Speaker: Andrew Mason, PT, DPT
Tell us about yourself
Andrew Mason: Hello, my name is Andrew Mason. Everyone calls me Andrew. I currently live very close to Richmond, Virginia. But I grew up in a small town called Evington (VA) which is close to Lynchburg. I've been a physical therapist for nine years and my area of focus is helping individuals who are impacted by neurological impairments. Prior to becoming a physical therapist, I was a medic in the army and spent two years deployed. Fun fact about me, my lovely wife of 15 years is a flight attendant, and I met her coming back from my first deployment.
Why did you choose to focus on neurological rehab?
Andrew Mason: The reason I chose to focus on neurologic therapy is [because] growing up, I had a wonderful friend who was impacted by a significant stroke, and he didn't quite get the attention he should have. As a result, I chose to enter into a field that would allow me to help bring function back to others in need like him. Another reason is that I've always been amazed at what a complex puzzle the brain is. Why do we do the things we do? Why is the [brain] wired in such a way? It's been one of my life's pursuits to understand the brain and its functions as much as I can so I am able to assist others get the best quality of life they can.
Describe your style. What should patients expect when working with you?
Andrew Mason: I always tell others, my approach to therapy is very organic. I let experience, tests, evidence, and clinical reasoning guide me [and my therapy]. But, [I also know] every client is different. It's problem solving the little nuanced things that ultimately make therapy important and [goals] obtainable to each individual. So that's what I try to bring to the table. A collaborative, safe, problem solving environment bent on making recovery important in order to bring real change.
What makes Imago, and its approach to rehab, different?
Andrew Mason: The approach to therapy with Imago is unique, because [our] primary focus is on [laying] the foundation for eliciting change in your brain [while working] within your home. We refer to this change as neuroplasticity: the brain and a person's ability to change [it]. You CAN teach a dog new tricks. This should be leveraged everywhere you can get therapy. What we do at Imago is to bring this into your home, which, above all makes recovery repetitious enough to bring change and important [enough to drive] transferable skills [from therapy] into your everyday life.
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