Physical Therapy Practice Comes to SML

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE – Mariners Landing announced today it has partnered with Full Distance, a physical therapy and fitness practice with 20 years of experience, to increase wellness services to its property owners and club members.

Full Distance owner Dr. Alina Dawson said she’s beyond excited to expand her Loudon County-based business to Smith Mountain Lake. 

“I’ve been coming to the lake with my family for years and love the beauty of the mountains and the water,” she said. “It has been my dream to expand my practice here and I can hardly wait to share my vision at Mariners Landing.”

Dawson is a doctor of physical therapy, a geriatric clinical specialist, registered yoga teacher and licensed Zumba instructor. Her team includes six additional members with expertise in personal training, reflexology, occupational therapy, massage therapy, and fitness and dance instruction.

“I’m passionate about fitness, overall health and am committed to helping others age gracefully and safely,” said Dawson, whose team operates out of the 15,000-square-foot Mariners Landing Wellness Center, which includes a gym, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness studio space for exercise classes and locker rooms.

Dawson explained that Full Distance incorporates all dimensions of wellness including, physical, occupational, social, intellectual, spiritual and emotional. The staff is now offering physical and occupational therapy to seniors who live year-round in the community. 

“In the short time Full Distance has been here, our team has impacted and inspired many,” she said. “We are building a Full Distance family in the Mariners Landing community.” 

Full Distance offers a full slate of fitness classes focusing on cardio, strength, stretching, balance and mindfulness. There’s also a walking club that meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:30 p.m., weather permitting, and plans are in the works to offer educational programs, wellness workshops, discussion groups, meet-and-mingle social sessions and wellness retreats.

In 2022, Dawson also plans to launch a Grateful Aging Program (GAP), which she said is designed to encourage healthy, mindful and meaningful aging for adults in all stages of life.

For more information, visit fulldistance.com or call 540-328-1983.