Massage for Anxiety and Depression
Those who suffer from depression should not expect massage to magically lift away their condition. Is massage good for anxiety and depression? Compared to many Eastern cultures, massage therapy is relatively new in the United States. For example, in China massage has been heavily utilized for over 3,000 years. Practitioners manipulate muscles and soft tissues […]
Read MoreThe Role of OTs in Pain Assessment
Occupational therapists are crucial in pain assessment and understanding its impact on everyday activities. Occupational therapists (OTs) assess patients’ pain levels and determine the effect on functional performance. Pain can affect all areas of occupation, including self-care, work, leisure, and educational activities. To comprehensively evaluate pain, occupational therapists utilize a combination of standardized pain assessment […]
Read MoreSchool-Based Mental Health Interventions for OTPs
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 […]
Read MoreAnxiety 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 […]
Read MoreWhen 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 […]
Read MoreThe 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. Â Learn more about popular massage modalities […]
Read MoreWhat 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 More