What Types of Patient Handouts Are Useful For Physical Therapy?

The most useful type of handouts used in physical therapy are the Home Exercise Program (HEP) handouts. These physical therapy handouts contain exercises or activities that are an extension of the treatment plan.

The content of PT handouts should be well-organized, to the point and simple. For example, HEP handouts should be clear about the number of repetitions, the kind of weights to be used, and the correct postures for performing the exercises.

Physical therapy handouts should contain diagrams to supplement the written instructions about exercises. Make your physical therapy handouts legible even to those who have a vision deficit problem by keeping a high amount of contrast between the foreground and the background.

Each paragraph in the handout should be centered around a single idea. Keep the font size to at least 12 points. Physical therapy handouts should be designed for the fifth grade reading level. Maintain a conversational and informal style of writing so that the patient feels that you are actually talking to him personally.

The exercises in PT handouts should be sorted out in such a way that the patient doesn't need to sit, then stand, then lie down and then stand again. All the exercises that involve sitting postures should be organized in one group, they could then be followed by the group of exercises in which the patient would have to be in standing position and so forth. The idea is for the patient not to have to change positions very often.

Try not to include extremely complex exercise routines in HEP handouts. Most patient get discouraged by complicated exercises. Try and include a small number of exercises. The chances are that the patient would stick to the program if he finds the exercise routine simple and light.

While giving PT handouts to patients make sure that you take the time to explain the instructions verbally. The patient should realize that the HEP is a part of his rehabilitation package so that the complete physical therapy process is a success.

Physical Therapy Assistant Job Description and Education Requirements

A physical therapy assistant plays a vital role in the smooth running of a physical therapist's practice. Such assistants perform numerous tasks and help the therapist in a variety of ways. In addition, they contribute greatly to the comfort of each patient.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in this field are expected to grow significantly until 2018.

Physical Therapy Assistant - An Overview

Job Description

A physical therapy assistant works under the direct supervision of a licensed physical therapist. As previously mentioned, he or she may be called upon to complete a vast array of duties. These may include teaching patients how to perform exercises, applying hot and cold packs to patients, and operating therapeutic equipment such as a TENS machine. They may also be asked to perform massage treatments, ultrasounds or a range of motion tests.

The assistant is almost always called upon to chart the progress of various patients, as well as confirm appointments or complete other clerical duties. Additionally, that must frequently multitask to cover a broad range of administrative and clinical duties.

Education Requirements

The amount of time required in order for one to become a physical therapy assistant is typically two years. The individual must graduate from high school and enroll in an associate program in physical therapy assistance at a university or college. In certain states, such training can be obtained at a technical or vocational school; however, the school must be accredited. The curriculum is usually divided equally between classroom lectures and clinical experience.

The number of mandatory clinical hours will vary depending upon the school in which one is enrolled in, as well as the area of the country in which he or she lives. However, the minimum national requirement of clinical experience is at least one semester. At most schools, two semesters are devoted to clinical experience.

After successful completion of a program, one must then take the national examination in order to become licensed and certified. When this has been accomplished, the graduate is then qualified to seek employment at the facility of his or her choice.

Additional Requirements

One should also be aware of the fact that there are a certain number of additional requirements necessary for those who wish to become physical therapy assistants. For example, a substantial amount of upper body strength is sometimes necessary when one is assisting a patient, as someone working in this profession may also be required to lift, kneel, or stand for a prolonged period of time during the course of an average workday.

One may also be required to work a non-traditional schedule that involves weekends, evenings, or very early mornings. This is because certain individuals must schedule their physical therapy sessions around their work schedule, and therefore must be accommodated during non-business hours. However, such details will vary considerably depending on the facility at which one is employed.

It is also important to understand that an assistant is not limited to working for a private practice, but may also decide to work in fitness centers, schools, nursing homes or rehabilitation facilities.

Regardless of the institution where one obtains employment, those who choose to become a physical therapy assistant can anticipate a long and rewarding career.

First Massage? What to Expect

What should I expect for my first appointment?
The therapist will arrive a few minutes prior to the appointment time to ensure proper set up. You will be asked to fill out a brief health history form. The therapist will then ask general questions to establish what areas you would like to be worked on or avoided, and discuss any skin conditions/health concerns that may need to be addressed. The therapist will leave the room allowing you time to undress to your level of comfort and lay on the table.

What is Swedish massage?
Swedish Massage is a very relaxing style of bodywork. It combines an array of strokes such as rolling, gliding, kneading, and percussion to help the body improve ease tension and improve circulation and blood flow.

What is Deep Tissue massage? Will it hurt?
Deep tissue aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of tissue in the body. It is a highly effective method for releasing chronic stress areas and "knots" due to misalignment, repetitive motions, and past lingering injuries. Contrary to popular belief, Deep Tissue does not necessarily mean you'll have to endure sharp elbows and painful manipulation. Rather, the licensed massage therapist will apply pressure and a variety of techniques to achieve the desired outcome, checking in with the client to ensure your total comfort.

What should I wear?
Undress to your level of comfort. For a full body massage, most people undress to their underwear. It is recommended for women to remove their bra to keep it out of contact with lotions, oils and creams. You will remain covered with a sheet and blanket at all times; only the area being worked on will be uncovered. *Thai massage is recommended for clients who would prefer to remain fully clothed.*

What do I do during the massage session?
It is your massage, and whatever feels natural to you is the best way to relax. Many people close their eyes and relax, while others talk; it is up to you. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time, especially if feeling light-headed of nauseous.

Will the lotion make me break out?
All lubricants (oils, lotions and creams) are hyopallergenic. If you are sensitive to certain types of oils, lotions or aromatherapy, please let the therapist know.

How often should I get a massage?
Treatment frequency varies by client. For those seeking relaxation, a 60-minute massage every 3 weeks is beneficial. For those with acute injuries, shorter, more frequent sessions are recommended, such as 30-minutes twice a week. To treat chronic conditions, initial 60-minute weekly sessions are suggested for 3-4 weeks, and then taper down to biweekly for maintenance.

Benefits of Trager Massage

Massage therapy throughout the centuries has been proven to yield good results and has provided beneficial effects on the physical, emotional, and mental condition of the patient. It also acts as a great way of soothing and calming down the body as well as the mind in order to improve our self-awareness, senses, and give us a healthier constitution. As a result, more and more people are becoming interested with the art of healing that is not only effective but also safe due to its all natural techniques.

Trager massage therapy, which is also known as Trager work, works in providing relief for the client's conditions by using movement techniques and mind manipulation. The therapist or practitioner conducts movement re-education techniques in an attempt to regain strength, flexibility and mobility on the affected parts of the body. The soft movements and gentle manipulation of the therapist on the neuromuscular system helps in releasing muscle stiffness, tension, fatigue, and stress. It also helps with the sending signals to the brain to help enhance the mood of the client which is essential in the principle of mind and body coordination. The therapy is also divided into two parts that are beneficial in each way to the client's progress and recovery.

Table Session is the part that acts as a passive session where the practitioner works in coordination with the patient (in the patient's comfort range) to achieve movement. This session acts as a way to determine the range of motion, restrictions, and the areas that needs treatment. The client benefits from it in terms of motion through the release of tension and movement restrictions.

The other part which is known as Mentastics uses active movement in the part of the client along with the self-care techniques taught by the therapist during the massage session in order for the patient to treat him to relieve pain, stress, and fatigue each time they attack.

Most patients express relief from all sorts of conditions right after the therapy session, however the result actually varies from person to person. Most of the outcomes after therapy sessions are beneficial to the patient. Among the benefits include the treatment of a wide range of conditions such as the relief from everyday aches and pain in the muscular system, headaches, migraines, the correction of poor posture, prevention of posture degeneration, and the treatment of sports related injuries and all types of injuries. Individuals with health problems such as Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and multiple sclerosis can also expect healing benefits from the treatment when done in regularly for optimum results. Emotional benefits are also included in the therapy such as the relief from emotional stress and fatigue, as well as the treatment of anxiety and depression.

Anyone can benefit from the wonderful treatment techniques of Trager work. Athletes, office workers, manual laborers, and other types of professions can all gain amazing results in their physical, mental and emotional health with just a single session of this therapy. However, for those who want to have the best results, I would highly suggest that they take regular sessions of the Trager massage therapy.

Massage Licensing and Certification - What You Need to Do to Become a Massage Therapist

Massage Licensing and Certification can be confusing to someone interested in becoming a massage therapist. You need to know the difference between massage licensing and national certification so you can practice professionally.

To become a massage therapist in most states you will need to obtain a professional massage license. This is usually through a state board of health, nursing, professions or some related category. Each state has different educational requirements for getting your license as a massage therapist. You will be required to take a specific exam and take a specific number of classes and hours in massage. There are still a few states that do not have any requirements but licensing may be in process so be sure to check thoroughly.

Massage Certification is usually what you get when you go to massage school. You will get a certificate of completion when you graduate from the program.

There is also something knows as National Certification which is very misleading. The National Certification Board for Massage and Bodywork offer an exam that is used in some states as their licensing exam. You will have to pay for the exam and also pay for the certification. Just because you take and pass this exam does not mean you can practice in any state that uses that exam or that requires massage licensing.

In other words you will still have to fulfill the requirements in each state (which may be different than even the requirements for taking the National Certification Exam.) Once you pay for the National Certification you will be required to take specific continuing education classes and pay a renewal fee to maintain the certificate.

So to become a professional licensed massage therapist you will need to check the requirements in your state and complete them. If you would like to move to another state you will have to check the requirements there and complete them.

5 Fascinating Facts About Sports Injuries, Sports Massages, and Hot Stone Therapy

Do you play sports? Whether it is a professional basketball game, college baseball game, or neighborhood pick-up game of football, sports are a key part of our everyday lives. We watch sports. We listen to sports. And when we have time, we play sports. Sports are not only fun to play, but they provide us with many benefits, and even some potential drawbacks:

1. Sports improve your overall health

Whether you enjoy football, soccer, tennis, hockey, basketball, badminton, or cheese-chasing, sports provide many health benefits. They can boost our endurance, make our muscles meatier, improve our lungs' and heart's operation, and increase our flexibility. Our bodies are amazingly adaptable things. However, even when we gradually increase our exercise regimen, our bodies will need some time to make adjustments.

2. Stress points can cause less flexibility

Stress points are located in muscles and tendons. After becoming pushed, the stress points cause pain, which could expand to a bigger region. They can result from overusing a certain muscle, a quick impact, or from heavy physical force. It is important to note that stress points are not actually bruises.

3. The Tearing-Down Phase of exercise can be a real pain

When we start playing sports or doing other types of rigorous exercising, our bodies undergo three phases: 1) Tearing-Down Phase, 2) Recovery Phase, and 3) Buildup Phase. The first phase can be a pain in the neck-literally! As our bodies start to adjust to exercising, we start to feel soreness and stiffness. You know that "morning after" feeling the day after you start an exercise routine. This could result from various factors, such as muscle spasms, minor muscle tissue damage, or waste product buildup. Thus, we should always GRADUALLY increase how much exercising we do.

4. Over-exercised muscles may over-tighten

When we exercise our muscles too much, such as through sports, they become tight and are unable to relax. This loss of suppleness causes our muscles to become sore, and makes us more vulnerable to injuries.

5. Sports massages can reduce the effects of the Tearing-Down Phase

Fortunately, sports massages, such as hot stone therapy, can help to reduce the negative effects of exercising Tearing-Down Phase. It is important for therapists to focus on the particular muscle groups that certain movements in various sports, influence. For instance, some sports focus on the upper body, others focus on the lower body, and still others focus on the whole body! Hot stone massages can deliver. The kits include stones of various sizes, which fit nicely onto the back, shoulders, fingers, etc. Furthermore, the stones' being heated provides soothing relief for aching muscles.

Another benefit of hot stone massages is that therapists can use a wide variety of massage types to treat the patient, ranging from Swedish massage to Shiatsu massage.

If you are starting to play sports or exercise, then muscle soreness and stiffness are simply part of the process. Fortunately, a sports massage and hot stone combination, can give you a sporting chance to recover quickly!

Physical Therapy Schooling - How to Become a Physical Therapist (The Smart Way)

Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who are trained to apply various rehabilitation and exercise techniques for the treatment of abnormalities or injuries that cause the limited body movements of patients. A physical therapist works hand in hand with patients to reduce the pain from the injuries as well as to increase the patient's mobility. In short, physiotherapists help patients to prevent further physical injuries by means of healthy living and regular fitness routines. If you are planning to become a good physical therapist, you first need to find a good physical therapy school to get excellent training and instruction.

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor's Degree Program

As a preparation for admission to a graduate degree program, you must first obtain a bachelor's degree in any course. There are no specific degree courses being required as long as the course contains relevant math and science courses. The essential subjects you will need to take in your bachelor's degree course are physics, anatomy, chemistry and biology. It will also be a huge advantage if you could spend some hours as a volunteer at the physiotherapy department of clinics or hospitals. Most PT schools offering physiotherapy graduate degree programs require student applicants to have some first-hand training in this field.

Step 2: Get a Graduate Degree

It is a general requirement for all physical therapists to finish one of the physical therapy doctoral or master's degree programs accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association or APTA. Master's degree programs typically last for 2 and half years, whereas it takes three years to complete a doctoral degree program.

Step 3: Complete a Residency Program

After completing a graduate school program in an accredited physical therapist school, you will need to attend a residency program to prepare for your profession. As mandated by APTA, residency programs should include approximately 1500 hours of physiotherapy practice in a formal setting in 9 to 36 months. In these programs, residents work with the guidance of licensed physiotherapists. Residents are allowed to evaluate and diagnose patients while at the same time training in a specialty.

Step 4: Take the Physical Therapy Licensure Exam

A physical therapist can only practice his or her profession after obtaining a license. The requirements for licensing depend on which state you intend to practice. But in general, states require that candidates have graduate degrees from any accredited PT schools. Aspiring physiotherapists in the United States are required to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination or NPTA, which is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

Step 5: Consider Taking a Specialization

As a physical therapist, you will have an option to become a specialist in the field of physiotherapy. You can do this by getting a certification from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties or ABPTS. The most common specialties are neurology, geriatrics, orthopedics, and sports. All physiotherapists who wish to proceed to specialization must be licensed physical therapists already. It is also required that they have at least 2,000 hours of practice in whichever specialty they choose.