Pulmonary Conditions

Our team of respiratory therapists, physicians, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists will work closely with you to create a personalized care plan focused on:

Improving lung function

Reducing shortness of breath

Building endurance and physical strength

Enhancing daily activity and independence

Whether you’re recovering from a recent hospitalization or managing a long-term condition like COPD, emphysema, or pulmonary fibrosis, we’re here to support your recovery so you can get back to doing the things you enjoy with greater confidence and comfort.

Receiving Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Living with a chronic lung condition such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis can make daily life more difficult. Our pulmonary rehabilitation program is here to help you breathe easier, regain strength, and restore independence.

While pulmonary disease may not be the primary reason for your inpatient stay, it often plays a significant role in recovery. That’s why we provide specialized support for individuals managing lung conditions alongside other medical issues, such as surgery, heart disease, or serious illness.

Our interdisciplinary team will create a customized rehabilitation plan that addresses your respiratory needs while supporting your overall recovery. The goal: to help you manage symptoms more effectively, build endurance, and safely transition back home with greater confidence and comfort.

Benefits of Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Our pulmonary rehabilitation program begins with a comprehensive assessment to understand your specific breathing challenges, activity level, and personal goals. Based on this evaluation, we develop a customized treatment plan to help you manage your condition and improve your quality of life.

Pulmonary rehabilitation can help you:

Breathe more easily

during everyday tasks and physical activity

Increase strength

stamina, and overall fitness

Learn breathing techniques

to better manage shortness of breath

Use oxygen therapy

safely and effectively

Improve your nutrition

to support lung health and energy levels

Understand your medications

and how to avoid symptom triggers

Cope with the emotional effects

of living with a chronic lung condition

With expert guidance and personalized support, our goal is to help you feel stronger, more confident, and better equipped to manage your respiratory health.

What Is Inpatient Rehabilitation Medication Management?

In inpatient rehabilitation, medication management is an essential part of your recovery. At our facility, care is a collaborative effort our physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and therapists work closely together to ensure your medications are safe, effective, and aligned with your rehabilitation goals.

We carefully monitor how your medications affect your symptoms, mobility, cognition, and progress in therapy. Our team also takes time to educate you and your caregivers on:

What each medication does

When and how to take it

How it supports your recovery and independence

By helping you understand and manage your medications, we empower you to take an active role in your health both during your stay and after you return home.

How Medication Management Supports Your Recovery

Understanding your medications is a powerful part of the healing process. Our inpatient rehabilitation team helps you take control of your recovery by ensuring you know what medications you’re taking, when to take them, and how they support your specific condition and goals whether you’re recovering from a stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or another complex condition.

Medication Reconciliation for Safety and Accuracy

As part of your care, our pharmacy team performs a thorough medication reconciliation a detailed review of all medications you were taking before admission. This process helps us:

Identify and prevent

drug interactions, duplications, or unnecessary side effects

Adjust medications

to match your current health status and rehabilitation plan

Ensure all prescriptions are safe

effective, and tailored to your individual needs

By helping you understand and manage your medications, we empower you to take an active role in your health both during your stay and after you return home.aProper nutrition plays a critical role in recovery. Our registered dietitians work with you to create a customized meal plan that supports your medical needs, therapy goals, and personal preferences. By fueling your body with the right nutrients, you’ll feel stronger, more energized, and better equipped to reach your rehabilitation milestones.

Together, medication management and nutrition support form a vital part of your comprehensive recovery plan helping you heal safely, confidently, and completely.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Recovering from a serious illness or injury can make everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, or eating feel overwhelming. Our inpatient rehabilitation team is here to help you regain those essential self-care skills through a personalized, supportive plan.

Working together, our therapists, nurses, and physicians focus first on basic activities of daily living (ADLs), then gradually introduce instrumental activities of daily living (iADLs) more complex tasks such as cooking, managing medications, handling finances, or using technology.

By rebuilding your ability to care for yourself, we not only support your physical recovery but also help restore confidence, independence, and emotional well-being so you can return home stronger and more self-reliant.

Supporting Your Lifestyle and Goals

Every person’s recovery journey is unique which is why your rehabilitation plan is personalized to match your needs, goals, and daily routines. Whether your aim is to return to work, care for a loved one or pet, or simply enjoy everyday tasks like cooking at home, we’re here to help you build the strength and skills to make it possible.

Through consistent practice of real-life activities in a safe, supportive environment, you’ll not only gain confidence and independence you’ll also reduce the risk of complications such as muscle loss or pressure injuries. Our goal is to help you get back to the life you love, one step at a time.

Conditions That Benefit from ADL-Focused Therapy

Our REAL Therapy® program is designed to help patients regain independence by practicing daily tasks in realistic environments such as simulated kitchens, bedrooms, and laundry areas. This hands-on approach is especially valuable for individuals recovering from conditions that impact movement, memory, strength, or coordination.

ADL-focused therapy can be beneficial for those recovering from:

Stroke

Spinal cord injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Parkinson’s disease

Limb loss or amputation

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Burn injuries

By recreating real-life situations, our program helps patients safely rebuild the skills needed to perform everyday activities supporting long-term independence and quality of life.

What Are ADLs and iADLs?

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are the essential self-care tasks we perform every day to maintain personal health and hygiene. These include:

Bathing

Dressing

Eating

Toileting

Grooming

Oral care

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (iADLs) are more complex tasks that support independent living and require higher-level thinking and coordination. These include:

Preparing meals

Managing medications

Using a phone or computer

Driving or navigating transportation

Handling finances

Doing laundry and household chores

Both ADLs and iADLs are important for maintaining independence. Our rehabilitation programs are designed to help you safely relearn and practice these tasks, so you can return to everyday life with confidence.

Start your recovery with expert care

Our Rehabilitation program supports patients with:

Breathing retraining & pulmonary therapy
Oxygen therapy education & safety
Endurance training with shortness-of-breath management
Cough/airway clearance techniques
Energy conservation & pacing strategies
Self-management for exacerbations & monitoring

Our Comprehensive Approach

We provide a structured environment that helps patients rebuild physical strength, cognitive function, and emotional resilience. We use an interdisciplinary model built on collaboration and innovation.

PM&R Physicians

Physical and Occupational Therapists

Speech-Language Pathologists

Neuro-psychologists

Rehab
Nurses

Case
Managers

Why Choose RVA PMR

Experienced Physicians

Our board-certified physiatrists lead each patient’s care plan, ensuring medical oversight, consistency, and the highest standards of rehabilitation.

State-of-the-Art Technology

Our board-certified physiatrists lead each patient’s care plan, ensuring medical oversight, consistency, and the highest standards of rehabilitation.

Personalized Care Plans

We tailor every treatment program to the individual—focusing on specific goals like improved mobility, communication, independence, or quality of life.

Interdisciplinary Team Approach

Our collaborative team includes physical, occupational, and speech therapists, rehabilitation nurses, case managers, and support staff—all working together to support you.

Patient FAQs

Looking to save time before your visit? Our patient resources section includes downloadable forms, instructions, and informational PDFs to help you prepare for your appointment. Whether you need new patient paperwork, insurance guidance, or therapy instructions, everything you need is just a click away.

No faqs found.

Where does RVA PMR practice?

RVA PMR currently provides services at Encompass Health Richmond and Encompass Health Petersburg. We are expanding into additional facilities, so please check back for updates as we continue to grow.

Do I need a referral from my primary care doctor?

Most of our patients come to us following an acute hospital stay. However, we also admit patients directly from the community. If you are coming from home, a referral from a physician or other qualified provider is required.

Are your services covered by insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid?

Yes. Our services are covered by all major insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid.

How do I request my medical records?

Medical records must be requested through the facility where you are receiving care. If you are at an Encompass Health hospital, please contact their Health Information Management Specialist (HIMS) coordinator for assistance.

What should I bring to a Rehabilitation Hospital?

Please bring comfortable clothing suitable for exercise and daily activities, along with supportive sneakers or athletic shoes. Since you may be with us for several weeks, we recommend bringing enough clothing for the duration of your stay.

What Our Patients Are Saying

“I came to RVA PMR after a traumatic brain injury. I couldn’t walk, speak clearly, or even focus. Six months later, I’m back to work and more independent than I ever thought possible.”

A serious car accident left me with unbearable pain and very limited mobility. I couldn’t imagine returning to my normal life. With this team’s help, I made progress week after week until I could walk and even return to work. Dr. Dena truly saved my life, and I will always be grateful.

Following spinal surgery, I struggled to complete even the simplest daily tasks. I felt defeated, but the rehab program here was structured, supportive, and personalized for me. Little by little, I regained strength and confidence. Today, I can take care of myself and feel hopeful about the future again.

After my brain injury, I had trouble speaking, concentrating, and even remembering basic things. It was frightening and discouraging. The physiatrist and team worked patiently with me, helping me rebuild both skills and confidence. I feel like myself again, and my family sees the progress every day.

My stroke left me weak on one side and completely dependent on others. The therapy here gave me both hope and results. Casey helped me through everything, she was the best nurse practitioner I’ve ever worked with. Thanks to her guidance and compassion, I can walk, cook, and live independently again.

After a motorcycle crash, I didn’t think I would ever recover. I felt broken both physically and mentally. The team’s dedication and persistence pushed me to keep trying, even when I wanted to give up. Today, I’ve regained strength, mobility, and the confidence to return to my normal life.

I never thought I’d be able to cook, dress, or drive again after my accident. The team here proved me wrong. They supported me at every step, celebrated my small victories, and pushed me toward big ones. I’m back to living independently, and I’ll always credit them for giving me back my life.

After losing part of my leg, I was overwhelmed and unsure of how to move forward. The compassion and expertise I received made all the difference. They taught me how to adapt, regain strength, and most importantly, live with confidence. I couldn’t have asked for a better team on this journey.

My traumatic brain injury changed everything about my life. I struggled with memory, balance, and even basic communication. This team gave me the tools to heal, adapt, and thrive. Their support has been nothing short of life-changing, and I’m finally able to return to the activities I love.

Recovering from multiple fractures was one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced. Every day felt like a mountain to climb. The physiatry team created a plan tailored to me, and Carrie, my nurse practitioner, went above and beyond to make sure I had the support I needed. Thanks to them, I’m stronger than ever.

I came here after a serious fall that left me unable to walk on my own. The progress I’ve made is incredible. Dr. Dena explained every step and made sure I understood my treatment. His confidence gave me the strength to believe in myself again.

Multiple sclerosis left me exhausted and struggling with daily tasks. I didn’t think I could improve, but Casey showed me otherwise. She took the time to explain what was happening to my body and gave me strategies to manage my condition. She truly cares, and it shows.

A motorcycle crash left me unable to work and in constant pain. I had nearly given up hope until I came here. Dr. Dena tailored my rehab and checked in on my progress often. Without his expertise, I wouldn’t have the strength or mobility I have today.

After finishing chemotherapy, I was drained and could barely get through a day without collapsing in exhaustion. Carrie was the steady voice I needed through recovery. She encouraged me to rebuild my strength slowly and never lose hope. Her kindness and determination gave me the courage to keep fighting. I’m healthier, stronger, and finally seeing life beyond cancer again.

Recovering from multiple fractures was daunting. The physiatry team was relentless in their support, and Dr. Dena took the time to really understand my goals. Today, I’m walking without assistance and getting back to work, something I never thought possible.

After my stroke, I felt like a burden on my family. This program changed everything. Casey’s encouragement and practical advice gave me both the tools and confidence to reclaim my independence. I owe my recovery to her dedication and care.

I went through months of rehabilitation after my spinal cord injury. It was overwhelming, but Carrie always went above and beyond. She checked in, listened when I was discouraged, and made sure I had the right exercises to keep moving forward. She made me believe in myself again.

Parkinson’s disease made everyday tasks frustrating and difficult. Dr. Dena and his team worked with me patiently, creating a plan that improved my strength, balance, and confidence. I feel more in control of my life and my future now.

My traumatic brain injury left me struggling with simple conversations and memory lapses. Casey never treated me like a patient with limitations, she treated me like a person with potential. Her encouragement has been life-changing.

After major back surgery, I was told recovery would be slow and difficult. With this team’s help, it was challenging but successful. Carrie especially made sure I had what I needed every step of the way. Her kindness and determination made all the difference.