Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive condition that causes difficulty breathing and is a growing cause of disability. It is also the third leading cause of death in the United States. There is no cure for COPD, but long-term rehab (including exciting new therapies) can be a life-saving solution, restoring function and mobility and increasing patients’ quality of life. According to the National Institutes of Health, COPD is an umbrella for two main conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis (many COPD patients have … [Read more...]

The term occupational therapy can be a little confusing for some patients and caregivers. It doesn’t refer to vocational or job training but instead to retraining a patient in daily living skills after an injury or illness. This retraining can involve anything from eating to personal care to learning to use a walker. A high-quality rehab facility can be a terrific partner in providing occupational therapy for you or your loved one after injury, illness or surgery. What Is Occupational Therapy? Recovering from a stroke, major surgery or other … [Read more...]

Post-stroke recovery is a challenging time for both patients and caregivers. While the goal is to provide high-quality care for your loved one and to help them regain as much function as possible, in most cases, caregivers can't do it alone. Partnering with a qualified rehabilitation facility is often the best approach to help your loved one recover from a stroke, regain normal functions and reduce pain. What Is A Stroke? A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or is blocked by a blood clot. Stroke is a leading cause of … [Read more...]

Have you had a heart attack and are you trying to avoid another one? Healthy lifestyle changes can greatly improve your survival rate after a heart attack. One of the most significant lifestyle changes that can help prevent a second heart attack is regular exercise. In fact, a study published in the journal Circulation found that survivors who increased their activity levels were nearly twice as likely as inactive patients to still be alive seven years after the attack. Not only do regular workouts strengthen your heart and improve your labs, … [Read more...]

Cancer treatment has many unwanted side effects. If your treatment involved surgery to remove lymph nodes, radiation therapy, or drugs like tamoxifen, you may be suffering from lymphedema. A collection of fluid that causes swelling (edema) in the arms and legs, lymphedema can be very uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating. To get help with this painful condition, you need to be sure to visit a certified lymphedema therapist. Otherwise, you can’t be sure that they’ve completed the necessary lymphedema training to be effective at providing you … [Read more...]

If one of your joints has been degraded due to illness or injury, you may be considering total joint replacement surgery.  A new joint can give you years of pain-free mobility. But, there’s a catch. You need to be very careful with your post-surgical care, and post-surgical rehabilitation is a key component of that care. What Can Joint Replacement Rehabilitation Do? Total joint replacement, including the knee, hip and shoulder, is meant to give you more independence than you had prior to the surgery. The amount of strength, healing and range … [Read more...]

After two devastating falls, one that broke his back and another that broke his hip, Gerald Mott of Toms Brook, VA was basically unable to walk or perform many other necessary activities of daily living (ADLs). Mott, 74, also suffers from osteoporosis. Still, he was highly motivated to get back on his feet and return home after his injuries. Faster Post-Surgery Rehabilitation After orthopedic surgery, Mott was transferred from the hospital to Evergreen Health and Rehab, Winchester, VA, the only local rehab facility with a state-of-the-art … [Read more...]

If you have COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or emphysema, you may not think there is much you can do to relieve your shortness of breath. But, did you know that rehabilitation can help you improve your everyday life? As ordinary activities like climbing the stairs get harder, not only does your life with COPD or emphysema become quite limited, but you can also suffer from depression and/or anxiety. Pulmonary rehab can not only help you breathe easier, but can also improve your mood and general outlook on life. What is Pulmonary … [Read more...]

In the past, if you had a stroke, it was almost always a severely debilitating health event. Talking, walking, eating, bathing, dressing, reading, driving and more could not be done without help, if at all. In the worst cases, a stroke meant death. The good news is that modern rehabilitation techniques are continuing to lessen these long-term stroke effects, helping victims lead longer, more productive and more independent lives. The Importance of Stroke Rehabilitation One of the most serious medical conditions that a person can experience, a … [Read more...]

For a person with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, relocation can be a traumatic experience. Caregivers and families should know what to expect and what will be required to transition a loved one into alzheimer’s care. A little preparation will make the process easier at a very difficult time. Make a Checklist Moving into a new home can be a chaotic time for everyone involved, but even more so for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Here are some helpful tips to make the road a little less bumpy for everyone: Before moving in, plan a … [Read more...]