dr. Han Nguyen, stroke survivors have new hope for regaining independence and function—even years after their stroke.

If you or a loved one has experienced a stroke and want to explore innovative rehabilitation options, this episode is a must-listen. And remember: every step forward counts. 

About Our Guests

Rachel Pienta, OTR is an occupational therapist and Therapy Development Specialist with Vivistim. She works closely with patients, therapists, and providers to guide stroke survivors through the Vivistim journey and support their recovery.

Dr. Han Nguyen, DPT is a board-certified neurologic physical therapist and founder of Neubility Rehabilitation and Wellness in Pinellas Park, FL. Her clinic specializes in neurologic rehab, including stroke, Parkinson’s, brain injuries, and balance disorders. Dr. Nguyen is passionate about helping patients regain meaningful function through personalized, high-intensity rehab.