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Parkinson’s Disease: The Brain Gut Connection  

Parkinson’s Disease: The Brain Gut Connection  

Recent research has shifted from the brain to the gut and studies have found that the microbiome influences the brain through a neural network via vagus nerve. Metabolites made by gut microbes, including psychoactive metabolites, can transit from the gut across the blood-brain barrier and into the brain, where they can potentially impact mood and behavior and regulate immune cells in the brain. Alpha-synuclein, is a protein that scientists believe to be one of the key mediators of the death of dopamine that is associated with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). When this protein is misfolded groups of these proteins travel through the vagal nerve up to the brain.  - This is nerd speak for, abnormal molecules from gut microbes impact the brain’s response to regulate the immune system and dopamine system.  

SPREAD PREVENTION WHILE FINDING THE CURE 

SPREAD PREVENTION WHILE FINDING THE CURE 

It is February once again and we focus on promoting cancer prevention. Cancer prevention plays a vital role in reducing the burden of the disease on individuals and society. With the number of cancer diagnoses projected to continue to increase in the United States, it is crucial to understand the importance of prevention to save lives and minimize the physical, emotional, and financial strain that cancer has on patients, their families, and society.  

Is Neubie Right for Me? 

Is Neubie Right for Me? 

At Virginian Rehabilitation & Wellness, we seek innovative technology to give our clients the best care possible and expedite their return to everyday activity. The Neubie (pronounced “New-Be”) is one of our newest pieces of technology that delivers direct current electrical stimulation to clients with a wide variety of symptoms and conditions to enhance therapy outcomes! We often have clients enter our clinic for the first time having never heard of the Neubie before, or unsure if the Neubie is appropriate for them. The Neubie can be used for a wide variety of conditions and symptoms, the list below discusses the issues/conditions that can benefit from the Neubie: 

2023 Reflections and 2024 Expectations

2023 Reflections and 2024 Expectations

This past year has been very eventful for our small company!  

With the support of our Board of Directors and team we opened our new Fairfax Hamaker outpatient clinic in June.  Our larger custom-designed space has enabled us to add innovative, advanced equipment so our clients can push their limits for even greater gains during their sessions!  

The Power of Flexibility: Why Stretching Is Crucial for Joint and Muscle Health 

The Power of Flexibility: Why Stretching Is Crucial for Joint and Muscle Health 

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to overlook the importance of stretching. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, an office worker, or someone leading a sedentary lifestyle, incorporating regular stretching into your routine is essential for maintaining optimal joint and muscle health. In this blog post, we'll explore why stretching is crucial, what happens to our bodies when we neglect it, and the physiological benefits that occur when we make stretching a habit. 

Holiday Gift Guide for Staying Safe and Healthy at Home 

Holiday Gift Guide for Staying Safe and Healthy at Home 

With the quick approach of the holiday season, what better time to think about gifts for your loved ones. These occupational therapy inspired ideas are great for all and can help your loved ones stay safe, healthy, and active into the new year!  

Sleep Hygiene - More Beneficial Than You Think  

Sleep Hygiene - More Beneficial Than You Think  

Nearly one-third of the general population experiences problems with sleep. Research has shown that mental health difficulties, obesity, cancer, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and many other health conditions are associated with lack of sleep. Poor sleep is common in individuals who are living with painful musculoskeletal conditions that have a significant negative impact on their lives. Musculoskeletal conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia are frequently associated with sleep issues.

Alzheimer’s Disease and How Occupational Therapy Can Help 

Alzheimer’s Disease and How Occupational Therapy Can Help 

Occupational therapists help individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease maintain their independence and safety as it relates to their participation in activities of daily living. This is achieved through training in interventions including exercise programs, adaptive equipment, durable medical equipment, environmental adaptations/modifications, implementation of compensatory strategies, and/or task modification

Osteoporosis – It’s Personal 

Osteoporosis – It’s Personal 

My grandmother was a tall strong farm women who I greatly admired.  Yet as she aged, around the time of my grade school years, she began to shrink.  By the time college came around she was stooped over and had lost over 8 inches in height – from a tall (for her generation) 5 foot 9 to barely 5 feet tall.  Her clothes fit oddly due to the large hump in her back.  She had an official diagnosis of osteoporosis. 

There are plenty of concerning statistics on the prevalence of bone loss in our population.  Here are a few: 

Mental Health and Aging

Mental Health and Aging

Tuesday October 10, 2023, is World Mental Health Day. Mental health disorders impact everyone from children to older adults. Approximately 15% of adults 60+ have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Depression and anxiety are the most common diagnoses and can present in many ways. It is often under-diagnosed and even when diagnosed, often under-treated in the primary care settings especially when experienced by older adults. Older people have many life stressors including the loss of loved ones, a drop in socioeconomic status with retirement, and decline in physical and/or cognitive abilities.  All these changes can increase isolation and loneliness.

Using Innovative Therapy to Address Chronic Pain  

Using Innovative Therapy to Address Chronic Pain  

Pain is a serious and costly public health issue. The National Institutes of Health calls pain "the universal disorder." In its most benign form, pain warns us that something isn’t quite right, that we should pay attention, take medicine, or see a doctor. At its worst, pain robs us of our productivity, well-being, and, for many who suffer from extended illness, it dramatically affects how we live our lives. 

At Virginian Rehabilitation and Wellness, we have many tools to manage pain. One of our newer more innovative tools is the Neubie. The Neubie is an FDA-cleared system that uses electrical stimulation to bring about neuromotor change.

The Slip Trainer -- Our NEW and Exciting Falls Prevention Tool

The Slip Trainer -- Our NEW and Exciting Falls Prevention Tool

When you lose your balance, your body can react in many different ways. With the goal of preventing injuries, we want to make sure our bodies have the strength, speed, and reflexive response to step and re-stabilize without overly relying on our arms. The slip trainer is a our newest tool to help us train your balance to optimize your ability to catch yourself fast enough with your feet to prevent injury if you slip or trip.

The Neubie – Unlocking Peak Physical Performance 

The Neubie – Unlocking Peak Physical Performance 

What do Saquan Barkley, Jameson Taillon, John Isner, and Mike Tyson have in common? They all have used the Neubie to recover from injury or improve their athletic performance.  Athletes across all levels of competition are always looking for competitive advantages over their opponents. Virginian Rehabilitation and Wellness provides individuals with the opportunity to unlock their peak physical potential through the use of the Neubie. The Neubie is an innovative treatment tool which can improve recovery timelines from injury or surgery, while also accelerating muscle strength gains and endurance to return individuals to sport or other meaningful physical activity to pre-injury levels and beyond.

Kinesiotape – The Basics 

Kinesiotape – The Basics 

Kinesio Taping is a method that is applied to the body to help reduce pain and inflammation for various medical conditions. According to Kinesio's website, the method uses a specially designed elastic therapeutic tape known as Kinesio Tex Tape to lift the skin microscopically and aid the body's natural healing process. It is a non-restrictive method that allows for full range of motion and is appropriate for many stages of treatment plans.

Busting 5 Myths about Osteoarthritis (OA)

Busting 5 Myths about Osteoarthritis (OA)

Many people have x-rays or MRIs that indicate OA. This doesn’t mean you are destined for a life of pain. Strengthening the muscles around the painful joint, learning proper movement and joint protective strategies are just a few of the techniques that our physical therapists use to help you better manage your pain and keep on moving. In this blog we explore the FIVE Myths about Osteoarthritis.