Reagan Rehabilitation

10/19/2025

A massive study involving 128,119 participants has revealed that exercise can be more effective than medication in treating depression. Researchers found that consistent physical activity significantly improved mood, motivation, and overall mental well-being, often outperforming traditional pharmaceutical treatments in both speed and long-term impact.

The science behind it is powerful. Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood enhancers, along with serotonin and dopamine, which stabilize emotions and boost focus. Regular movement also reduces inflammation in the brain and helps regulate stress hormones like cortisol, creating a chemical environment that supports healing from depression.

Participants who engaged in moderate activities, such as walking, jogging, cycling, or yoga, for at least 150 minutes a week showed the strongest improvements. What’s more, exercise provided benefits without the side effects often linked to medication.

While antidepressants and therapy remain essential for many, this study shows that movement is medicine,and in some cases, it may be the most accessible and effective prescription of all.

Even a short daily walk can help lift your mood and rewire your brain toward resilience. The key isn’t intensity, it’s consistency.

Your body doesn’t just carry your mind; it heals it.

10/18/2025

10/09/2025

10/05/2025

Looking for PTs in the Osage Beach area for evaluations, discharges, etc.

If you’re interested please call/text us at 417.718.0712
Or DM us here.

09/17/2025

The soleus muscle, located deep within the calf beneath the larger gastrocnemius, is one of the most vital yet overlooked muscles in the human body. Its primary role is to control plantar flexion—pointing the foot downward—a movement critical for walking, running, and maintaining balance. But beyond that, it serves a remarkable function as a postural muscle, keeping us upright while standing. With a high percentage of slow-twitch muscle fibers, the soleus is built for endurance rather than explosive power, allowing it to work tirelessly throughout the day without fatigue. In fact, it's often referred to as the "second heart" because of its role in helping return blood from the legs back to the heart, especially when standing.

The design of the soleus points clearly to intelligent planning, not random chance. Its precise location, fiber composition, and built-in endurance show that it was made with purpose—to allow humans to stand, walk, and live upright with stability and efficiency. Evolution can not explain why such a deeply integrated, fatigue-resistant muscle would arise “by accident” to meet the very specific demands of upright posture and circulation. The soleus is a testament to the Creator's wisdom in equipping the human body with intricate systems that work together seamlessly for life and mobility.

08/29/2025

A major review of over 1,000 trials shows that exercise is significantly more effective at reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety than medication or therapy — with benefits kicking in fast, especially in the first 12 weeks.

Strength training, yoga, and even short walks were all linked to measurable mental health improvements, with adults over 45 responding especially well.

Surprisingly, shorter workouts delivered better results than longer routines, challenging common assumptions.

Experts say it’s time to treat exercise as a first-line treatment, not just an add-on — and the data makes a compelling case.

Full breakdown and key findings below.

08/20/2025

Just nine days without added fructose—the kind of sugar found in sodas, fruit juices, and processed foods—can begin to reverse liver damage, according to a study published in Gastroenterology by researchers at Touro University and UC San Francisco.

In the study, children and teens who cut out added fructose saw a 20% reduction in liver fat in just over a week. Crucially, the change wasn’t due to weight loss—participants lost less than 1% of their body weight—proving that the benefit came directly from eliminating fructose.

Fatty liver disease among youth has more than doubled over the past 20 years, contributing to insulin resistance and raising the risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The trial focused on obese Latino and African-American adolescents—groups with some of the highest added-sugar consumption. They swapped out fructose-heavy foods for starchy, glucose-based alternatives, while keeping their total calorie intake the same.

After just nine days, MRI scans revealed significant drops in liver fat and improvements in insulin sensitivity—showing how rapidly the body can respond to even small dietary changes.

Researchers say reducing national fructose intake, even modestly, could dramatically cut healthcare costs by lowering the burden of metabolic diseases. The takeaway? You don’t need to overhaul your life—just ditch the added sugar, and your liver will thank you.

Follow Science Sphere for regular scientific updates

REFERENCE 📄
Schwarz, Jean-Marc et al. “Effects of Dietary Fructose Restriction on Liver Fat, De Novo Lipogenesis, and Insulin Kinetics in Children With Obesity.” Gastroenterology vol. 153,3 (2017): 743-752.

07/19/2025

We are happy to announce that we are close to accepting insurance at our Lebanon and Camdenton locations!
(Our Camdenton location is for private care, the Lebanon location will be open to the public.)

We are looking for someone with Medicare billing experience.
Must have at least 5 years experience and have specifically billed for therapy services.

Possibly longer term contract work but mainly as a consultant for now. Locals only.

DM us for more details.

07/06/2025

The more we know…🧐

Smoking can negatively impact bone health in several ways:

1. **Reduced Bone Density**: Smoking is associated with lower bone mineral density, which increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. The harmful chemicals in to***co can interfere with the cells responsible for bone formation, leading to weaker bones.

2. **Impaired Blood Flow**: Smoking can damage blood vessels and reduce blood circulation, which is essential for delivering nutrients to bones. Poor circulation can hinder the healing process of bone injuries and contribute to overall bone health deterioration.

3. **Hormonal Imbalances**: Smoking can affect hormones that play a crucial role in bone health, particularly estrogen. In women, smoking may lead to earlier menopause, which is associated with a rapid decline in bone density due to reduced estrogen levels, further increasing fracture risk.

07/03/2025

We are excited to announce a new agreement with LHC Group to help with their therapy contracting needs!

We've worked with them years ago with one of their smaller companies and will now help cover larger territories with potential nationwide opportunities.

If you're a Physical, Occupational or Speech Therapist/Assistant interested in PRN work, PM us today and let's talk!

07/01/2025

Did you know that in our legs we have a “second heart”?
No, it's not a legend: it's the nickname given to calf muscles, and the reason is really fascinating!

When we walk, climb the stairs or simply stand up, these muscles contract and act like a real natural pump, pushing blood upwards against the force of gravity, in the direction of the heart. 💪🩸

This mechanism is essential for:
✔️ Promote venous circulation
✔️ Prevent blood clots in the legs
✔️ Reduce swelling, feeling of heaviness and varicose veins
✔️ Reduce the risk of deep venous thrombosis

All of this thanks to the synergistic work of muscles and venous valves, which prevent the blood from going back.

👉 Here’s why sitting or standing for too long can be harmful, while regular movement even with a simple walk helps the circulatory system function better.

💡 In practice: every step you take is a gift to your heart.
Walking, moving, stretching... These are simple gestures, but fundamental to health.

❤️ Don’t forget: taking care of your legs means taking care of your heart.

06/24/2025

Your body never lies.

Your skin, your posture, your muscle tone, even the coating on your tongue…these are diagnostic tools.

They’re reflections of your internal biology.

Skin mirrors the liver because your liver is your primary detox organ. When it’s overwhelmed (by sugar, alcohol, processed foods, or environmental toxins) you might see breakouts, dullness, rashes, or premature aging. Beauty creams won’t fix what a clean diet can.

Posture reflects fascia, the connective tissue influenced by inflammation, hydration, and movement. A slouched posture often indicates stress, sedentary habits, or chronic pain.

Fat distribution is hormonal. Belly fat: Think insulin and cortisol. Thigh and hip fat: Think estrogen. Every bite of food either balances your hormones or throws them into chaos.

Jaw structure and airway health are shaped by nutrition from infancy. A diet low in nutrients and high in soft processed foods can narrow the airway, weaken the jaw, and affect sleep, oxygenation, and even facial development.

Fluid retention signals lymphatic congestion. Your lymph system depends on hydration, movement, and anti-inflammatory foods. Puffy eyes and bloating are red flags.

The tongue mirrors the gut. A coated tongue may indicate dysbiosis, an imbalance in your microbiome. Your gut health shows up in your breath, your digestion, your cravings, and your skin.

Muscle tone is a proxy for mitochondrial health and longevity. Sarcopenia (muscle loss) is one of the earliest signs of biological aging. The more muscle you maintain, the younger your cells behave.

Every cell in your body is built from the food you eat.
Your blood, your skin, your brain, your hormones, it’s all constructed from nutrients you either give your body... or don’t.

Appearance matters: not as a measure of beauty, but as a reflection of biology. Your body is always speaking.

Start listening.