Trigger points can happen almost anywhere in the body. Any small area of tension within a muscle can be a trigger point.What are trigger points? Trigger points are areas of the fascia or muscle that are often stiff and tight. The feeling is often described as a “knot” in the muscle. These areas tend to be a focal point of pain for patients. There at two types of trigger points noted in literature: active or latent. Active trigger points will have pain … [Read more...]
Occupational Therapy
May is Stroke Awareness Month
A time to raise awareness about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of stroke.According to the American Stroke Organization, stroke is a top 5 leading cause of death worldwide and a leading cause of disability. In this blog, we will discuss what stroke is, its causes, risk factors, symptoms, and treatments, as well as how you can prevent stroke. What is a stroke? A stroke occurs when there is a disruption of blood flow to the brain. This can be caused … [Read more...]
Losing Sleep Because of Work Can Make You Sick
Losing sleep because of work can severely impact your health and well-being. Losing sleep because of work? If either your work schedule or work-related your stress is causing sleep deprivation, it can wreak havoc on health. According to the CDC, an estimated 40.6 million Americans sleep six hours or less a day, and the most affected are night shift workers. Sleeping less than seven to eight hours per day can cause serious physical illness with cardiovascular problems being … [Read more...]
Lack of Sleep Symptoms in Healthcare Workers Leads to Safety Dangers
Studies show that healthcare workers commonly suffer from lack of sleep symptoms, and continued sleep deprivation puts both the workers’ and their patients at risk. Are you suffering from lack of sleep - symptoms such as being tired, cranky, and foggy-brained? If so, you’re not alone. The National Sleep Foundation says close to 22 million Americans experience sleep deprivation, and that figure is reportedly increasing each year due to the occupations that require … [Read more...]
8 Strategies for Managing Stress in the Workplace
Feeling overwhelmed, nervous, or hopeless? Have low energy, headaches, stomach problems, muscle tension, or insomnia? If this is you, read on for the top strategies for managing stress in the workplace. April is Stress Awareness Month. But if you’re like me, you probably don’t need a reminder to be “aware” of stress. Perhaps it’s something you experience quite often – dare I say, even on a daily basis. Statistics show that 77% of Americans regularly experience physical … [Read more...]
Mental Health Prevention: Decreasing Stress in Healthcare
Mental health prevention in healthcare professionals starts with three important stress management techniques. Healthcare professionals are society’s healers, and are vital to a thriving community. But sadly, while healthcare professionals promote physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing in their patients, their own health and wellness often goes neglected. The truth is that working in the healthcare industry is one of the most stressful occupations due to the typical job … [Read more...]
National Rehabilitation Awareness Week: Fun Facts about Therapy
National Rehabilitation Awareness Week occurs each September to honor therapists and therapy assistants. During the month of September and especially National Rehabilitation Awareness Week, we celebrate the rehabilitation professionals who all work together to make a difference in the lives of others. Therapists truly are some of the most highly caring and sensitive individuals who genuinely enjoy helping people. So, we want to say, “A BIG Thank You!” for the compassion, … [Read more...]
Mirror Therapy for Stroke Hemiplegia and Phantom Limb Pain
Mirror therapy for stroke rehab helps improve hand and arm movement. Mirror therapy for stroke rehab is utilized to trick the brain that the affected arm is moving like the unaffected arm by using a reflective illusion. It is a form of motor imagery technique. A visual stimulus of an unaffected area (mainly the arm or hand) is provided to the brain in order to stimulate movement to the affected area.Mirror therapy can be used in the treatment of hemiplegia or phantom limb … [Read more...]