Therapy

Diverse disciplines

Our residents have access to a full-time team of therapeutic experts on-site, including Physical, Occupational, Music and Horticultural Therapy services. Innovative in their approach, Stephanie, Bridget, and Abigail bring decades of combined experience to the community, and a drive to ensure unparalleled results. They are compassionate specialists who develop individualized treatment programs for each resident they assist. Residents may also utilize the services of contractual speech and massage therapists on-site. Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury is much more than just another beautiful place to live; our residents’ health, vitality, and longevity are our number one priority. It’s just one more way we stay Connected for Life.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists (OTs) help people across their life span participate in the daily activities that they want and need to do (such as dressing, bathing, toileting and household tasks). OT intervention can also focus on deficits of the shoulder, arm or hand. Interventions will encompass all deficiencies to include cognitive as well as physical and are developed with a patient to meet their needs. OTs will also assess the individual’s living environment, where daily activities are performed, and provide recommendations for necessary equipment, as well as any warranted safety training.

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Physical Therapy

Physical therapists are experts in improving mobility and motion. Pain-free movement is crucial to the quality of daily life, the ability to earn a living, the ability to pursue leisure activities, and so much more. Physical therapists are evidence-based healthcare professionals who offer cost-effective treatment that improves mobility and relieves pain, reduces the need for surgery and prescription drugs, and allows patients to participate in a recovery plan designed for their particular needs.

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Speech Therapy at SVWC Health Services

Speech Therapy


Speech-Language Pathologists are experts in communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults.  Speech, language, and swallowing impairments can result from a variety of causes such as stroke, brain injury, hearing loss, developmental delay, Parkinson’s disease, cleft palate, or autism.

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Music Therapy

Music therapy is the clinical research-based application of music and therapeutic techniques by a board-certified music therapist to achieve individualized, non-musical treatment outcomes pertaining to an individual’s cognitive, communicative, physical, social or emotional functioning and health. From our heartbeats to a mother’s lullaby, from motivation at the gym to learning the ABCs, from a song eliciting memories of a special person to tapping our toes to a good beat — most of us have experienced the connection of music and rhythm on our minds and bodies.

Approved by the American Music Therapy Association, the music therapy department at SVWC offers a national music therapy internship program. The internship is designed to further prepare students in meeting the eligibility requirements necessary to complete the national board certification exam in music therapy and to complete a degree in music therapy. Interested applicants should click on the links below to learn more about the internship and application process.

massage therapy person giving massage

Massage Therapy

Massage is a beneficial therapy that eases tension and soreness in the body, and increases range of motion as well as blood and lymphatic circulation. It is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension. Overall wellness is improved, enhancing immunological response. Some studies have found massage may also be helpful for:
• Anxiety
• Digestive disorders
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches
• Insomnia related to stress
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Soft tissue strains or injuries
• Sports injuries
• Temporomandibular joint pain

Horticultural Therapy

Today, horticultural therapy is accepted as a beneficial and effective therapeutic modality. It is widely used within a broad range of rehabilitative, vocational, and community settings. Techniques are employed to assist participants to learn new skills or regain those that are lost, helping improve memory, cognitive abilities, task initiation, language skills, and socialization. In physical rehabilitation, horticultural therapy can help strengthen muscles and improve coordination, balance, and endurance. In vocational horticultural therapy settings, people learn to work independently, problem solve, and follow directions.