Virginian Rehabilitation and Wellness

Bone Health - Be Too Fit to Fall or Fracture

Bone Health - Be Too Fit to Fall or Fracture

One in two women and one in four men will break a bone in their lifetime due to osteoporosis.

  • In the US, osteoporosis affects over 10 million adults

  • Osteoporosis has a yearly societal cost of over 22 billion (and that is from 2002)

  • Currently, osteoporosis is underdiagnosed AND undertreated

Staggering statistics, numbers to some, but to those of us who have a family history of brittle bones and have lost height – its personal.

Is there hope? YES! Here are some simple things you can do to start improving your bone health TODAY.

Yoga for Lymphedema  

Yoga for Lymphedema  

Yoga can be a great benefit for those who live with Lymphedema by providing a safe exercise practice to decrease symptoms as well as promoting mental wellbeing. A recent research study has shown that participants who completed consistent yoga practice for a period of three months experienced less swelling and pain as well as improved mobility (Int. J. Yoga, 2016).

Addressing Deficits Related to Stroke Using the Most Current Evidence and Technologies 

Addressing Deficits Related to Stroke Using the Most Current Evidence and Technologies 

If you or a loved one has been affected by a stroke, there are many ways that our rehabilitation team can support your recovery. Here are some updates about our team’s approach, including how we use our neuromuscular electrical stimulation Neubie device to promote improved efficiency of your recovery. Each therapy area has a specialized focus but we all work together to focus on the whole you!

4 Amazing Yoga Restoratives for World Mental Health Day

4 Amazing Yoga Restoratives for World Mental Health Day

October 10th is World Mental Health Day. We invite you to explore your quieter side with one of these restorative yoga poses. These are perfect if you need to find time to slow down and release tension in the body. These poses are meant to be held for a longer duration with the support of props to maximize comfort. Find a comfortable spot on the floor and grab a few pillows, you can give one a go or try all of them!

Yoga Pranayama Techniques  

Yoga Pranayama Techniques  

In Yoga, breathing practices or “Pranayama” has long been known for bringing physiological, psychical and mental benefits to its practitioners. The root meaning of the word “prana” means “life-energy”. Breath control has many benefits in other contexts outside of yoga. For example, many are taught to breath out when exerting effort when exercising or completing heavy lifting to protect their spine. First responders are also taught to use their breath to remain calm and mentally effective during emergency situations. These are just small examples of how learning breath control may enhance your quality of life and mental fortitude.

Five Tips For Parkinson’s Caregivers to Improve Communication

Five Tips For Parkinson’s Caregivers to Improve Communication

As a caregiver for a person with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), you know things are always changing. Your spouse may have no difficulty getting dressed and then one day buttons are a struggle. Communication for people with PD can also change over time, but there are several approaches you can use to adjust and adapt to those changes.

“Prehab” is it Right for YOU? Benefits of PT Before Considering Surgery

“Prehab” is it Right for YOU? Benefits of PT Before Considering Surgery

As research continues to shed light on the benefits of PT for pain, and as a necessity for post-surgical rehab, it is becoming more commonplace for surgeons to prescribe PT BEFORE their patient’s major surgeries as well. Some studies have shown that this step can diminish the need for post-operative care by 30%! This process has been coined Prehabilitation or “Prehab” and the advantages are clear.

The Athlete’s Newest Weapon – The Neubie!

The Athlete’s Newest Weapon – The Neubie!

Back to School is right around the corner. That means kids will be returning to school, sports will begin training, and inevitably, athletes across the country will ramp up preparation for fall and winter competition. Today, everyone is looking for that edge that will give them a leg up on their competition – perhaps to crack the starting lineup, push for a collegiate scholarship, set a new personal record, or return from injury stronger than before.

Neufit, the maker of an electrical stimulation treatment device called the Neubie (pronounced New-Be), is at the forefront of cutting-edge technology providing individuals with a unique, competitive advantage over the competition.

Keep Your Mind Mighty – Do a Crossword!

Keep Your Mind Mighty – Do a Crossword!

My father-in-law loved crossword puzzles. I have fond memories of him sitting at the kitchen table working away on the daily crossword puzzle. Every now and then he would get stuck and ask my help. I usually had no clue, but occasionally, the synapses would fire just right, and I would get an answer correct- a great “a-ha!” moment that really did feel like it woke up my brain. I have no doubt that his daily battle with the Post puzzle is what helped his mind stay so fit throughout his life.

Dry Needling To Relieve Neck Pain

Dry Needling To Relieve Neck Pain

Neck pain can affect your ability to perform daily tasks, such as dressing, cooking, and driving. Some occupations, such as office workers, can lead to higher rates of neck pain, due to prolonged time sitting and poor sitting posture and ergonomics. We are also seeing a rise in neck pain due to the head down posture associated with increased mobile device use. Dry needling by a qualified PT can help.

Your PT Can't Do Your Exercise For You

Your PT Can't Do Your Exercise For You

If you've been to physical therapy, you likely got a home exercise program. Research says that if you do your home exercise program, you'll have a significantly better chance of meeting your goals and feeling better. Not doing your program increases the risk of recurrent injury or flare-ups with less positive outcomes long term. Even though they're important, adherence to home exercise programs is terrible. It's estimated that only 40 to 50% of patients do their exercises the way they're supposed to. What can you do to make sure you do your exercises and get the best outcomes? Here are a few ideas.