We welcome Pam De Rivero, Pediatric Physical Therapist Assistant, to our Team!

I was born in Lima, Peru. As I was about to turn five my parents decided to come to live in the United States with the American dream of a better future. From then on we have lived in Northern Virginia. I have a younger brother who calls himself my little mannequin, because going through PTA school I would always practice movement patterns and stretching techniques on him.

I was lucky enough to learn very early on in my life that Pediatric Physical Therapy was what I wanted to do. Even though I searched other possibilities of other professions I would always come back to Physical Therapy for kids.

I enrolled in the Physical Therapist Assistant program at Northern Virginia Community College. It is an outstanding program with the best instructors who cheer their students on every step of the way. I had three clinical rotations: an Outpatient Orthopedics clinic, Skilled Nursing Facility, and last but not least my favorite, School Settings.

I have worked with a wonderful family for a year and a half helping them give therapy to their two gorgeous boys. They have grown so much in this short amount of time, not only physically but in their gross and fine motor skills, speech, and best of all playing skills. I have had the honor to see these changes during this time and I have also grown to love them as part of my own family.

I believe that ALL children should have fun and be able to play. And now beginning this new journey with Fauquier Health Outpatient Rehab Pediatrics I can’t wait to incorporate that into everyday therapy, making it into a game. I am eager to meet the children and their families, and to find out what they hope to accomplish through therapy. I am also eager to meet my team and co-workers who I will be working with side-by-side to accomplish those goals.

Fauquier Health is the only local facility to offer physical, occupational & speech therapies all at one convenient, child-friendly location. If you feel your child may benefit from rehabilitation services & have questions, please feel free to give us a call at 540-316-2680, or click on the button below to submit your inquiry via email.

New Pediatric Occupational Therapist joins our team!

We are proud to announce Sherrie Beres, occupational therapist, will be joining our team on July 6th.

Sherrie received her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Shenandoah University in 2004. Her employment history includes work in Fairfax county schools as well as the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona. She has served as a Clinical Instructor for occupational therapy students as well as a Lead Therapist, supervising others. Until recently, she has been living in Tempe, Arizona. She is originally from our area, and is now returning to be near her family.

Sherrie’s message to children & parents…

I grew up in Centreville Virginia, where my family remains to this day. I am the youngest of four girls. My family has now expanded and I have 7 nieces and nephews who I love dearly.
I married my high school sweetheart and we have an Australian cattle dog that we enjoy running with, taking long walks with, and hiking with daily. His favorite tricks are giving high fives and rolling over.
I also enjoy cooking and spending time outside in the sunshine. I have been living in Arizona for the past 5 years and I am looking forward to making Virginia my home and being back near my family.
I went into OT in hopes of working with children. I began working with children in positions such as summer jobs in therapeutic recreation, substitute teaching, babysitting during family support groups and as an OT in the school system. Now with my new position of pediatric outpatient OT at Fauquier Health, I am truly looking forward to building a relationship with each child and family and working with my new team to teach and learn the skills needed for every child to have a more independent future. I look forward to meeting and working each one of you.

Fauquier Health is the only local facility to offer physical, occupational & speech therapies all at one convenient, child-friendly location. If you feel your child may benefit from rehabilitation services & have questions, please feel free to give us a call at 540-316-2680, or click on the button below to submit your inquiry via email.

Like poetry to our ears!

At Fauquier Health we develop close relationships with our patients as we work together to help them achieve the goals most important to them. We answer their questions and address any concerns they may have during the journey to recovery. We depend on feedback from our clients to help us guide them to their maximum potential. Occasionally, we have a client who is particularly eloquent in expressing their feelings. Such is the case of Mr. Michaele Jones, who wrote the following poem...

This question, merits time and consideration,
So, I'd like to thank the whole organization.
I've had pleasurable contact with all I contest,
Starting with the warm up smiles at the front desk.

Thanks to the ones who broke me down bending things
Making me feel child like, ready to scream.
Shouting, back straight, bend here,
Providing security, eliminating fear.

Right now I'll concentrate on Linda the most,
Who's abuse is second to none on the east coast.
Quickly, I'll point out just a thing or two,
of the many helpful things you do.

You helped me, when all I felt was down.
The many days I wore a frown,
You gave me back my hands, that's true,
Though you worked a brother, till his knuckles turn blue.

You controlled the times I would over demand
You ruled with a smile, with a gentle hand.
At home, I'd do what you told me to do
Subconsciously plotting to get back at you.

It is hard to express my appreciation,
For your Drill Sergeant commitment, dedication.
Elbows straight, fingers too.
In my nightmares, you're saying, "I'm watching you."

At the end of the day, all I can do,
Is say, Thank you, Thank you and Thank you!
(No luck with the beer dispenser?)

Interjections:
Mr. Jones thought the only way we could improve our services would be to place a beer dispenser in the reception area!
Linda Wise is Mr. Jones's occupational therapist.

Thank you, Mr. Jones! We are proud and honored to serve you!

McKenzie Spine Program at Fauquier Health Outpatient Rehabilitation Services

Karrie Giger, PT, DPT, cert. MDT explains rationale

of the McKenzie method to Kevin Turney.

Back and neck pain are very common in the general population. The annual incidence of low back pain in the general adult population is 18.6%, and the total cost of low back pain exceeds $100 billion per year in the United States according to studies. Another study reports that about 1/3 of the population will experience neck pain during a six or twelve month period, and the lifetime prevalence of neck pain is 66.7%.

The McKenize Method, also known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® (MDT) is a unique method used all over the world for examining patients with back, neck, and extremity problems and pain. It is an approach that uses a philosophy of active patient involvement and education. The McKenzie method uses a unique examination that provides the patient with a mechanical diagnosis which drives an appropriate individualized treatment plan. The McKenzie method is not merely extension exercises. It is a comprehensive, well researched approach to the spine that when followed appropriately has been found to have very successful outcomes.

This method has been found to be cost and time effective because it does not rely on expensive tests and it promotes the body’s potential to heal itself through appropriate directional movements prescribed by your physical therapist. The emphasis on active patient involvement limits the number of visits needed to the clinic. Research studies have shown that the initial McKenzie assessment procedures to be as reliable as costly diagnostic imaging (ex. X-rays, MRI) to determine the source of the problem and quickly identify those who will respond to conservative mechanical therapy. The McKenzie method is a safe, reliable, and valid method when performed by appropriately trained physical therapists.

Fauquier Health Outpatient Rehabilitation Services is the only facility in the Piedmont area to have three certified MDT physical therapists. Karrie Giger, PT, DPT, cert. MDT, Bruce Edwards III, PT, cert. MDT, and Kristen Pierce, PT, DPT, cert, MDT were credentialed by the McKenzie Institute International in August 2007 and specialize in spine physical therapy. Certification includes extensive postgraduate courses on spine assessment and treatment with successful completion of an international credentialing examination. Our outpatient department also has 5 other physical therapists currently in the process of becoming MDT certified and have received extensive training in this method. More information regarding the McKenzie method can be found at http://www.mckenziemdt.org

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

May is better Speech and Hearing Month

The Most Anticipated Moment


The most anticipated moment for a parent is the sound of a child's first words. But what if the words are delayed, jumbled, or never come at all? Speech and language problems can affect early learning and self-esteem. Give your child a chance by seeking proper treatment from a speech-language pathologist.


Reach Your Full Potential


As we strive to reach our full potential, speech and language problems can hold us back. To some it may be a delay in talking or difficulty swallowing. Others may be unable to speak clearly or comprehend because of a stroke or accident. Speech and language problems can affect anyone at any age. If you are concerned that a disorder is going untreated or are unable to find proper treatment, consult a speech-language pathologist.


Communication Disorders Do Not Discriminate

Millions of Americans have a communication or swallowing disorder. These disorders affect people of all ages, from all walks of life. For them, simple thoughts like "Thank you" and "I love you" may be impossible to convey. If you are concerned that a disorder is affecting your education, professional life, or personal relationships, consult a speech-language pathologist.

Communication for Life

Speech and language disorders can affect anyone at any age. Millions of infants, children and adults in America suffer from a communication or swallowing disorder. Whether it's a difficulty in swallowing or a disorder such as stuttering, delayed language or a voice problem, a person's ability to learn and interact with others can be affected. If you suspect you or a loved one may be experiencing a communication or swallowing disorder, consult a speech-language pathologist.




Questions? Click on the button below to ask a Speech-Language Pathologist.

If you would like to learn more about Speech-Language Pathology, visit the American Speech-Language Hearing Association website at www.asha.org

© Stratum Dreamstime.com

Specialized Care for Pediatric Patients

Adults aren't the only ones who need rehabilitation therapy to maximize their physical, mental and social abilities. Some children and adolescents also need specialized services to build strength, achieve their functional potential and develop the skills they need at thome, at school and within their communities. Children may benefit from rehabilitation services if they have or are recovering from:

• Birth defects or birth injuries


• Neurological, musculoskeletal or rheumatological conditions


• Developmental delays


• Feeding problems


• Acute traumas


• Bone fractures and other orthopedic problems


• Accidents


• Injuries


• Burns


• Cancer


• Surgery


• Chronic diseases (such as sickle cell, heart or kidney diseases)
  

A Team Approach

Kids who need rehabilitation services receive care from a mulitdisciplinary team of specialists who are trained to handle the unique needs of pediatric patients. The team includes physical, occupational and speech therapists who evaluate and assess the child's functional limitations.

Rehabilitation specialists design individual treatment plans to help mazimize patients' independence and the quality of their lives. Team members use a variety of techniques and technologies that can help:

• Support patients' growth and development


• Prevent future complications and impairments


• Relieve pain


• Improve kids' cognitive abilities


• Improve strength, coordination, range of motion and fine motor skills


• Relax muscles


• Develop kids' self-care skills


• Enhance speech and language skills


• Teach kids' how to use wheelchairs, braces and other assistive devices
  

Short and Long Term Care

Some pediatric patients may need only short-term rehabilitation therapy to address certain acute injuries or issues. Rehabilitation, however, can play a major role in health care for kids with complex, lifelong conditions.

While children and adolescents undergoing therapy may be tackling difficult issues, rehabilitation professionals provide services in an age-appropriate way that keeps pediatric patients engaged. For example, therapists may use fun activities to help kids develop key coordination, motor and hand-eye skills that may improve their walking, feeding or handwriting skills. The gains children make during rehabilitation therapy often help boost their self-confidence and self-esteem, giving them a sense of accomplishment.

Developments in Pediatric Therapy

>>Kristine Trimble, Alicia Lutman and Heather Smith comprise the pediatric rehabilitation team at Fauquier Health. The pediatric office is located at 493 Blackwell Road in the Warrenton Professional Center in Warrenton, Virginia. Over the past few months, the rooms have been renovated and updated. New therapeutic tools have also been added, which the children see as "new toys".

Kristine Trimble, PT, DPT is the pediatric physical therapist who provides therapy for children with torticollis, gross motor delays, traumatic brain injuries, acquired brain injuries, cerebral palsy and dyspraxia. She also implements aquatic therapy.

Alicia Lutman, MOTR/L, ATC is the pediatric occupational therapist who works with children with fine motor delays, visual processing deficits, autism, developmental delays, traumatic brain injuries and handwriting difficulties.

Heather Smith, MS, CFY-SLP is the pediatric speech lauguage pathologist who works with children with receptive and expressive language delays, apraxia, feeding delays, autism, developmental delays, articulation/phonological processing disorders, and acquired and traumatic brain injuries.

Fauquier Health is the only local facility to offer physical, occupational and speech therapies all at one convenient, child-friendly location. If you need further information please call 540-316-2680. Or click on the button below to ask a question or request additional information. Your email will be answered within 24 business hours.