Brilyn Daniels, Author at West Texas Rehab

Author: Brilyn Daniels

Why You Should Get a Running Gait Analysis

Posted on by Brilyn Daniels

Brock Barger, a physical therapist at West Texas Rehab, recently experienced firsthand how powerful a gait analysis can be.

When Brock decided to train for the Cowtown Half Marathon with his wife, he ran into a familiar problem. Every time he tried to run more than a mile, pain in his foot forced him to stop. Years earlier, he had fractured bones in that same area, and he didn’t want to risk reinjury. He tried correcting his form on his own but couldn’t eliminate the pain, so running kept getting pushed aside.

After working with RunDNA-certified therapists Morgan and Justin, Brock underwent a professional gait analysis. They made targeted adjustments to his running mechanics and evaluated the shoes he was using. The biggest breakthrough came from something surprisingly simple: switching to the right type of shoe.

He discovered he needed a more stable shoe with less cushioning. The extra cushion he had been using allowed his foot to collapse inward too much, increasing stress on the outer bones of his foot — exactly where his pain was occurring.

Once the correction was made, the results were immediate.

Today, Brock has been running consistently for three months, building up to nearly 20 miles per week — completely pain free.

His story highlights an important truth: many running injuries aren’t caused by weakness or lack of effort. They’re caused by mismatches between movement, mechanics, and equipment. A gait analysis identifies those mismatches before they become long-term problems.

Prevention is easier than recovery

One of the biggest benefits of gait analysis is injury prevention. Runners often seek help only after pain forces them to stop. By then, recovery can take weeks or months. A proactive analysis helps catch issues early, allowing you to adjust form, strengthen key muscles, and choose proper footwear before injuries develop.

This is especially important for runners who:

  • Are increasing mileage
  • Are training for races
  • Have a history of injury
  • Experience recurring aches and pains
  • Are returning to running after time off
  • Want to improve performance safely

Even experienced runners benefit. Efficient mechanics reduce wasted energy, improve endurance, and make running feel smoother and more sustainable.

Personalized, science-backed guidance

A gait analysis is not a generic checklist. It’s a personalized session with trained therapists who understand biomechanics and running-specific movement. The goal is not to change your running style dramatically — it’s to fine-tune what your body is already doing so it can perform at its best.

At West Texas Rehab, our RunDNA-certified therapists analyze your stride using evidence-based methods and provide actionable recommendations you can apply immediately. That may include technique adjustments, strengthening strategies, or footwear guidance tailored to your body.

Running should feel freeing, not frustrating. Whether your goal is to finish your first 5K, train for a half marathon, or simply run without pain, a gait analysis gives you a clear roadmap forward.

Because when you understand how you move, you can move better.

Creative Outlets and Healing: Finding Light Through Expression

Posted on by Brilyn Daniels

Grief can be an overwhelming, isolating experience. When we lose someone we love, it can feel like the world has gone quiet—like there’s nothing that can express what’s truly in our hearts.

But sometimes, creativity can step in where words fall short.

 

At West Texas Rehab, we recognize that healing doesn’t follow a set path. For many, finding a creative outlet becomes a powerful part of the journey through grief. Whether it’s painting, writing, gardening, music, or photography, creative expression can help people process emotions, reconnect with others, and rediscover a sense of peace.

1. Creative Expression Is Engaging
According to Positive Psychologist Martin Seligman, one of the five core elements of psychological well-being is engagement—becoming deeply involved in something that excites and challenges you. You know that feeling when you’re doing something you love, and time seems to fly by? That’s engagement.

For many people, creative activities provide this sense of flow and presence. It could be sketching, writing poetry, or even arranging flowers. When you’re creating, you’re not just distracted from grief—you’re actively involved in a process that brings some energy and meaning back into your life.

2. Creativity Helps Us Solve Problems
Grief often brings with it a sense of being stuck—trapped by sadness, anxiety, or uncertainty. Creative thinking can help break through those emotional walls.

When you engage in creative tasks, your brain starts making new connections. You begin to see possibilities and perspectives you hadn’t considered. It’s not about “fixing” your grief, but about coping, processing, and reimagining what life looks like now. Creativity can become a tool for transformation, even in the smallest ways.

3. Creativity Fosters Communication and Connection
Grief can make people feel like no one understands what they’re going through. But creative expression allows you to share your emotions in a different language. A photo, a song, a piece of writing—they can all say, “This is what I’m feeling.”

Even when creating is a solo act, it opens doors to community. Art classes, writing groups, or simply sharing your work with a friend can lead to moments of connection, understanding, and healing.

What If You Feel Stuck?

If you’re someone who used to love creating but now feel blocked or uninspired—you’re not alone. After loss, many people find that even their most beloved activities feel distant or hollow.

 

Here are some gentle suggestions for easing back into creative expression, adapted from grief expert Litsa Williams:

Let go of perfection. Just start somewhere, even if it’s messy.

Take care of yourself. Sometimes creativity returns after rest.

Switch things up. Try a totally new medium or form.

Seek out inspiration. Go to a museum, read a new book, or watch a documentary.

Always carry a notebook. Jot down ideas or images that catch your attention.

Change your setting. A new space can spark new ideas.

Be kind to yourself. The desire to create may return slowly—and that’s okay.

Healing Is Personal. Creativity Can Help.
Grief is a deeply personal experience. There’s no “right” way to move through it—but for many, creativity can be a lifeline. Whether you’re picking up an old hobby or trying something new, allowing yourself to explore and express might bring comfort when you need it most.

If you or someone you love is grieving, our bereavement team at West Texas Rehab is here to walk alongside you. Whether it’s through counseling, spiritual support, or just listening—we believe in healing that touches the heart. You do not have to be under the care of Hospice to receive our free bereavement services.

 

For more information about any of West Texas Rehab’s Hospice bereavement offerings, including individual counseling, support groups, and/or memorial services, please call us at 325-658-6524 (San Angelo) or 325-793-5450 (Abilene)

Empowering Communication for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Kids

Posted on by Brilyn Daniels

At West Texas Rehab Center, we understand that communication is a vital part of every child’s development. For children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (D/HH), Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) play a crucial role in fostering language, speech, and social skills. Our team of experienced SLPs is dedicated to providing specialized therapy tailored to meet the unique needs of each child, ensuring they reach their full communication potential.

Comprehensive Speech-Language Therapy for D/HH Children

Our SLPs are trained to support children with varying hearing abilities, whether they use hearing aids, cochlear implants, or communicate primarily through sign language. We are proud to have an SLP on staff who can provide therapy using sign language, offering a more inclusive approach for children who rely on signed communication.

Speech Development

  • Assist children in producing clear and understandable speech sounds, regardless of their hearing ability.
  • Use visual aids to support proper mouth, lip, and tongue positioning for improved speech production.

Language Development

  • Enhance vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure using spoken language, sign language, or augmentative communication.
  • Support comprehension of abstract language concepts such as idioms, reasoning, and conversation skills.

Auditory Training

  • Help children improve their ability to recognize and interpret sounds in their environment and in speech.
  • Strengthen listening skills, even in noisy settings, to better process spoken language.

Social Communication Skills

  • Teach children effective communication techniques, including turn-taking, conversation skills, and nonverbal cues like body language.
  • Guide children in navigating social interactions in school, peer groups, and other social settings.

Language Processing

  • Support children in understanding and responding to both verbal and nonverbal communication cues.
  • Enhance auditory comprehension and expressive language skills affected by hearing loss.

Cognitive-Communication Skills

  • Improve memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities that are essential for communication and learning.
  • Provide strategies to help children organize their thoughts and express themselves clearly.

Cochlear Implant and Hearing Aid Support

  • Offer guidance on maximizing the benefits of hearing technology for speech and language development.
  • Adjust therapy plans as hearing technology evolves to ensure continuous progress.

Reading and Writing Skills

  • Foster literacy development, including phonological awareness, reading comprehension, and writing proficiency.
  • Support academic success by integrating literacy into speech and language therapy.

Family Support and Education

We believe that family involvement is key to a child’s communication success. Our SLPs provide:

  • Parent and caregiver education on strategies to enhance communication at home, such as using visual cues and creating a language-rich environment.
  • Guidance on advocating for a child’s communication needs in school and community settings.
  • Resources tailored to each family’s preferred communication method and lifestyle.

Why Choose West Texas Rehab Center?

When selecting a Speech-Language Pathologist for your child, it is important to consider their experience, communication mode, and dedication. At WTRC, we pride ourselves on:

  • Experience: Our SLPs have over 30 years of combined experience working with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
  • Versatility: We offer therapy in various communication modalities, including spoken language, sign language, and total communication.
  • Compassion: Our therapists are patient, understanding, and passionate about fostering communication development in every child.

At West Texas Rehab Center, we are committed to supporting the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community with expert therapy services. Our dedicated SLPs are here to help your child grow, communicate, and thrive. If you are looking for a speech therapist for your child, we are ready to provide the specialized care they deserve.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact West Texas Rehab Center today. Let’s work together to empower your child’s communication journey!

To find out more information contact our Speech Therapy department in San Angelo or Abilene visit, https://westtexasrehab.org/services/pediatric/#speech-language-pathology