---
title: "Blog | Raquel Mejía Physical Therapy"
url: "https://raquelmejia.com/en/blog"
lang: "en"
alternate: "https://raquelmejia.com/es/blog/index.md"
---

# Blog

- [How Medellin's Altitude and Climate Affect Your Body](/en/blog/medellin-altitude-climate-body.md) — 2026-04-13 · Life in Medellín
  Medellin sits at 1,495m with mild 22°C weather year-round. What the altitude, climate, and UV mean for your body — and what to watch for.
- [Culture Shock Is Real — Here's What to Expect](/en/blog/culture-shock-veterans-abroad.md) — 2026-04-08 · Culture & Community
  Culture shock hits most expats hard, and veterans face a double adjustment. What research says about timelines, coping, and when to get help.
- [How Stress Turns Up the Volume on Pain](/en/blog/stress-pain-connection.md) — 2026-04-06 · Clinical Education
  Stress amplifies pain through real nervous system changes. Learn why veterans are especially affected and what PT can do about it.
- [What Follows You to Colombia: A Veteran's Compliance Guide](/en/blog/us-affairs-from-abroad.md) — 2026-03-25 · Immigration & Legal
  VA disability, Social Security, tax filing, and FBAR reporting for US veterans living in Colombia. What the law requires and what planning recommends.
- [How TBI Affects Your Balance — And What PT Can Do](/en/blog/tbi-balance-physical-therapy.md) — 2026-03-23 · Clinical Education
  Balance problems after TBI are real and treatable. Learn how vestibular rehab helps veterans recover stability and reduce dizziness.
- [Why Pain Persists After the Injury Heals](/en/blog/chronic-pain-science.md) — 2026-03-20 · Clinical Education
  Chronic pain involves real nervous system changes. Learn the science behind persistent pain and how PT helps veterans retrain their pain response.
- [FMP Myths vs. Reality: What the VA Actually Says](/en/blog/fmp-myths-vs-reality.md) — 2026-03-20 · FMP Program Info
  Six common FMP myths corrected with direct VA quotes. No provider network, no pre-authorization, no minimum disability rating.
- [Goal-Driven Chronic Pain Recovery](/en/blog/goal-driven-pain-recovery.md) — 2026-03-20 · Recovery Guides
  A meaningful goal like hiking the Cocora Valley transforms chronic pain rehab. How goal-driven PT builds self-efficacy and breaks the avoidance cycle.
- [Finding the Right Neighborhood in Medellín](/en/blog/medellin-neighborhoods-veterans.md) — 2026-03-20 · Life in Medellín
  Five Medellín neighborhoods compared for U.S. veterans: terrain, walkability, monthly costs, healthcare access, and honest advice on choosing where to live.