occupational therapy

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: 

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!  

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

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.

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. 

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.  

May is Arthritis Awareness Month 

May is Arthritis Awareness Month 

Did you know arthritis is the number one cause of disability in the United States? According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), arthritis impacts 60 million individuals (24% of the US population) each year! Arthritis has become widely accepted as a blanketed term for joint pain associated with general “wear and tear” or overuse over years of activity.  Arthritis Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to distinguish between the different types of arthritis and how each can be best managed to minimize symptoms and maximize function for optimal quality of life:

Becoming a Stroke Rehab Specialist (CSRS) 

Becoming a Stroke Rehab Specialist (CSRS) 

Stroke is the leading cause of disability and affects more than 795,000 people yearly. This condition can cause significant changes in quality of life and ability to perform daily roles and responsibility. Therefore, as therapists, our role in helping individuals recover following a stroke is vital. However, not all clinicians are properly trained to provide the best care and rehabilitation for stroke. To help fill this need, the certification of Stroke Rehab Specialist (CSRS) was developed by Neurorecovery Unlimited. This certification provides a specialty education on current evidence for best practice with evaluation and treatment of the condition.  

Celebrating 123 Years of Occupational Therapy

Celebrating 123 Years of Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy is a newer and unique addition to the healthcare rehabilitation team. Although the driving concepts behind Occupational Therapy of holistic patient centered care have always been entwined in the medical field, OT wasn’t formalized as a profession until 1920. During WWI “reconstruction aids” provided what we would now consider occupational therapy services to wounded soldiers.

Polypharmacy: That’s A LOT of Medicine

Polypharmacy: That’s A LOT of Medicine

For adults with chronic illness, taking medication in a timely manner is an essential part of everyday living. As occupational therapists, we work with clients to maintain independence in their medication management, which includes everything from communicating with pharmacists, to reading prescription labels, to making a habit of taking the right medicine at the right time of day. We partner with clients, including those with low vision, limited coordination, and memory difficulties, to safely manage their medication. If you are having difficulty with medication management, talk to your occupational therapist about finding solutions to stay in charge of your health.