Cruise for the Cause

So in my search for the perfect picture to post, I stumbled across ships bearing an eery likeness to the Titanic vessel (not comforting), while other boats sported fish tails protruding from the end. (Even worse. Can we say Moby Dick, anyone?)

I love the image of a serene coastline in blues and greens, where clear skies and crystal waters sit hand in hand. Sharks are strangely absent while schools of fish live their lives in endless summer, drifting along at a leisurely pace, waiting for the next serving of a tourist's frosted flake.

Does this scene sound familiar?

My husband and I will be taking a cruise out of New York soon to celebrate our one year anniversary. It's hard to believe the rate at which time passes, and what better place to muse on the past 365 days of marriage than in Bermuda? We all need 'time' for respite and reflection. To find a source of relaxation in pink sand massaging the feet with every step is an added bonus.

There is a time for everything. A time to be thankful for every past moment, to learn from every mistake made, and to bask in the present stillness of one another's company. This is our time.

Still, I'll be missing my family here at Back to Basics and wondering how each patient of mine is faring. It's amazing how entwined our lives can become when immersed in a great field. I love what I do. Absolutely love it! The feeling of enabling another person to feel pampered, even if it's only for 15 minutes in a treatment room. The cause is clear. Restore health and wellness in the patient.

The same is true when it comes to vacation days.

Even for a therapist.

Open House!

Mothers, Grandmothers, Daughters and All!!!

We will be opening our doors to the general public on May the 6th from 11am-3pm, so be sure to mark your calendars! Refreshments are complimentary and manicures, pedicures, facials, and chair massage will also be offered just to show our appreciation to you!

Vendors include the following: Nutritionist, Wellness Instructors, and Bra-fitting Specialists.

Our address: 1015 First Street SW, Suite 2
Roanoke, VA 24016

Hope to see you there!

Safety First when Sledding

Our massage therapist here at Back to Basics plays the part of an invaluable multi-tasker, who is able to juggle patients, hot packs, and clients without breaking a sweat. When it comes to recreational activities practiced outside clinical work, however, the chance of her breaking a neck or an ankle is quite a different story.

After a recent fall of fresh snow, Kelly, like so many others, hit the hills. Unfortunately, during a final run down one very slippery slope, her tube shot out from beneath her and left her tumbling high and 'not-so-dry' head over feet. The image captured on the left was taken prior to an EMT escort into the emergency room. Blood spattered across the opaque snow is just visible at the bottom of the picture. Amazingly enough, she did not need stitches and is now showing signs of a full recovery. Though stiff muscles can be stubborn counterparts when it comes to healing, believe you me. As I type, one of our therapists is upstairs working out Kelly's kinks that won't leave without a fight.

The snow keeps coming, keeps falling, and keeps some at home now, with the stark knowledge of what such beauty can do to the body. For those who still plan to brave the elements in the remnants of this winter, be reminded...safety first ensures you're still here to greet the spring.

• Sled after donning helmets, gloves, and insulated boots
  
• Hills with gentle slopes and room for runoffs are ideal. Icy, hard-packed hills are not
• Choose hills devoid of trees, signs, fences, rocks or other ingredients to injuries
• Slide down in a sitting position--always feet first, NEVER head first
• Make sure the way is completely clear before you start
• When sledding, take care to keep your arms, legs, scarves, and any other loose ends tied up

Dry Needling for TMJ...
and for Plantar Fasciitis...

Dry Needling

Meddling in muscle...I've become a firm believer.

Kim Ferguson is one of our Physical Therapists here at Back to Basics in Roanoke, VA, who has just returned from completing a course on dry needling. Now confident, competent, and fully capable of delivering this fascinating service, she is ready to join the small number of providers in the Roanoke valley, who have helped so many find freedom from tension in both their body and mind.

Dry needling is currently practiced in 11 states of the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, and many other countries. First developed in the 1940's by former medical advisor to the White House, dry needling is a powerful aide in minimizing inflammation, contractures, tissue adhesions, as well as restoring biomechanical imbalances of the musculoskeletal system.

As one individual who is also a practicing therapist, I have seen the benefits of dry needling first hand in both my patients and myself. The results, I can assure you, are immediate and long lasting. Muscle soreness is a possible aftermath for some, but a small price to pay in light of the pain that has quaked many patients from their normal routine and into a state of disability.

So, my advice is simply this...give it a shot...literally.

Optimism - Cynicism = Longevity of Life

Aging can be a frightening word for many, and yet it is an inevitable fact of life.

I confess I find myself crying at times whenever I contemplate the idea that my parents will not always be 'there' or my husband 'here', now that I'm married. Such gloomy thoughts must be faced, for they are truth, but dwelling upon them? Probably not the wisest choice, when considering your mental health.
In fact, research shows that the more optimistic the outlook on life, the longer the latter will be.

Today, I experienced a yearly evaluation, which might very well leave some grim-faced, but a smile dances on my lips even now. I know I have much to be thankful for in any circumstances. And let's all consider, do we really and truly know the meaning of hardship as Americans?
I think of Haiti...I see poverty.
I think of Roanoke...I see promise with the sun's shadow waving down on us through bare trees and beauty in the blue hills blanketed by snow.

I see businesses holding on as the economy rises once again... churches on street corners where all are free to enter... a country that embraces its diversity without apology.

This is a new year full of fresh beginnings. My husband and I will soon be celebrating our first year anniversary, a close friend will soon be experiencing parenthood for the first time, and here at Back to Basics, we just finished creating a new commercial! I sincerely believe it could be a great year, but I'm convinced with even more certainty, that it will be what each of us choose to make it. So, with age comes positive changes such as wisdom and firmness of character. Likewise, with a company's age comes stability and strength. Back to Basics is a place you can lean on and trust.

Click below to catch a glimpse of what's in store for all of our patients here at Back to Basics...