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 […]
Read MoreAccessible 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 […]
Read MoreStroke 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, […]
Read MoreSupporting 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 […]
Read MoreA Brief Guide to OT Interprofessional Practice
Interprofessional Education (IPE) and Interprofessional Practice (IPP) are beneficial for healthcare consumers and healthcare providers. Al Roker from The Today Show publicly stated how his Autistic son, Nick, improved after receiving occupational and speech therapy services. Research shows that Autistic children benefit from a combination of both therapies. A collaborative approach to treatment creates better […]
Read MoreIssues with Connective Tissues: EDS for OTs
EDS mainly affects the connective tissue holding the joints together – The connective tissue is looser for people with EDS. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a rare disease occurring in approximately 1 in 5,000 people. EDS can result from a gene mutation that can be inherited, or it can occur without a family history. There are […]
Read MoreKeeping Older Adults Safe from Falls
America is aging. Falls are the leading cause of death and injury among older adults in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one out of four adults 65 and older will fall annually in the U.S. The CDC encourages healthcare providers (HCPs) to utilize the Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, & […]
Read MoreOccupational Therapy and Home Health Care
For occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) who are looking for flexibility, autonomy, and an occupation-based practice, home health care may be an option worth investigating. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS, 2022), “OT is an integral component of rehabilitative services in physical, cognitive, and psychosocial impairment. OT is based on purposeful, goal-directed […]
Read MoreBodily Injury Liability Insurance for Rehabilitation Professionals
Having bodily injury liability insurance is essential for athletic trainers to protect themselves and their families. Bodily injury liability is a type of insurance coverage. It provides financial protection to the policyholder if they are found legally responsible for causing bodily injury or death to another person.   What does bodily injury liability insurance do?  For […]
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