Why Movement Is Medicine with Alex Lopiccolo

In this episode of The Growth Lab, Luba Patlakh sits down with Alex Lopiccolo, known as the King of Swings, a certified occupational therapy assistant and sensory integration specialist who has spent the last decade designing sensory gyms and teaching hands on workshops around the world. Alex shares how his own childhood experience with sensory sensitivities shaped his approach to movement based therapy, and the two dig into why regulation has to come before behavior and learning can improve. They talk through practical bedtime strategies, how to balance screen time with movement, and what parents can do at home to help kids get the input their bodies are craving. Alex also opens up about building a mission driven career, avoiding burnout, and what he hopes kids carry with them long after therapy ends.Check out Alex's website: sensorydigest.comAlex's Instagram: instagram.com/sensorydigestAlex's Facebook: facebook.com/SensoryDigest/Connect with Luba on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lubapatlakh/Get a copy of Bobo Wears a Bowtie: bobowearsabowtie.comLuba's website: lubapatlakh.comThe Confident IEP Parent ebook: theconfidentiepparent.comJoin the Parental Pathway: https://www.skool.com/the-parent-pathway/00:00 – Meet Alex Lopiccolo, the King of Swings04:00 – Growing up with sensory sensitivities and using sports as therapy05:10 – Finding purpose as an inventor and occupational therapist09:54 – The role of movement in regulation, learning, and behavior14:02 – Leading by example as a parent22:49 – Bedtime routines and calming techniques that actually work25:12 – Avoiding burnout and building a mission driven career33:58 – Balancing screen time, video games, and movement42:15 – Rapid fire questions with Alex43:30 – Where to find Alex and Sensory Digest