Physical therapy

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.  

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: 

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. 

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.

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.

Simple Fall Prevention and Recovery 

Simple Fall Prevention and Recovery 

Have you fallen in the past year? Have you been advised to use a cane or walker to get around safely? Do you feel unsteady walking? Are you worried about falling? Have you lost feeling in your feet? Do you steady yourself by holding onto furniture while walking at home? If you answered yes to any of these questions you may be at risk of falling. Although falls occur in an instant they can have serious and costly consequences. 

Reduce Anxiety Symptoms Using Physical Therapy 

Reduce Anxiety Symptoms Using Physical Therapy 

Physical therapy (PT) is the field of allied health concerned with movement. PT treatment preserves, enhances, or restores physical function impaired or threatened by disease, injury, or disability. It addresses impairments that reduce functional activities such as sitting, standing, walking, and running. Physical therapy uses exercise, physical modalities (such as soft tissue manipulation or electrical stimulation), and patient education and training, to help people be able to move their bodies in order to participate in activities of daily living and activities of choice. Impairments treated with PT are frequently associated with pain, stress and anxiety, and abnormal muscle tension.  

Is it “Normal Aging” or Dementia? 

Is it “Normal Aging” or Dementia? 

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month. We wanted to take this opportunity to talk about the difference between Dementia and the effects of “Normal Aging” on our memory.  If you are concerned that you or a family member is developing issues with memory, contact your physician to discuss your symptoms.  

It’s Time to Rethink Pain!

It’s Time to Rethink Pain!

By definition, pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential damage to a structure in the body. (International Association for the Study of Pain). Pain is the brain’s protective mechanism to detect threats to the body and is NORMAL!

The majority of the people we treat as physical therapists are experiencing some form of pain, including acute after recent injury, subacute, or post-operative. This kind of pain is adaptive and should follow typical timelines of healing/recovery with several approaches to treat including modalities, exercises, manual treatments and education. Easy right? Well, it can be for some but unfortunately, as many people know firsthand, it is not always that easy.