Blending personalized hands-on, evidence-based care with exercise prescription, advanced technology, and education to optimize a person’s movement ability.
Preserve, enhance, restore
At Sheltering Arms Institute, our licensed physical therapists—many of whom are board-certified neurologic or orthopedic clinical specialists—design individualized care plans to treat a wide range of diagnoses and conditions impacting people of all ages and all abilities.
We are singularly focused on increasing mobility, reducing pain, and improving the quality of life using evidence-based interventions for our patients.
Goal-oriented rehab and recovery
Focused on the bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons of the musculoskeletal system, orthopedic physical therapy at Sheltering Arms Institute is rooted in medical science, the latest technology and techniques, and thoughtful creativity.
The therapists have been amazing. They are always full of surprises and look for ways to challenge me every day. The entire staff has been nothing short of wonderful.
Compassionate, committed care
Physical therapy can dramatically impact the quality of life and emotional well-being among individuals facing significant illnesses, diseases, or major health events. Our physical therapists work in concert with our medical team, striving toward improved movement ability and optimal outcomes.
Innovative strategies, personalized care
In constant pursuit of new techniques and technologies, Sheltering Arms Institute delivers physical therapy programs that utilize specific care plans for each and every patient.
Utilizing the buoyancy and resistance of water to perform rehabilitative exercises
Exercise that relies on stretching and strength-training routines
The treatment of muscle tissue to reduce pain and restore function
Swelling management
The application of electrical current to strengthen muscles
Gaining independence through dynamic movements
Increasing independence with walking over a variety of surfaces and conditions
The use of hands to manipulate muscles and joints
Strengthening the core to improve stability
Specialized exercises to treat balance conditions like dizziness and vertigo
Strength-building via free or machine weights
Inpatient and outpatient treatment options
Sheltering Arms Institute offers physical therapy in both the inpatient and outpatient settings.
A key component of rehabilitation from a significant accident, injury, or illness that requires 24/7 medical supervision and intensive physical therapy. Sheltering Arms Institute individually designs physical therapy programs for each individual that are fully integrated with clinical strategies.
Conveniently located throughout Richmond and Central Virginia, one-on-one outpatient physical therapy services at Sheltering Arms Institute help people recover from a wide range of injuries and conditions. Outpatient therapy can help patients continue to progress after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation or can be the starting point of recovery for less severe injuries or illnesses.
Comprehensive care, optimal outcomes
From unexpected traumas to medical necessities, Sheltering Arms Institute’s program for individuals with limb loss is committed to improving the physical and emotional well-being of each patient.
Understanding physical therapy
Physical therapy is the treatment of injury, disease, or pain without the use of surgery or medication. The goal of physical therapy is to relieve pain, help improve movement, or strengthen weakened muscles for improved quality of life.
Anyone seeking improved mobility, pain relief, or improved/more efficient movement patterns or anyone who has experienced an event that has impacted their mobility is likely a candidate for physical therapy.
Physical therapy treats a wide variety of neurological and orthopedic illnesses, injuries, and diseases from arthritis and joint pain to spinal cord injuries and strokes.
Inpatient therapy is offered at our Short Pump location. To qualify for inpatient rehabilitation, patients must require not only physical therapy, but also occupational and/or speech therapy as well as daily medical supervision from a physician. Patients stay in the hospital and receive at least three hours of therapy, five days a week.
Outpatient services are offered at any of our locations. Appointment time and frequency vary based on each patient’s need, however, visits range from 45 minutes once a week to a more intensive approach of two hours, several days per week.
Physical therapy is wide-ranging, serving people during all stages of life. Sheltering Arms Institute focuses on treating those 12 years of age and up with either neurological or orthopedic conditions. We offer several different specialty services, including vestibular, concussion, dry needling, developmental disabilities, decreased balance, recovery from COVID-19, aquatic therapy, pelvic floor, and more. If you are searching for a specialty service, visit our conditions and services page for a comprehensive list of offerings.
All Sheltering Arms Institute locations offer physical therapy services; however, our Hull Street and Chester locations treat orthopedic conditions only while all of our other locations treat neurological and orthopedic conditions.
Start your Journey
Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.
For the safety of our patients and team members, all Sheltering Arms Institute outpatient locations will have a DELAYED opening at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 7. We will call you to reschedule if your appointment is before this time.
