The Healthy Back With Taruna Rijhwani

Today’s conversation is a reminder that recovery isn’t just about getting out of pain. It’s about getting your life back. With the right guidance, consistency, and belief in what your body is capable of, strength and freedom are still possible at any age. Her journey is proof that it’s never too late to move better, feel stronger, and keep doing the things you love.  If you’ve ever wondered “Is th...

Meet Amy, 75 who started with us only a few weeks ago with severe sciatica and foot drop - having difficulty driving, walking and losing balance frequently.  Fast Forward 4-5 weeks later, Amy is already feeling pain-free, she is back to driving, sleeping well through the night, walking with confidence and will resume her exercise classes this week. She is a perfect example of what healthy aging lo...

Meet Ivan, in his mid-50's who started with us a couple months ago with severe sciatica and unable to sleep through the night. Ivan being a very active guy was frustrated with being in pain & having to avoid activity. Fast forward 2 months later, Ivan is now pain-free, sleeping well through the night, back to the Gym and Jijitsu.   Not only that, he has also resolved his chronic knee issue tha...

Meet Courtney, a 29 year old female who had her ACL reconstruction surgery about a year ago and due to failed rehab, had residual pain, discomfort and tenderness around the knee that stopped her from living her best life- playing soccer; lifting weights and running. Her other choices were more injections or another surgery!   She attended our Knee Pain Workshop and right after decided to commit to...

In this Episode, we chat with Ankush (41), who came to us with pain in both knees, leading to very limited mobility and hence other health issues. He started his journey with us with a Discovery Visit and after committing to our program - combining the regenerative power of Shockwave Therapy with the McKenzie Method - Ankush is now not only pain-free but is also walking 10k+ steps daily and gettin...

In this episode, we chat with Tia, a 50-year-old who came to us feeling trapped by constant pain, sleepless nights, and the inability to walk more than a couple of blocks. She found us at one of our workshops, and after committing to our program—combining the McKenzie Method with the regenerative power of Shockwave Therapy—Tia is now pain-free after just 6-7 weeks! She’s sleeping better and walkin...

Meet Parth (45) who started with us with chronic back problems and was having very frequent 'back spasms' that would limit him for days. He is now back spasm-free for months, taking long flights without worry, and returning to the gym with his trainer! Parth shares his journey from his previous failed treatments, like general physical therapy, chiropractic care, and pain meds for temporary relief-...

 🌱 Welcome to our first episode of 2025! 🌱 In today’s episode, we’re joined by Gwyn Whittaker, Founder of Greenfare Organic Café in Herndon, VA. Gwyn is here to share insights on the power of plant-based eating and how it can help with everything from fat loss to managing conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol—all naturally through food! If you're looking to start your journey toward a he...

Meet Michael (54) who started with us with back & knee problems that stopped him from walking more than a few blocks and even had a spinal surgery scheduled. Fast forward a few months later, he has canceled his spine surgery and is pain-free in both his back & knee. He's even up to walking 10k+ steps with his wife most days!   Michael shares his journey from his previous failed treatments...

Meet Shari (63) who started with us with back problems that stopped her from being active. Now a month later, she is not just pain-free but is training for her upcoming triathlon event in October 2024.   She shares her journey of having chronic issues and how she has learned to manage her aches & pains and stay active.   Want to be like Shari and find a resolution for your Back Problem?    Sig...

Meet Adam (47 years) who came in with a chronic history of back and pinched nerve problems. He was taking several meds, and cortisone shots, and had gone through general Physical Therapy with no real relief. At our Back Pain & Sciatica Workshop in August, he joined our Exclusive Program! Now he is fully pain-free (without any pills or injections). He is back to biking and is now working toward...

In this week's podcast Episode, our guest is Dr. Rita Roy (physician & CEO of the National Spine Health Foundation).   She presents her perspective in this episode both as a physician and someone who has needed a spinal fusion.   We discuss topics like prevention, osteoporosis, management & wellness regarding spinal health.   We also discuss Osteoporosis & its implications, posture, an...

In today's podcast episode, we have a very special guest. His name is Dr. William Kemp- a neurosurgeon. He has been with the VSI since 2022 and is the only neurosurgeon at his practice.   In this Episode, we dive into details as to when should a person with spine issues see a neurosurgeon; when is a person with back problems a candidate for surgery and how can someone 50+ take care of their spine,...

In this Podcast Episode, our guest is Nutritionist Alana Sugar.    We talk about eating seasonally, making changes in our diet as summer months arrive and how all foods are not 'one size fits all'.   We also discuss making dietary changes for people who are 50+ instead of just relying on supplements to fill the nutritional gaps.   If you are looking to eat healthier as you turn 50+ to stay active...

In this podcast episode, our guest is Ray Pugsley - Owner of PR Run & Walk Stores across Northern VA.   In this episode, we talk about the need for supportive shoes customised for runners/walkers especially when they are 50+ and have degenerative joints.   If you are 50+ and enjoy long walks, hiking, running and feel that joint or muscle problems get in the way of enjoying those, then this Epi...

In this podcast episode, we have a very special guest. His name is Dr. Thomas Schuler, Founder of Virginia Spine Institute. He started the Virginia Spine Institute about 32 years ago & he is a double board certified surgeon. In this episode, we talk about when someone is a candidate for surgery versus natural non operative ways of treatment if they have sciatica or pinched nerve issues. Great...

In today's podcast episode, we have a very special guest. His name is Dr. Thomas Nguyen, Virginia Spine Institute. He has been with the Virginia Spine Institute for about 18 years and specializes in pain management and non-surgical treatment options. He has been featured on ABC news and other news channels talking about golf injuries.   In this Episode, we discuss golfing and its impact on the spi...

In this Episode, We are welcoming Dr. Pamela Shields, PT, Dip. MDT, OCS to our practice at Health Watchers. Pam brings in several years of clinical experience plus extensive training to our practice.    We talk about her experience as a physical therapist over the years in healthcare plus her experience of seeing Yoga Injuries in people with Back problems.   If you are a Back pain and sciatica suf...

If you are someone who has chronic back issues, have tried several other treatments and are frustrated with your recovery but secretly would like to return to Yoga, Pilates etc and enjoy quality time with your kids like sitting on the soccer field bleachers pain-free then this episode is a MUST listen for you.   In this Episode, we have a special guest Min Hyun who has been on a Back problem recov...

In today's podcast episode, we have a very special guest. His name is Dr. Niteesh Bharara, Director of Regenerative Medicine at Virginia Spine Institute. He has been named the Face of Regenerative Medicine and has been with the spine institute for 10 years.   He explains all about PRP, plasma therapy and stem cell therapy and who might be the best candidate for that.   If you have been suffering f...

In todays podcast episode, we discuss some Q & A's around the book - Active Beyond Fifty: share some highlights and reviews that we have received about the book from our audience and share some backstories.    Who is this book for?   If you are 50+ or are heading towards that age and are struggling to stay active, mobile, and independent with spine and joint problems, then Dr. Taruna Rijhwani, PT...

If You are someone who is fifty plus and is struggling to stay active, avoid injections and unnecessary surgery from spine & joint problems then our book is written for you- Active Beyond Fifty.   This Book is a complete guide of a workbook that will help understand the Root Cause of your problems so you can make decisions from an informed place and also incorporate lifestyle changes that will hel...

Meet Gary, a 75 year old from Herndon, VA. In this week's episode he discusses his journey and experience of managing his back and pinched nerve issues. How it impacted his basic activities like walking at the start and how he is so much more active now than he was before.    He also talks about other treatment options he tried and what did not work for him during the process.    To learn more, vi...

In this Episode, Licensed Physical Therapist & Mckenzie Method Specialist Taruna Rijhwani interviews her patient Gheed who shares her story of her long standing back and SI joint problems and different treatments she tried in her recovery journey; how pain creeps into other areas of your life and how she now feels being on the other side of her problem.   You will also learn how using our approach...

In this Episode, Licensed Physical Therapist & Mckenzie Method Specialist Taruna Rijhwani interviews her patient Vannessa Camacho who shares her story of her long standing neck and shoulder problems and how she has managed to get pain-free despite of several years of being in pain.   We also get to how her shoulder problem was originally emanating from her neck or cervical spine and her journey ex...