Kickstart Your Heart Health!
Valentine’s Day often brings thoughts of hearts to mind, but it’s also a perfect reminder to focus on the health of our actual hearts. While chocolates and roses are nice, investing in your heart health is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your loved ones.
Let’s explore how physical therapy at Total Motion Physical Therapy can be a cornerstone in maintaining and improving heart health, with guidance supported by peer-reviewed research.
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Now Hiring: Physical Therapist
Total Motion PT is looking for a motivated and compassionate Physical Therapist (PT) to join our growing team! We take pride in providing personalized, movement-based care that helps our patients get back to doing what they love.
Try This
Hip Dump
- Setup: Stand sideways on a step, box, or bottom stair with one foot on the step and the other hanging off the side.
- Maintain Form: Keep the standing leg perfectly straight (do not bend the knee) and hold onto a wall or chair for balance if necessary.
- Lower the Hip: Slowly allow the hip of the hanging leg to drop down toward the floor while keeping your back straight and pelvis aligned.
- Raise the Hip: Using the glute muscles (side of the hip) of the leg on the step, slowly lift the hanging hip back up until both hips are level or slightly higher.
- Repetitions: Complete 6–8 reps for 3 sets, or 10–15 reps as a standard set.
The Role of Physical Therapy in Heart Health
Physical therapy isn’t just for rehabilitation after injuries; it’s also a proactive approach to maintaining and improving overall health, including heart health. According to studies, regular physical activity is vital in preventing heart disease and managing existing cardiovascular conditions. Our physical therapists will tailor exercise programs to suit individual needs, especially for those who might find starting an exercise routine daunting or those with existing health concerns.
Customized Cardiovascular Exercise Plans
Addressing Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Improving Heart Function with Aerobic Exercises
Strength Training for a Stronger Heart
Education and Lifestyle Modification
Encouraging Regular Physical Activity
Embrace Heart Health This Valentine’s Day & Beyond
As Valentine’s Day draws near, let it inspire you to take action for your heart’s health. Consult with one of our Total Motion Physical Therapy physical therapists to kickstart your journey toward a stronger, healthier heart. Whether it’s beginning an exercise regimen, managing a chronic condition, or recovering post-surgery, personalized physical therapy is your ally in achieving lasting heart health.
Make this Valentine’s Day the start of a lifelong commitment to a happier, healthier heart. Act now and show your heart the love it deserves!
See Real Results!
Thousands in the New River Valley Trust Total Motion with Their Recovery
From marathon runners to busy parents, our patients consistently share one thing: confidence in our care. Our team’s advanced training, personalized plans, and dedication to results have helped countless individuals overcome pain, regain strength, and return to doing what they love — faster than they expected.
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“Great environment & caring staff”
Highly recommend Brandon and the team here. Great environment and felt comfortable there. Thanks for the help.
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Bethany D.
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“Best PT Experience”
Very kind staff and helpful. I’ve been to several PT places over the years and they were the best.
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Marcy R.
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“Exceptional, Personalized Care”
Excellent attention to individualized care. Joey went above and beyond to make sure we were back to normal within weeks. Highly recommend!
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Meghan P.
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I’m hoping I won’t need physical therapy again anytime soon, but if I do, I know exactly where I’ll be going. Total Motion has three convenient locations, and the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. The front desk team was always welcoming and made every visit a great experience, and…
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Destiny W.
True or False?
Test your physical therapy knowledge with this patient-friendly brain teaser! Read the statement, think about how your body moves and heals, then decide: true or false. A fun, easy way to learn more about therapy and recovery!
Physical therapy is only beneficial for individuals recovering from injuries.
Cardiovascular exercises like walking and swimming can help strengthen the heart and improve blood flow.
Strength training has no impact on cardiovascular health.
Physical therapists can provide guidance on lifestyle changes such as diet, stress management, and smoking cessation to promote heart health.
Staying active daily is not important for heart health as long as you exercise occasionally.
Dr. Christian Kumar
PT, DPT
Dr. Christian Kumar is originally from Lynchburg, Virginia. He earned a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of Lynchburg and then went on to complete his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Belmont University in Nashville, TN.
As a former collegiate tennis player, Dr. Kumar enjoys working with athletes at all levels, however he loves the challenge of treating a variety of patient demographics in the outpatient orthopedic setting.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and being outdoors, particularly on the tennis and pickleball courts. Dr. Kumar is currently working towards becoming a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist.
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Recipe of the Month:
Yogurt Covered Strawberries
Ingredients:
- 12 strawberries
- 10 ounces vanilla Greek yogurt
- pink food coloring
Instructions:
- Wash the strawberries and pat them dry. No moisture should remain on the berries before dipping them in the yogurt. Place a piece of parchment paper on a large plate or cutting board.
- Place the yogurt in a small bowl and holding onto the green leaves, dip each strawberry into the yogurt. Swirl it around to cover the berry, leaving a little red at the top. Place each yogurt dipped strawberry on the parchment paper. When you have dipped all the strawberries, place them in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Dip the strawberries a second time in the yogurt. To get a gradient of pinks, dip 4 berries in the yogurt with no food coloring, then add a single drop of pink food coloring to the yogurt and stir it till combined. Dip four more berries in the yogurt. Then add another drop of food coloring to the yogurt and stir to combine. Dip the remaining four berries in the yogurt.
- Place the strawberries back in the freezer for 40 minutes to 1 hour. The frozen yogurt will begin melting when you remove the berries from the freezer, so only pull them out when you are ready to serve them.
