Author: Nobel Sidhu

RICHMOND, Va. (August 4, 2026) — For the fourth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report has recognized Sheltering Arms Institute among the top physical rehabilitation hospitals in the United States.

In the newly released 2026–2027 rankings, Sheltering Arms Institute earned the No. 1 ranking in Virginia and placed No. 26 nationally, landing in the top 2% of rehabilitation hospitals nationwide out of 1,131 specialized facilities evaluated by U.S. News. Out of nearly 4,500 total hospitals evaluated nationwide across 14 adult specialties, Sheltering Arms Institute distinguished itself among the top 16% to earn a Best Hospitals designation.

“Earning a spot among the nation’s top rehabilitation hospitals for a fourth straight year is a direct reflection of our team’s dedication and clinical excellence. Their relentless commitment to innovation, collaboration, and patient-centered outcomes is what truly elevates Sheltering Arms Institute. By blending advanced technology with compassionate care, we continue to set the benchmark for physical rehabilitation in Virginia and beyond,” said Alan Lombardo, CEO of Sheltering Arms Institute.

To determine the Best Hospitals, U.S. News evaluates institutions across crucial performance areas, including patient outcomes, quality measures, and expert physician opinion. Sheltering Arms Institute surpassed national averages for top 50 hospitals across several core clinical areas, serving higher volumes of patients recovering from stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, and complex neurological conditions.

“A hospital named among the U.S. News Best Hospitals has demonstrated its commitment to high-quality care, especially in achieving successful outcomes for patients,” said U.S. News’ Managing Editor and Chief of Health Analysis Ben Harder. “A Best Hospitals recognition reflects consistent top-tier medical care to its community.”

Over the past fiscal year, Sheltering Arms Institute welcomed 2,287 individuals through its inpatient hospital and provided specialized care to 11,074 patients across its network of eight outpatient centers. Since opening its doors in 2020, the hospital has served individuals traveling from 28 states and holds dual federal designations as a Model System in both Spinal Cord Injury and Brain Injury Rehabilitation.

 

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About Sheltering Arms Institute

Sheltering Arms Institute is a non-profit and donor-supported state-of-the-science physical rehabilitation hospital and network of outpatient centers that brings together the brand and clinical reputation of Sheltering Arms and the nationally ranked programs and research of VCU Health through a joint venture. The Institute blends advanced technology, research, and evidence-based clinical treatment to create an innovative, transdisciplinary model of rehabilitative care that facilitates superior outcomes for patients. For more information, please visit ShelteringArmsInstitute.com.

 

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, insurance, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.

RICHMOND, Va. (June 8, 2026) — Sheltering Arms Institute, a nationally recognized leader in physical rehabilitation, today announced a multi-location clinical deployment of EvoWalk, a next-generation neurotechnology solution developed by Evolution Devices. This partnership introduces an innovative tool to the Institute’s outpatient settings, designed to improve gait, restore functional walking, and enhance real-world independence for individuals with neurological impairments.

The EvoWalk system addresses walking challenges such as foot drop, calf weakness, knee hyperextension, and hip weakness. By delivering multi-muscle stimulation, the device enables a more coordinated, stable, and natural walking pattern. Additionally, its integrated AI-driven data capture monitors patient progress, adherence, and outcomes, providing clinicians with actionable metrics to further personalize care.

“The EvoWalk represents a meaningful advancement over our current functional electrical stimulation (FES) systems,” said Christina Withers, PT, DPT, PCS, Senior Manager of Outpatient Therapy Services at Sheltering Arms Institute. “Its intuitive design streamlines setup, allowing clinicians to focus more time on patient care and outcomes, while reusable leads and electrodes eliminate per-patient supply costs and improve efficiency.”

“The EvoWalk has been a valuable addition for our patient population,” said Zach Crump, PT, DPT, NCS, Locomotor Specialist and Clinical Researcher at Sheltering Arms Institute. “Rapid setup and Bluetooth connectivity improve therapist efficiency, while targeted stimulation for up to six muscle groups supports more effective gait training. Integrated metrics such as step count, gait speed, and cadence provide actionable insights to guide progress.”

By integrating this technology across multiple clinics, Sheltering Arms Institute continues to lead the industry in adopting data-driven, advanced rehabilitation solutions that bridge the gap between clinical settings and everyday environments.

“This first multi-site clinical sale validates both EvoWalk and the broader need for more effective mobility solutions,” said Pierluigi Mantovani, Chief Executive Officer of Evolution Devices. “We are proud to partner with Sheltering Arms Institute, a global leader in neurorehabilitation, as we take the next step toward national commercialization and expanded patient access.”

The EvoWalk system is now available at Sheltering Arms Institute’s Bon Air, Hanover, and Short Pump outpatient centers for individuals with neurological impairments. Those interested in learning more about this device can visit shelteringarmsinstitute.com/contact-us or call (804) 764-1000 ext. 2 to schedule an evaluation to determine if they are a good candidate to utilize this technology.

 

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About Sheltering Arms Institute

Sheltering Arms Institute is a non-profit and donor-supported state-of-the-science physical rehabilitation hospital and network of outpatient centers that brings together the brand and clinical reputation of Sheltering Arms and the nationally ranked programs and research of VCU Health through a joint venture. Ranked best in Virginia and among the nation’s top rehabilitation hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, the Institute blends advanced technology, research, and evidence-based clinical treatment to create an innovative, transdisciplinary model of rehabilitative care that facilitates superior outcomes for patients. For more information, please visit www.shelteringarmsinstitute.com.

 

About EVOWALK

EvoWalk is a neurotechnology solution designed to improve gait and restore functional walking for individuals with neurological impairments. Addressing foot drop in addition to calf weakness, knee hyperextension, and hip weakness, it enables a more natural, stable walking pattern in real-world settings. EvoWalk integrates adaptive stimulation with AI-driven data capture to monitor patient progress, adherence, and outcomes – providing actionable insights for clinicians. Lightweight and user-friendly, it supports consistent use and scalable deployment across home and healthcare environments.

RICHMOND, Va. (April 9, 2026) — Sheltering Arms Institute is proud to announce it has once again earned the prestigious 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces award for the third consecutive year.

The award honors organizations with 150 or more employees that have created exceptional, people-first cultures. This year, more than 42,000 organizations were invited to participate. The winners are recognized for their commitment to fostering a workplace environment that values employee listening and engagement. USA TODAY showcased the winners online and at the National Awards Summit in Las Vegas.

“We’re incredibly proud to receive this recognition once again. It’s a testament to our team members, whose passion, collaboration, and commitment to excellence bring our mission to life every day and create a culture that truly impacts the lives of those we serve,” said Amanda Worley, VP of Human Resources at Sheltering Arms Institute.

The winners are determined by authentic employee feedback captured through a confidential survey conducted by Energage, the HR research and technology company behind the Top Workplaces program since 2006. The results are calculated based on employee responses to statements about Workplace Experience Themes, which are proven indicators of high performance.

“Earning a USA TODAY Top Workplaces award is a testament to an organization’s credibility and commitment to a people-first culture,” said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. “This award, driven by real employee feedback, is more than just a recognition—it’s proof that your employees believe in the organization and its leadership. Job seekers and customers look for this trusted badge of credibility and excellence. It signals a company that values its people, and that kind of culture resonates in today’s competitive market.”

 

About Sheltering Arms Institute

Sheltering Arms Institute is a non-profit, state-of-the-science physical rehabilitation hospital and network of outpatient centers that brings together the brand and clinical reputation of Sheltering Arms and the nationally ranked programs and research of VCU Health through a joint venture. Ranked among the nation’s best rehabilitation hospitals and the top rehab hospital in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report, the Institute blends advanced technology, research, and evidence-based clinical treatment to create an innovative, transdisciplinary model of rehabilitative care that facilitates superior outcomes for patients. For more information, please visit shelteringarmsinstitute.com.

 

About Energage

Making the world a better place to work together.^TM

Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 20 years of culture research and the results from 30 million employees surveyed across more than 80,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

RICHMOND, Va. (January 6, 2026) — Sheltering Arms Institute, a collaboration with VCU Health, has successfully completed a 30-bed expansion of its freestanding inpatient physical rehabilitation hospital, increasing capacity to 144 beds and five specialized care units, making Central Virginia home to one of the largest rehabilitation hospitals on the East Coast.

The facility, located at 2000 Wilkes Ridge Drive just west of Short Pump in West Creek, provides care for individuals who are recovering from a variety of illnesses or injuries, including strokes, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and limb loss, as well as those in need of general rehabilitation for various diseases and disorders.

“In the five and a half years that we have been open, we have served approximately 13,000 patients from 28 states. This illustrates the substantial need for the specialized and high-quality physical rehabilitation services that our team provides,” said Alan Lombardo, CEO of Sheltering Arms Institute. “Our goal with this expansion is to further enhance access to this care that helps people achieve their most complete recovery and get back to living a life beyond limits.”

The 30 new patient rooms are located on the fourth floor of the hospital, which previously existed as shell space that was constructed as part of the 212,000-square-foot hospital in anticipation of future need. The new unit will also be used to provide rehabilitative care and will serve as the new home of the Institute’s spinal cord injury unit, the Dallas Disbro Ability Center.

The new unit features:

• All-private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, large picture windows, and flat-screen TVs appointed with the GetWell Network that empowers patients to direct their own rehabilitation care
• The MyLife Room assistive technology lab
• A satellite gym equipped with advanced rehab technology and an on-unit bodyweight-support system
• In-room Alexa voice assistive technology
• A community room for shared dining, educational and support groups, and more
• Conference and office spaces

The $25 million project was funded through a combination of bank financing and equity contributions from joint venture members Sheltering Arms and VCU Health. The Institute received approval from the Virginia Department of Health to expand in October 2023 following a certificate of public need (COPN) application process. Construction began in late 2024 and was completed under general contractor Barton Malow, architecture firm HDR, and project management and design firm JLL.

 

About Sheltering Arms Institute

Sheltering Arms Institute is a non-profit and donor-supported state-of-the-science physical rehabilitation hospital and network of outpatient centers that brings together the brand and clinical reputation of Sheltering Arms and the nationally ranked programs and research of VCU Health through a joint venture. Ranked best in Virginia and among the nation’s top rehabilitation hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, the Institute blends advanced technology, research, and evidence-based clinical treatment to create an innovative, transdisciplinary model of rehabilitative care that facilitates superior outcomes for patients. For more information, please visit www.shelteringarmsinstitute.com.

RICHMOND, Va. (January 5, 2026) — Sheltering Arms Institute is excited to announce it has obtained the groundbreaking ARC-EX System from ONWARD Medical, becoming the first facility in Central Virginia to offer this first and only FDA-approved, non-invasive technology clinically proven to improve hand strength and sensation for individuals with chronic spinal cord injuries (SCI).

The ARC-EX System—named a TIME Magazine Best Invention and designated as a FDA Breakthrough Device—delivers programmed electrical stimulation through the skin to the spinal cord via electrodes placed on the back of the neck. This non-invasive approach requires no surgery, unlike other spinal cord stimulation devices.

During therapy sessions, people with SCI use the device while performing functional tasks guided by trained rehabilitation specialists. Designed for clinical use, the system is used during therapy sessions to complement specialized rehabilitation exercises. The device has also recently received FDA approval for at-home use, enabling patients to extend therapy beyond the clinic.

This milestone represents a new era of hope for people living with spinal cord injury, who previously had limited options for functional recovery after their injury. “This technology represents a significant advancement in our ability to help people with spinal cord injuries regain function and independence,” said Amber Walter, PT, DPT, NCS, director of clinical science at Sheltering Arms Institute. “Research has shown that the device can benefit people even years after their initial injury, offering renewed hope that continued improvements, and increased use of the arms and hands, may still be possible.”

The Up-LIFT clinical study published in Nature Medicine showed that 90% of participants improved in upper-limb strength or function, with 87% reporting enhanced quality of life. Additional benefits included reduced spasm frequency, improved sleep quality, and better upper-body sensation. Regaining hand function is consistently rated as the highest treatment priority for people with spinal cord injuries, as it directly impacts ability to perform everyday tasks independently and contributes significantly to dignity, confidence, and overall quality of life.

“Even small improvements in hand and arm function can exponentially improve quality of life for individuals living with a spinal cord injury,” said Ruthie Otto, MS, OTR/L, occupational therapist at Sheltering Arms Institute’s Bon Air outpatient center. “Greater independence in everyday tasks allows people to more fully participate in activities that matter to them—from feeding themselves or brushing their teeth to handwriting, dressing, or pushing a manual wheelchair.”

The ARC-EX System is now available at Sheltering Arms Institute’s Bon Air outpatient center for individuals with chronic, non-progressive spinal cord injuries (C2-C8 inclusive) who are between 18 and 75 years old. People with SCI interested in learning more about this therapy should visit shelteringarmsinstitute.com/contact-us or call (804) 764-1000 ext. 2 to schedule an evaluation to determine if they are a good candidate for this treatment.

 

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About Sheltering Arms Institute

Sheltering Arms Institute is a non-profit and donor-supported state-of-the-science physical rehabilitation hospital and network of outpatient centers that brings together the brand and clinical reputation of Sheltering Arms and the nationally ranked programs and research of VCU Health through a joint venture. Ranked best in Virginia and among the nation’s top rehabilitation hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, the Institute blends advanced technology, research, and evidence-based clinical treatment to create an innovative, transdisciplinary model of rehabilitative care that facilitates superior outcomes for patients. For more information, please visit www.shelteringarmsinstitute.com.

 

About ONWARD Medical and the ARC-EX System

ONWARD Medical is a medical technology company creating therapies to restore movement, function, and independence in people with SCI and other movement disabilities. Building on more than a decade of scientific discovery, preclinical research, and clinical studies conducted at leading hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, and neuroscience laboratories, the Company has developed ARC Therapy, which has been awarded ten Breakthrough Device Designations from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In addition to the ARC-EX System, which is now cleared for commercial sale in the US, the Company is developing an implantable system called ARC-IM with and without an implanted brain-computer interface (BCI).

Headquartered in the Netherlands, the Company has a Science and Engineering Center in Switzerland and a US office in Boston, Massachusetts. The Company is listed on Euronext Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam (ticker: ONWD).

For more information, visit ONWD.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and YouTube. If you are a clinician or person with a spinal cord injury, visit survey.onwd.com/support.

 

RICHMOND, Va. (November 11, 2025) — In demonstration of its ongoing commitment to our community, Sheltering Arms Hospital (d.b.a. Sheltering Arms Community Programs)—the majority joint venture partner of Sheltering Arms Institute—has completed a $7 million renovation of its Bon Air Outpatient Rehabilitation Center located at 206 Twinridge Lane in Chesterfield County.

The project to renovate 22,150 square feet of existing space began in December 2024 and was completed in just under a year. Key improvements made through this remodel include transforming 1,488 square feet of previously vacant space into usable areas for therapy and fitness services; removing several interior walls to create an open-concept clinic and enhance accessibility for larger wheelchairs and walkers; and expanding waiting areas for comfort. The renovation also introduced new pool decking and locker rooms; additional advanced rehabilitation technology; new HVAC; and refreshed branding throughout with updated lighting, flooring, and paint.

“Our Bon Air Center is our largest outpatient facility, providing nearly 30,000 patient visits each year. It also serves as home to several of Sheltering Arms’ adaptive and medical fitness programs,” said Alan Lombardo, CEO of Sheltering Arms Institute. “With the completion of these renovations, we are now able to serve an additional 500 individuals recovering from illness or injury each year, significantly expanding access to our rehabilitation services to the Central Virginia community and beyond.”

Funded by the philanthropic support of generous donors to Sheltering Arms Foundation as well as operating funds on hand, the construction project was completed under the architecture firm Hummel & Associates, pool contractor Paddock Pools, and general contractor J.A. Heisler.

The Bon Air Center was first constructed in 1993 and opened in 1994; Sheltering Arms has been the sole property owner. Today, it is a destination physical rehabilitation facility that offers physical, occupational, and speech therapy services in addition to several specialized rehabilitation and adaptive fitness programs for conditions such as concussion, balance and vestibular impairments, developmental disabilities, multiple sclerosis, stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and limb loss as well as other various neurological and orthopedic disorders. Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU also leases 7,341 square feet from Sheltering Arms on the Bon Air campus, which will continue into the foreseeable future.

 

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About Sheltering Arms Institute

Sheltering Arms Institute is a non-profit and donor-supported state-of-the-science physical rehabilitation hospital and network of outpatient centers that brings together the brand and clinical reputation of Sheltering Arms and the nationally ranked programs and research of VCU Health through a joint venture. Ranked best in Virginia and among the nation’s top rehabilitation hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, the Institute blends advanced technology, research, and evidence-based clinical treatment to create an innovative, transdisciplinary model of rehabilitative care that facilitates superior outcomes for patients. For more information, please visit ShelteringArmsInstitute.com.

 

About Sheltering Arms

Sheltering Arms Community Programs—the majority joint venture partner of Sheltering Arms Institute, a nationally ranked physical rehabilitation hospital and network of outpatient centers located in Richmond, Virginia—offers a vast array of adaptive and medical fitness, wellness, and recreation services, including its mission-driven day recreation program, Club Rec. To learn more, visit www.ShelteringArms.com.