October is National Physical Therapy Month

Physical Therapy at Fauquier Health

What is a physical therapist?  Do I need the services of a physical therapist?  How do I choose the right physical therapist for me?  These may be some questions that you have if physical therapy has been recommended to you.

A physical therapist is a licensed professional that treats injuries, impairments, or disabilities.  Their focus is to promote mobility, function, movement and quality of life, for everyone from newborn to the elderly.  A physical therapist decides upon an individualized plan of care after an evaluation, examination, and diagnosis is completed.  The personal goals of each patient are important to help individualize the treatment or interventions used.  

Physical therapists practice in various settings including outpatient offices, health and wellness clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing and extended care facilities, private homes, schools, hospices, industrial or occupational environments, fitness centers, and sports training centers.  They may also serve in non-patient care capacities such as developing health care policies, working with insurance companies or performing administrative or executive functions.

How do you choose the physical therapist or physical therapy clinic that is best for you?

• You are hoping to find a clinician who is professional and caring, who will provide expert advice and quality care.  
• You are looking for a clinician who has expertise or certification in treating your specific problem. 
• You would like to find a facility that provides consistent care, yet tailored to meet your individual needs. 
• Many of our clients are looking for a highly skilled therapist who exceeds baseline degree and licensure. 

The rehabilitation team at Fauquier Health meets all of these needs.

All physical therapists are licensed professionals with a college degree.  The majority of therapists at Fauquier Health have a doctorate degree.  In addition, there are many areas of specialty in which therapists may obtain certification after additional study and  experience.  The Fauquier Health rehabilitation team has specialized certifications in the following areas:

• Stroke Rehabilitation (C/NDT, certified neurodevelopmental treatment for adults with hemiplegia)
• Pelvic pain and incontinence (CAPP, certification of achievement in pelvic physical therapy)
• Ergonomics and work capacity assessment (CEAS, certified ergonomic assessment specialist & FCE, Functional Capacity or Work Capacity assessment)
• Aquatic Physical Therapy (ATRIC, Aquatic Therapy Rehabilitation Institute Certified)
• Spine Rehabilitation (Cert. MDT, Certified Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy of the Spine) 

Fauquier Health is the only physical therapy clinic in Warrenton with McKenzie certified spine specialists who have completed advanced coursework and passed an international credentialing examination to address neck and back pain as well as associated extremity pain and weakness

So, if you need physical therapy to decrease pain, improve function at home or work, or for recovery after an injury or surgery, we hope you will consider consulting with one of the expert physical therapists at Fauquier Health.   Our team is dedicated to the community and committed to obtaining the education needed to help their patients lead healthy, happy and productive lives.  Give us a call at 540-316-2680 to learn how we may help you to live your best life.  Or, if you prefer, submit an inquiry via email by clicking on the button below.



Terri Hallett & David Grossmann Achieve McKenzie Certification

Fauquier Health Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Announces Two New Certifications


Fauquier Health Outpatient PMR department is proud to announce two more of our physical therapists have received their spine certification from the McKenzie Institute International. Terri Hallett, PT, DPT, cert. MDT and David Grossmann, PT, DPT, cert. MDT have achieved this distinction following many hours of postgraduate study in mechanical diagnosis and therapy, competencies, and an international credentialing examination provided by The McKenzie Institute International.

The McKenzie Method is a comprehensive approach for examination and treatment of the spine and extremity injuries. This unique method to assess and treat the spine is widely recommended as the first choice for common back and neck problems worldwide. It is a philosophy of active patient involvement and education. The method is widely supported in the international literature as a research proven methodology. “Research has shown that the initial McKenzie assessment procedures to be as reliable as costly diagnostic imaging (i.e., x-rays, MRIs) to determine the source of the problem and quickly identify responders and non-responders.” www.mckenziemdt.org

Dr. Hallett and Dr. Grossmann join two of our other physical therapists who are also McKenzie certified and an entire team of experienced physical therapists who are dedicated to providing evidence based spine rehabilitation to our patients. It is quite a testament to our hospital’s commitment to quality top notch spine care that we can testify that we have four physical therapists who are McKenzie certified. Fauquier Health Outpatient PMR is committed to providing excellent up to date care and getting our patients back to doing the things they love as quickly as possible. Congratulations to Dr. Hallett and Dr. Grossmann.

More information on the McKenzie method can be found at www.mckenziemdt.org

If you have questions regarding McKenzie treatment, please call us at 540-316-2680 or press the button below to submit an email inquiry.



Fauquier Health Pediatric Rehabilitation Open House Monday, May 7th from 3 to 6 pm

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Come See Our New Location! We are now in Suite 316 at 493 Blackwell Road in Warrenton, VA.

Parents and professionals are invited to tour the new, vastly expanded
location; meet our therapists and learn how our services might benefit
your children or pediatric patients.

Therapists will provide FREE SCREENINGS for children [infants to
teens] and answer questions regarding developmental milestones
for speech and motor skills.

Could your child use some extra help over the summer to get ready
for school in the fall? Talk with our therapists about the possibilities.

Fauquier Health Pediatric Rehabilitation offers
speech, physical, and occupational therapy.
We also provide aquatic physical therapy at our pool on the hospital campus.

If you would like more information, please submit questions by clicking on the button below. If you are unable to attend the Open House, we would be happy to schedule a tour of either of our pediatric clinics at your convenience.

Fauquier Health Physical Therapists Help to Prevent Throwing Injuries in Young Athletes

Bruce Edwards III, PT, DPT and Kristen Pierce, PT, DPT provided a community presentation at Battlefield High School in Haymarket, VA on Thursday, February 23, 2012 to the Virginia Generals U8 baseball team, parents, and coaches. The Virginia Generals U8 baseball team is a travel team in the Old Dominion Baseball League. Players on this team currently live in a radius encompassing Culpepper to Vienna, Virginia.

The presentation stressed that overuse injuries are the most common type of injury that affect young pitchers. It is estimated that up to 40 percent of young pitchers develop an overuse injury with shoulder and elbow injuries the most common. An overuse injury is an injury caused by repetitive stress to muscles, tendons, and connective tissue that does not have time to heal. This is important with the younger population because the youth pitcher has more compliant connective tissue, open growth plates, and underdeveloped muscles. There are many theories as to why athletes are experiencing more overuse injuries, but the main theories are increased sport specialization and focus on year round sports.

It was stressed that the best treatment for overuse injuries is PREVENTION. In a February 2011 publication of the American Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers of a 10 year study reported that participants who pitched more that 100 innings in a year were 3.5 times more likely to be injured. Adhering to pitch count regulations and proper rest periods were stressed as key to preventing injury. Proper pitching mechanics, age appropriate types of pitches, competition less than 9 months a year, proper conditioning, stretching, and proper monitoring by coaching staff were also stressed.

If pain arises in the elbow or shoulder area in the youth pitcher, it is recommended that the athlete immediately reduces the amount and intensity of throwing. Ice and rest are recommended, but if pain persists after 3 days of rest, it is recommended that the player consult with a sports medicine physician. A study by Braum et al 2009, also recommended that physical therapy and rehabilitation, with very few exceptions, should be the primary treatment for throwing athletes.

In summary, youth pitching injuries are on the rise at an alarming rate. Complaints of elbow and shoulder pain from the throwing athlete should be taken seriously. Proper rest is the most important weapon to combat overuse. However, if problems do arise, it is encouraged to collaborate with a sports medicine team including physicians and physical therapists with an interest in baseball.

At Fauquier Health Outpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, we have several therapists who have a special interest in rehabilitation of the young athlete with both throwing injuries and all other types of sports related injuries. The goal is to get the young athlete back to sport pain free.

If you feel you or someone you know may benefit from this service and would like to hear more, please call us at 540-316-2680. Or click on the button below to ask a question.