Revolutionizing Physical Therapy: A Conversation with Twila Ruefer

In a recent episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Twila Ruefer, a passionate physical therapist and the founder of Longevity Institute of Virginia. Twila’s journey from Navy service to revolutionizing physical therapy practice offers valuable insights into the future of healthcare and personal wellness.

From Navy to PT: A Journey of Discovery

Twila's path to physical therapy was anything but straightforward. After joining the Navy at 18, she initially pursued a career in electronics. However, her involvement in command fitness activities and coordinating care for injured sailors sparked her interest in fitness and rehabilitation. This led her to pursue a degree in kinesiology and eventually a doctorate in physical therapy.

The Birth of Longevity Institute

Frustrated with the limitations of traditional insurance-based physical therapy, Twila recently launched Longevity Institute of Virginia. This cash-based clinic allows her to spend a full hour with each patient, focusing on holistic care that goes beyond just treating symptoms.

Key Principles of Twila's Approach

1. Relationships Matter: Building trust and understanding each patient's unique story is crucial for effective treatment.

2. Consistency is Key: Small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements over time.

3. Mindset is Everything: Addressing mental and emotional aspects is essential for overall health.

Holistic Care: Beyond Physical Therapy

Twila's approach incorporates several "longevity pillars":

• Eating well

• Moving often

• Prioritizing sleep

• Cultivating quality relationships

• Living with purpose

• Reducing stress

By addressing these areas, Twila aims to treat the root causes of pain and health issues, not just the symptoms.

The Cash-Pay Model: Quality Over Quantity

By operating outside the constraints of insurance, Twila can:

• Spend more time with each patient

• Address multiple health factors in a single session

• Provide personalized, comprehensive care

This model allows for better outcomes in fewer sessions, potentially saving patients time and money in the long run.

Spirituality in Healthcare

Twila isn't afraid to discuss spirituality with her patients. She emphasizes that spirituality can take many forms – from meditation to religious practice – and can play a crucial role in stress reduction and overall well-being.

Resources for Longevity

Twyla recommends several resources for those interested in longevity and holistic health:

• "Outlive" by Peter Attia

• "Built to Move" by Kelly Starrett

• The Longevity Institute podcast

Looking Forward

As Twila settles in Virginia Beach and continues to grow her practice, she represents a new wave of healthcare professionals prioritizing quality, personalized care over volume-driven models. Her approach offers hope for those seeking comprehensive solutions to complex health challenges.

To learn more about Twila and Longevity Institute of Virginia, visit www.longevityvb.com or follow @LongevityVB on Instagram.

Key Timestamps

For easy navigation of the podcast, here are the key timestamps and topics discussed:

00:16 – Twila's journey from Navy service to physical therapy

08:30 - The value of spending quality one-on-one time with patients

11:54 - Building trust and establishing strong patient relationships

14:35 - Guiding principles and longevity pillars in Twila's practice

21:04 - Twila's approach to maintaining her own sleep habits

23:50 - Benefits of the cash-pay model in physical therapy

29:07 - Unique skills physical therapists bring to holistic health care

31:45 - Book recommendations for longevity and health

34:17 - Incorporating spirituality into physical therapy practice

38:12 - Contact information for Longevity Institute of Virginia

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From Biochemist to Firefighter: Annette Zapp's Mission to Improve Firefighter Health and Safety

In a recent episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Annette Zapp, a former firefighter turned PhD candidate and advocate for firefighter health and safety. Annette's unique journey from biochemistry to firefighting, and now to academic research, offers valuable insights into the challenges facing our first responders and the innovative approaches being developed to address them.

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From Biochemistry to Firefighting

Annette's journey is anything but conventional. With a degree in biochemistry from the University of South Dakota School of Medicine, she found her way into firefighting, a career she dedicated 20 years to. Now, she's pursuing a PhD, focusing on tactical research that could significantly impact firefighter health and safety.

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The Hidden Dangers of Firefighting

While the immediate risks of firefighting are well-known, Annette sheds light on less visible dangers:

1. Cardiovascular Health: The leading cause of firefighter deaths is cardiovascular disease.

2. Mental Health: Alarmingly, suicide rates among firefighters are outpacing deaths from other causes.

3. Sleep Deprivation: The demanding schedule of firefighters often leads to chronic sleep issues.

4. Exposure to Carcinogens: Even cleaned gear can harbor dangerous chemicals and carcinogens.

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Current Research: Working Out in Firefighting Gear

Annette's current research focuses on the practice of firefighters working out in their gear. While it might seem logical to "train how you fight," Annette hypothesizes that this practice could be detrimental:

• It may cause biomechanical issues

• It potentially increases exposure to carcinogens and harmful chemicals

Her advice? "Train in your gear as much as necessary, but as little as possible."

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Improving Firefighter Health: A Holistic Approach

Annette emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to firefighter health:

1. Sleep Education: Helping firefighters understand the crucial role of sleep in overall health.

2. Nutrition: Creating healthier food environments in fire stations.

3. Physical Fitness: Developing programs that work within the constraints of fire station resources.

4. Mental Health Support: Breaking down stigmas and providing culturally competent resources.

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The Future of Firefighter Health

Annette's work highlights the need for proactive, upstream interventions. By educating firefighters early in their careers about potential health risks and providing them with the tools to maintain their physical and mental wellbeing, we can hope to see better outcomes in the long term.

As Annette puts it, "Upstream is the way."

To learn more about Annette Zapp and her work, you can find her on Instagram at @FireRescueWellness or visit her website at www.firerescuewellness.org.

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Key Timestamps

00:25 - Annette's current work and research focus

02:49 - Annette's background and journey to firefighting  

07:43 - The mental and physical toll of firefighting  

10:35 - Minimum fitness standards for firefighters  

14:35 - The importance of needs analysis in department interventions  

22:43 - Common needs in fire departments: sleep, nutrition, and fitness  

29:09 - Annette's current research on working out in firefighting gear  

34:24 - The risks of bringing firefighting gear into physical therapy clinics  

39:42 - Resources for firefighter mental health  

44:15 - The importance of early intervention in firefighter health  

48:12 - Where to find Annette and her work

Revolutionizing Health and Wellness: Insights from Dr. Ryan Greene of Monarch Athletic Labs

In this exciting episode of Medicine 3.0, host Dr. Jared Pelo sits down with Dr. Ryan Greene, founder of Monarch Athletic Labs, to discuss the future of health, wellness, and longevity. Dr. Green shares his journey from aspiring sports medicine orthopedist to pioneering a new model of integrated health and fitness.

The Birth of Monarch Athletic Labs

Dr. Greene's vision for Monarch Athletic Labs emerged from his realization that the resources and knowledge typically reserved for college and professional athletes should be accessible to everyone. He saw an opportunity to create a "one-stop shop" for health and wellness, combining exercise facilities with comprehensive medical care, physical therapy, nutrition counseling, and recovery services.

Key Features of the Monarch Model:

1. Integrated Approach: Monarch combines fitness, medical care, physical therapy, nutrition, and recovery services under one roof.

2. Community-Focused: Clubs are designed for 200-300 members, fostering a sense of community and accountability.

3. Comprehensive Onboarding: New members undergo thorough medical assessments, physical therapy evaluations, and strength assessments.

4. Ongoing Support: Quarterly check-ins and regular performance testing ensure members stay on track with their health goals.

5. Multidisciplinary Team: Physical therapists double as strength and conditioning coaches, providing a unique blend of expertise.

Success Stories and Transformations

Dr. Green shared impressive outcomes from Monarch's approach:

• Significant improvements in metabolic disease risk factors

• Enhanced physical performance, including strength gains and improved mobility

• Successful rehabilitation, often helping members avoid surgery

• Overall improvements in quality of life, energy, cognitive performance, and sleep

The Importance of Strength and Mobility

Both Dr. Greene and Dr. Pelo emphasized the crucial role of strength and mobility in healthy aging. They noted that maintaining these physical capacities is essential for independence and quality of life as we age.

Future Directions

Monarch is expanding its services to include mental health support, including neurofeedback and potentially psychedelic-assisted therapy in the future. They're also developing a virtual platform to integrate various health data sources and provide a comprehensive health management tool.

Takeaway Message

The key to longevity, according to Dr. Pelo, is a simple equation: freedom from disease combined with building and maintaining muscle, strength, and mobility for as long as possible. Monarch Athletic Labs is providing a innovative model to help people achieve these goals in a supportive, community-oriented environment.

For those interested in bringing a Monarch facility to their area, Dr. Green encourages reaching out to explore potential partnerships and investment opportunities.

This episode of Medicine 3.0 offers a fascinating glimpse into the future of integrated health and wellness, showcasing how innovative approaches like Monarch's can help people live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

Key Time Points:

• 0:57 - Dr. Greene's background and journey to founding Monarch Athletic Labs

• 8:54 - The concept behind Monarch and its unique approach

• 14:48 - Locations and expansion plans for Monarch

• 21:55 - The onboarding process for new Monarch members

• 32:34 - Success stories and transformations seen at Monarch

• 37:03 - The importance of mental health in overall wellness

• 38:35 - Discussion on the crucial role of strength and mobility in aging