Frequently Asked Questions

In DNS we study in great detail the anticipated movements and patterns of stability and locomotion at landmarks in childhood development. Healthy babies develop these patterns in a predictable and consistent fashion corresponding to the month of development.

Example: about 4.5 months of age, a healthy baby lying on his/her back can reach across the midline with one upper extremity, while the other upper extremity begins to support the baby so he/she can turn towards that (supported) side. Those movements begin as reflexive movements (based on the genetic code), in the same (predictable) way and at the same stage of development for all healthy babies. And thus, a baby isn’t taught to turn but, rather, “learns” how to turn automatically.

Yes. At FITT RVA we have treated patients from newborns to men and women in their eighties and nineties. All you need is a nervous system and a willingness to make an effort.

FE is a series of tests that challenge different aspects of the locomotor system. It involves simple movements (ex. “Lift your knee”, put your chin on your chest”, etc.) that illustrate how your body moves, and how it controls the movement. By comparing that with the “ideal” movement pattern (which is derived from a normal developing baby), we can isolate the “key link” in the “movement chain that is a dysfunction”. This forms the basis for correcting the problem so that the pattern can be changed (in the brain) with therapy and /or exercise.

Yes. Many of our patients have had surgery but continue to have a problem after the surgery, either at the site of the surgery or some other place else in the body. Our therapy is intended to correct the dysfunction where it exists and then integrate that correction into the rest of the locomotor system. That way, the underlying weakness that caused the problem, is the first place, can be addressed.

Yes. At Capitol Rehab, we employ many different techniques and procedures, all under the “umbrella” of the DNS approach. Some techniques are appropriate for pregnant women and some may need to altered for the patient’s comfort. Dr. Mayer has treated many pregnant women over the past thirty plus years, many which were referred by their obstetrician. If Dr. Mayer thinks therapy is contraindicated in a particular case, he will tell you so and make recommendations accordingly.

DNS is an approach to physical therapy and training. The range of problems that can be helped with this approach is broad. From chronic pain syndromes, such as back problems to frank neurological problems such as Cerebral Palsy and from sports injuries to brain injuries (stroke, traumatic brain injury). Rehabilitation of all of these types of problems requires improving stabilization and mobility with a comprehensive approach the DNS provides.

We ask all our patients to please wear workout clothes for their therapy and training sessions. Females please wear a sports bra, or a camisole top and as for men and women wear yoga pants, or shorts. If you are coming in for the first time, please bring a picture ID and your insurance card. If you have any diagnostic imaging (X-Rays, MRI’s, CT, etc.) pertaining to why you are coming in, please bring them with you or tell us where and when you had them performed.

Each patient has different insurance plans and policies. As a courtesy to patients, we check their insurance benefits beforehand and letting them know where they have a deductible, copay, and how many visits are covered. If you do not have insurance we have a Pay at time of service plan we can sign you up with. Although we call insurance companies to check benefits, it is not a guarantee of payment, as we suggest that our patients also check with their insurance carrier.