Occupational Therapy and Brain Injury

Looking for a career in Occupational Therapy for Brain Injury? The field is opening and expected to be more lucrative in the future. OTC helps patients to relearn physical elements lost after suffering a life threatening Brain Injury. Without this therapy it would be difficult if not impossible for patients in this category to regain any physical independence. During occupational therapy a home visit is deemed necessary. The safety of the patient is considered and the ability of the at home facilities to accommodate the patient. Physical supports may be needed by the patient; this must be decided upon by doctors.

Patients who have experienced Brain Injury may have a number of problems, memory, movement, speech and remembering how to move the body. Occupational Therapy helps to bring a person back to their normal capacity as much as the damage to the brain will allow. The amount of damage to the brain decides how much functionality a patient will be able to achieve. The Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Help Live Chat with Ms Patricia Gentile displays an article on the web that gives a very clear idea of what the physical therapy of a Brain injury patient may be like.

Occupational Therapist and Occupational Therapy Assistant studies at the schools that teach other medical professionals, they are required to pass a national examination. Therapist assistants must acquire an associate degree and practitioners must hold a masters or a doctorate degree. Biology, Physiology and Anatomy courses are generally required. Even after formal training it is wise to take seminars to keep abreast of the latest progressions in the OTA field. The average salary of an Occupational Physical Therapist is around $72,000 annually.

It is possible to study Occupational Therapy online. There are many outlets for education in the market today. The need for people in Occupational Therapy is expected to increase with the onset of the baby boomer population growing older. Many junior Colleges carry associate degrees in the Health Care Field. Study can be enhanced further at a 4 year institution.

A great deal of compassion is needed for the OTA field. The job requires dealing with patients who may be able to remember nothing. They may have bitter frustrations and added to this is the confusion of a spouse or family member that does not know how to help. Much is involved with becoming an Occupational Therapist for Brain Injury patients.

Physical Therapy Salary

The average salary a physical therapy professional practicing in the United States can expect to receive, according to a recent survey by Salary.com, is $69,946. This generous basic compensation along with attractive benefits contributes to the increasing popularity of this profession among people today, aside from the fact that the current lifestyle and population trends warrant an increase in physical therapy services.

The average salary for an entry-level physical therapist position was found to be $54,632, according to PayScale.com. This is quite a respectable amount given the level of education needed before you can practice. Other factors can affect this annual amount though, like where you practice, the facility you are employed by, your level of experience, as well as the credentials you bring to the establishment. So overall, there is quite a bit of room to grow in.

The increased demand for physical therapy services may have given rise to the better compensation packages on offer, which can keep getting better. In addition to better compensation, steps were also taken to fill these positions by opening them up to foreign-trained physical therapists. This means there are truly numerous opportunities out there that are not being locally met yet and are open to those who are interested.

Along with the enticing basic salary, employers put together an attractive benefits package, which can include dental, medical, optical, disability and life insurance; paid vacations; 401(k); stock purchase plan for employees; etc. Physical therapists trained abroad can receive coverage or assistance in airfare costs, board and lodgings, work visas, immigration and moving costs, etc.

Given these enticements, it is still important for you to discern where you will finally choose to practice as different states compensate differently. For instance, while New York and Houston offers the highest average salary by city, California offers the highest salary per state (PayScale research). Also consider the costs of living per area - these three locations are known to have high costs of living so most of your high pay here will still go towards living expenses in the end.

In addition, various types of employers compensate differently. For example, self-employed therapists' average salary come out to be $46 per hour while therapists employed by universities only get $30 per hour. Other facilities, like government and non-profit organizations, private clinics, and hospitals compensate between $30-$40 per hour.

Consider, too, the level of qualification and amount of work experience you bring to your prospective employer. Therapists who have trained longer and get their certificates of specialties will definitely get paid more than those with just a basic level of physical therapy training and education. Also, therapists who have logged in more work experience over the years and have seen and treated more types of patients will definitely be compensated better for the expertise that they bring to their employer's facility.

For instance, a therapist who specialized in Wound Care with 1-4 years of experience is paid around $36.61 per hour while an entry level therapist with less than a year's experience is paid $26.81 per hour. Therefore, you should consider this factor for determining wages carefully during the early stages of your career so you can prepare accordingly and decide on a specialty, if that is what you want to do.

Now, armed with the basic information regarding physical therapy salary, it is up to you to plot out your career chart and take these factors into consideration so you can achieve your career goals.

The Benefits of Aroma Massage Therapy

Aroma therapy massage or aromatherapy, is very similar to Swedish massage in that they use the same techniques. The difference lies in the cream or oil that is used. Typically, Swedish massage is performed with unscented oils to avoid any allergic reactions, where aromatherapy uses specific essential oils based on the needs of the client.

There are hundreds of different essential oils and each one of them has different properties. This is why it is important for the aromatherapist to do a full health intake of the client. While most essential oils are beneficial, some can be harmful depending on your condition. The aromatherapist should be trained to know what oils will work best for you. Based on the questions asked during the intake period, the aromatherapist will choose a few oils blended together to use within the treatment.

Aromatherapy has huge benefits depending on your condition. There are oils that can help relieve constipation, help you sleep, relieve cold and flu symptoms, as well as reduce aches and pains. The most common essential oils used are: lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, ylang-ylang, and chamomile.

Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils used to decrease stress and anxiety and help those suffering from insomnia.

Lemon is of the citrus family and has great uplifting qualities. It can also help with digestive and circulation issues as well as alleviate headaches and fever.

Eucalyptus can be used to help with respiratory issues and clearing congestion from the lungs. Because if its cooling properties it is great for muscle aches and pains.

Ylang-Ylang is used to soothe headaches, nausea, and intestinal discomfort. If this oil is used in excess is can lead to headaches.

Chamomile is another calming essential oil and can be used to decrease muscle inflammation as well as inflammation the digestive or urinary tract. It is also a mood lifter.

Although aromatherapy can have great benefits, it can also be harmful to those that are inexperienced and if oils are used inappropriately. Certain essential oils are contraindicated for many conditions, pregnancy being one, and the use of these oils can cause complications. When booking your appointment, always make sure the therapist you are seeing is fully licensed in their field. Also, it is not recommended to use these oils without full knowledge of their properties, benefits and contraindications.

Aromatherapy is a wonderful modality if it is used correctly can have many benefits. For more information contact your local registered aromatherapist.

How Alternative Therapy Can Help Reduce Stress

Stress is an undeniable facet of life which exhibits various harmful effects on the human body. When our body is under stress, it starts releasing stress hormones that increase heart beat, respiratory rate and provide a burst of energy. Stress can exhibit worst effects on the human health and may cause headaches, stiffness, neck pain, shoulder pain, upset stomach, back pain and insomnia. Stress can also lower the immunity of the body and reduce the ability to fight off certain health concerns. Furthermore, it makes your body depressed, tense, and irritable that ultimately affects on your daily activities and lowers your efficiency.

Alternative therapy is a natural healing approach to get rid of this worst health concern. It includes a number of treatment techniques that work best for treating the whole body systems. In this article, I will describe how alternative therapy helps treat stress and how alternative treatment techniques heal.

Alternative Therapy - The Whole-Body Systems Approach

Alternative therapy is a natural and holistic approach that encompasses a number of hands-on techniques that activates the internal healing system of the body. It includes various holistic approaches like physical therapy, massage therapy and various integrative manual therapies that are performed by a professional and trained physical therapist or massage practitioner to correct the health conditions that are created due to stress. A physical or massage therapist provides a gentle body touch with his skilled hands that activates the natural healing system of the body and provides a sense of well-being.

Massage Therapy - Relaxing the Mind, Body & Spirit

Massage therapy is a holistic and natural way to treat stress related conditions of the body such as high blood pressure, back pain, stomach disorders and emotional disturbances. It effectively relaxes your mind, body and spirit and promotes a feeling of calm, peace and comfort.

Integrative Hands-On Techniques - Promotes Emotional Calmness

Since alternative therapy includes various integrative hands-on techniques that effectively induce relaxation responses i.e. promote muscle relaxation, lower blood pressure, normalize respiratory rate and ultimately promote emotional calmness, reduce stress responses and maintain overall wellness.

Alternative Therapy - Helps Relieve Stress

Physical therapy is a type of alternative therapy that offers strengthening, stretching and stress relief exercises to promote mental and physical wellness of a person. A physical therapist gently provides breathing and relaxing techniques that induces mental relaxation. Gentle and effective body movements stimulate the receptors in the nervous system to decrease the production of stress hormones which ultimately relax muscles, improve flexibility and normalize the breathing pattern of the body.

In a nutshell, alternative therapy is really effective for both mind and body and proven to be highly effective for alleviating stress and other stress related conditions. Indeed, it is a profound and natural approach to provoke a gentle feeling of calm, relaxes your mind and promotes mental and physical health. It is a natural way to cope with the worst effects of stress and provides you a stress-free life.

How to Become a Massage Therapist

Do you desire to help others? Does the thought of placing hands on another with the intent of facilitating healing and stress relief appeal to you? Are flexible hours, rewarding compensation, and a positive job outlook top priorities for your career choice? If you are like so many that answered yes to the above three answers, a career in massage therapy may be for you.

Over the last ten years, the need for skilled massage therapists as well as the interest in becoming a massage therapist has increased. Whereas, before massage was mostly a second career choice or side gig for stay at home moms or "peace loving hippies" now massage therapy careers appeal to the masses. Because massage therapy is a perfect blend of art and science it seems that individuals from such diverse life experiences are drawn to it.

So if you are interested, what do you need to do? There are three basic steps to becoming a professional massage therapist. I assume you will do your research about the industry (Continue reading articles like this and visiting websites) as well as,speaking with successful massage therapist. In other words make sure you have decided this is something you want to do before you get started. Agreed?

Now that you are ready let's begin:

1. Attend massage therapy school - Every state has specific requirements for the number of massage education hours you must complete. The hours range from 200- 1000. Keep in mind more isn't necessarily better and less isn't necessarily best. Do your research. Look for schools that are accredited by COMTA (Commission on Massage Therapy Schools) and ACCSCC (Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges). Schools with these distinguished credentials have established themselves as leaders in massage therapy education. They have agreed to be held to a higher standard of accountability and professionalism. COMTA and/or ACCSCC accreditation doesn't guarantee that the school you are looking into is a great school but it's a good start. Ask questions. Speak with the faculty and staff and most importantly speak with current students and past graduates.


2. Become Nationally Certified - Thirty-five out of fifty states, as well as the District of Columbia, use the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork Exam as a part of the State licensure process. The cost of the exam is $225. Once certified, you will need to participate in approved continuing education courses in order to maintain your credentials.


3. Get your license - Most states require massage therapist to obtain a state massage therapy license that is issued by a specific board (usually a massage therapy or nursing board). For those states that have yet to implement that requirement you will most likely need a standard business license, especially if you are self-employed. The best way to learn about the specifics of getting your local license will be to inquire of your massage therapy school. As the rules continue to evolve, massage therapy schools are usually the first to learn of the changes.

So, that's it. To become a massage therapist you must attend a state approved massage therapy school, become nationally certified (in most states), and get your local state, city, or county license. Once you have completed these three task you are well on your way to being able to pursue those dreams you originally had of having a rewarding career that would allow you to help others through touch.

A Look at Massage Therapy Jobs

Today massage therapists are quite new to many health professionals. They are registered, licensed, and certified, and today there are many massage therapy jobs out there. In fact, billions of dollars are spent in America alone on massage therapy. This is an incredible opportunity. However, there are many people who don't take time to investigate the profession which is why many massage therapists end up quitting their job within just one year. Quite a few people have the idea that this is just physical work, but there is a lot of mental work involved as well. So someone who wants to get a job in massage therapy should take time to research the opportunities and the various types of massage out there.

Essentially massage therapy is about taking the body's soft tissues, and manipulating it in order to get effects that are therapeutic. It provides the easing of tension for the joints and muscles as well as stress reduction. Massage also helps to provide better circulation, it provides lymphatic stimulation, and also helps to calm down the nerves.

Of course to get massage therapy jobs, people have to take the board exams and then become licensed. This can be a license from the city, county, or the state, depending on the area. They also need to become registered with a professional association. Only then are they able to get jobs in massage therapy.

There are a variety of different massage therapy jobs out there today. Of course there are massage parlors and clinics that offer jobs to those certified in massage therapy, but there are a variety of other jobs that are out there too. Often massage therapists can get jobs in spas, at fitness clubs, with sports teams, or even on cruse ships and at resorts.  There is also the opportunity to go with a private practice. Many massage therapists work for themselves, starting up their own business. If they are good and know how to effectively run a business, within a year a quality practice can be built up and it can be quite lucrative.

Earnings at massage therapy jobs can vary, but they are very good. The earnings can be anywhere from about $30-60 for an hour. This all is dependent upon the location that they are in. You do need to remember that you won't be able to work long hours at this job. There really isn't a ladder to climb when you get involved in this career, which is something many people don't realize. The only way to improve is to learn new techniques that are advanced and then to charge higher rates.

People who want to start earning money with a good career will find that massage therapy is a pretty good choice. There are quite a few massage therapy jobs out there and the earnings are fairly good as well. Just ensure that you take a good look at this career and the job options before you make up your mind that this is the right option for your needs.

Find Out How 3 Minutes in a - 180簞F Chamber Can Ease Your Pains

Can you imagine that a 3 minute ice shock can help you with your pain management? Sounds unbelievable, but it is true!

Maybe you haven't heard about cryotherapy (cold therapy), but I am sure you have practiced it already many times! The term cryotherapy comes from the Greek: cryo means cold and therapy stands for cure. It is referred to the application of cold temperatures to the injured area of the body to remove heat and decrease inflammation. Most known form is the use of ice packs, either filled with ice cubes or gels that are stored in the freezer.

Another most common form of cryotherapy is cryosurgery; mostly applied by dermatologists. With the help of liquid nitrogen the skin tissues are frozen and surgically removed. This procedure is regarded to be very effective, especially to treat skin conditions like warts, moles, skin tags and solar keratosis.

Cryogenic Chamber Therapy

New to the U.S., but widely used in Europe for many decades, is the Cryogenic Chamber Therapy (also known as whole body cryotherapy). The treatment takes place in a cold chamber, where the temperature has been cooled with liquid nitrogen to -180簞F or lower. The patient enters the chamber in a bathing suit and only his/her feet, hands, mouth, nose and ears are covered to protect from frostbites. The total duration of this treatment is no longer than three minutes. Within seconds, the ice shock drops the average skin temperature to as low as 45簞F, while leaving the core body temperature unchanged. This major difference between skin and body temperature triggers the release of endorphins, which in turn have an immediate pain relieving effect. This pain-free feeling lasts only for a couple of hours, but when the therapy is applied more often, has a long-lasting effect.

Cryogenic Chamber Therapy + Physical Therapy

Many European wellness centers offer a combination of cryotherapy and physical therapy. As mentioned, the pain-free condition only lasts for a short period of time. Therefore, to use this valuable state free of any pain, the patient receives subsequently customized physiotherapeutic exercises with movements he or she would otherwise not be able to perform due to prevailing agony. These targeted exercises lead to an even longer-lasting relief. When applied regularly, your pain can be gone for months.

Natural Alternative for Pain Management

Medical studies have confirmed that cryogenic chamber therapy has beneficial effects on a variety of health problems. Therefore, it is widely used throughout Europe for medical wellness purposes in clinics, private practices as well as health and wellness resorts. The cryogenic chamber is a great, natural alternative to treat pain associated with rheumatism, arthrosis, arthritis, spinal degeneration, and chronic inflammation of joints or tendons. It has also therapeutic effects on physical stress, insomnia and even skin problems, such as neurodermatitis or psoriasis. The therapy is likewise widely used in sports medicine to treat injuries and for faster recovery after surgeries. To obtain long-lasting effects, one should consider at least 20 chamber visits. You may be surprised, but only minor side effects, such as skin irritation or blisters have been noticed. Besides that, this treatment is considered to be completely safe - and 100% medication free!