Providing mental health services in an academic setting can help support students.Providing mental health services in an academic setting can increase accessibility to services and support the occupation of learning. Based on information from the CDC, depression, anxiety, behavior problems, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are the most common mental health issues for school-aged children. Data from a 2019 survey found that of adolescents 12-17 … [Read more...]
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Anxiety and Dysphagia in Public Schools: Tips for OTs
Dysphagia in children is a medical condition that includes difficulties chewing and swallowing food and liquid safely.Beyond being "picky eaters," this group of children is at high risk for malnourishment, illness and choking. By the time many children with dysphagia enter the classroom, new challenges arise, including balancing physical health with academic progress and social-emotional well-being. Â Recommended course: Pediatric Feeding: Red Flags, … [Read more...]
When Physical Therapy and Integrated Care Meet
Physical Therapist should pursue the best possible integrated care relationships with their healthcare partners.Pursuing Integrated Care Relationships  As the healthcare industry transitions to value-based care, there’s no denying the positive changes and collaboration opportunities awaiting physical therapists. That doesn’t mean there won’t be difficulties, however, as entering into new integrated care relationships can feel overwhelming and wrought … [Read more...]
The Basics of Swedish Massage
When you hear the term Swedish massage, what comes to mind?Long flowing strokes? Relaxation? General massage techniques? Explore the foundations of this modality below, starting with the strokes and techniques used to achieve the relaxation response, as well as the effect these strokes have on the body.  Learn more about popular massage modalities in our online CE courses for massage therapists  Effleurage  The long flowing strokes associated with … [Read more...]
What Athletic Trainers Should Know About Opioids
Athletic trainers must be aware of the issue of opioid use.The incidence of opioid abuse in professional athletes is estimated to range from 4.4% to 4.7% for all sports. However, for athletes in the NFL, the rate of opioid abuse is much higher. An estimated 52% of all NFL players will use opioids during or after their career to manage pain associated with injury (Ekhtiari, 2020).   Athletic trainers play a primary role in the well-being of athletes. … [Read more...]
Accessible Play for the Pediatric Therapist
Accessible play is a meaningful activity for children of all ages.Accessible play provides the opportunity for self-directed enjoyment and allows children to acquire developmental skills such as problem-solving, socialization, motor skills, and sensory processing. Â Dr. Temple Grandin, autistic author, speaker, and university professor, credits her leisure activities as a significant factor in finding friends. Outside of her leisure activities, she was … [Read more...]
Stroke Survivors, Pain, and the OTP
Patients who have survived a stroke often experience pain that must be addressed to improve functional performance.The American Stoke Association says 84% of stroke survivors develop shoulder pain due to motor weakness and shoulder subluxation. Skilled professionals such as occupational therapy practitioners can address pain using treatment interventions such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, physical modalities, and patient/caregiver … [Read more...]
Supporting Aging in Place
Occupational therapy practitioners have unique training and knowledge to meet the needs of the aging population.The United States Census Bureau reports that Baby Boomers (which generally refers to people born between years 1946-1964) should reach at least 65 years of age by the year 2030. Not only is the number of older adults in the United States increasing at a rapid rate, but they are also living longer.   Recommended course: Supporting Aging in … [Read more...]
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