Occupational Therapy for Children: How Parents Can Help

Occupational therapists are tremendously helpful to many children with fine motor delays and other difficulties. But often, during school breaks and vacations, there is a break in OT for children that can be detrimental. It doesn’t have to be this way, and there are many activities parents can do at home to support the work being done in therapy. By viewing all the people working with the child as a team, parents can create an atmosphere of cooperation that will be extremely helpful to his or her progress.

Here are some things to try with your child at home:

• Plan some arts and crafts. Many of the fun craft activities used by occupational therapists can easily be replicated at home. Copying shapes, using scissors, and even just holding a writing utensil are all forms of therapy that just seem like entertainment to a child.
• Practice writing. This doesn’t have to be done with a pencil, either. Using finger paints or shaving cream to trace the letters can be fun and effective. Or tape a piece of paper to the wall and help your child form letters on it.
• Review the IEP. Make sure you fully understand your child’s plan, so you can know how best to augment the work the therapist is doing.
• Purchase professional equipment. This is not cheap, but it might be worth the investment. Occupational therapy catalogs allow you to order the same equipment the therapists use at school.
• Play with your child! Children learn best through play. Play games that do not necessarily have a winner, and reward effort with small prizes, like stickers or crayons. Pay attention to what motivates your child, provide choices appropriate to his development, and give plenty of positive reinforcement for good behavior.

Working with your child at home does not need to be a chore, and it shouldn’t be a high-pressure situation. By paying attention to your child’s preferences and needs, you can provide the necessary encouragement to help him succeed. Relax, have fun, and your child may never know that this special time is work, because it feels so much like play.

Medical Staffing Resource, Occupational Therapy

occupational therapy houston, OT for children, Stambush Staffing

May 13, 2011

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Your First Job in Physical Therapy: 10 Pieces of Advice

Physical therapy is a field which offers many varied opportunities. Choosing a career in PT is a wise step, and as students approach graduation, there is a growing excitement about what’s in store. Here, we offer 10 “been there-done that” tips for your first job in physical therapy.

1. Hospital Work is Great. We recommend that you work at a hospital that has a wide variety of patients (rehab, acute, outpatient) so that you can become well-rounded and learn which setting you like best.
2. Don’t stop learning when school ends. Continuing to take classes and polish your skills is crucial in staying up to date with your training. Find a job somewhere that supports continuing education and you’ll be ahead of the game.
3. Find a mentor. It’s important for new therapists to seek guidance from someone who already knows the ropes.
4. Listen to experience, but be open to adventure. Get advice from professors and people out in the field, but beware of cynicism. This is an exciting time in your life; be wary of possible pitfalls, but also keep your optimism.
5. Avoid contracts with strings attached. Some jobs will offer large signing benefits, but these will not necessarily be the employers who treat you well once you work there. Also be careful of signing onto anything for a lengthy period of time, as you don’t really know where you’ll fit until you get some experience under your belt.
6. Know what you want when you go for a job. Make a list of your geographic preferences, passions, and particular skill set, and look for jobs that fit with that list.  Do your research before you go to an interview, and ask plenty of questions once you’re there. Define your goals, and know where you want to be in 1, 3, 5, and even 10 years.
7. Choose your company wisely. Know what’s important to you, and find a company that fits your needs.
   1. High ethical standards
   2. Is there a student loan repayment program?
   3. Are you hourly or salary, and how many actual hours does salary entail?
   4. Will you have an experienced mentor? If so, meet him/her first.
   5. What productivity is expected of you?
   6. Is the company open to new ideas?
   7. Don’t consider traveling. We advise new grads not to travel because we believe it is more beneficial for them to have a mentor and a consistent environment, preferably a hospital.
   8. Set yourself up for success. Make sure your resume is up to date and well structured. Be organized and thorough when you interview. Know what you want, and you’ll be better able to communicate it to an interviewer.
   9. Be confident. You will absolutely find a job. Physical therapists are in high demand, and some companies will even hold a spot for a student until after graduation.

Physical therapy is a vibrant career choice with many exciting opportunities. As you graduate, you’re completing the first leg of a grand adventure. Take advice from those have gone before and make sure that you’ll be in the best position for yourself, your employer, your career, and your patients.

Houston Staffing Agency, Medical Staffing Resource, Physical Therapy

jobs in physical therapy, Stambush Staffing, your first job in physical therapy

May 6, 2011

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Shoes and Back Pain: Advice From a Physical Therapist

Back pain is something that affects four out of five people. It can be caused by many different factors, of course, and sometimes the cause is obvious, as in the case of an injury. Often, though, people overlook one of the primary causes of back pain: their shoes. Chronic lower back pain, in particular, warrants a thorough inspection of the patient’s shoes, feet, and gait.

Because the body is connected, the way you walk impacts your entire skeleton.  When you walk, your foot hits the ground with three to five times the force of your body weight, and affects the way your entire body moves. One of the worst problems for your back is pronation- the foot rolling inward too much. When a foot still rolls inward while pushing off, it can create pain in the foot, knee, or low back, or cause bunions.

This condition can happen to anyone, but athletes and people with flat feet are at higher risk. It can happen with one foot or both, and you can tell if it’s a problem for you if you have calluses on the inner side of your big toes, or if your big toes angle towards your middle toes. The soles of your shoes can provide evidence of pronation as well, if the inner part of the toe area is excessively worn. You might want to get your gait analyzed, to prevent problems from occurring.

If you find that you do have abnormal pronation, you should turn a suspicious eye towards your shoes. Shoes that are heavily cushioned or have soles that curve significantly at the arch can cause this problem. A knowledgeable shoe salesperson can help you find shoes with a straight-lasted sole, and you’ll be able to feel the difference when you walk.

You may be fortunate enough to find relief through something as simple as changing your shoes. If not, consider orthotics. These are plastic inserts worn inside the shoe that change the way your feet hit the ground. You’ll have to have these fitted by a podiatrist or physical therapist. They can be expensive, and insurance coverage varies; it pays to shop around. If your pronation is causing pain, though, they are well worth the investment of time and money.

Another word about shoes: wear high heels sparingly. They may look fantastic, but they can cause a host of bodily aches and pains. Especially if they are worn out, they can cause problems, so it is better to throw them away.

Flat footed people are not the only ones who suffer. Arches that are too high can cause decreased shock absorption, causing jolts to the skeletal system, so people with high arches may benefit from a change as well. Each foot requires an individualized approach, so if changing shoes doesn’t alleviate your pain, you should consult a professional.

Houston Staffing Agency, Physical Therapy

Houston physical therapy, Shoes and back pain, Stambush Staffing

April 29, 2011

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Stuttering Therapy for Children: Working with an SLP

Over 4 million people in the United States stutter, and it affects four times as many males as females. Whether he is a child or adult, a person affected by stuttering can be very frustrated by his inability to communicate. In addition, stuttering can lead to secondary voice disorders, compounding the problem. Thankfully, there is new hope due to emerging techniques in stuttering therapy for children.

If your child stutters, here are some things you should know:

• Diagnose stuttering as early as possible. If you have a child who stutters past the age of three, seek an evaluation by a speech language pathologist. Working with a certified speech therapist early on may get a jump start on controlling his or her stutter.
• There are two specially designed techniques used by therapists to overcome stuttering.
  • WMD (Sonorantic) technique: This technique, introduced by Watterson, McFarlen, and Diamond, uses nasal consonants (sonorants) like M and N and half vowels (liquids) like Y while implementing abdominal breath support and relaxation drills of the vocal cords. When we produce these sounds, there is decreased friction in the vocal cords, which is a good match for stutterers.
  • Minimal Movements Specialization Method (MMSM): Designed as a voice coaching technique for singers and actors, and then implemented as medical voice therapy, this technique has shown great success for actors with disfluency problems. This is a relatively new technique, introduced by Dr. Weiss, that helps patients change their speech patterns. The patient learns to control his vocal output with minimal movements of speech muscles, which can be a real breakthrough for stutterers. By decreasing the stuttering, it can help eliminate the secondary conditions as well.
  • You can work with your child at home. While your child is working with a speech therapist, support this work at home. Speak to your child in a relaxed way, do not ask too many questions, and don’t finish his sentences. Set aside some time each day to give him your undivided attention, for casual conversation, and be patient.
  • Don’t expect miracles. Whether you stutter, or have a child who stutters, be prepared for slow progress. The stutter may never disappear completely but will decrease as the speaker gains confidence and loses tension.

Therapists can be extremely helpful to people who are trying to overcome a stutter. Whether the stutterer is you, or a loved one, make sure to be accepting. Tension increases the problem, and unconditional acceptance for who a person is may be the biggest step towards helping to conquer this problem.

Occupational Therapy, Speech Language Pathology

Houston occupational therapy, Stambush Staffing, stuttering therapy for children

April 28, 2011

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Occupational Therapy in Schools: Perks and Challenges

Occupational therapy in schools does a great deal of good. By helping to identify issues that can impede the learning process, therapists perform an important service in the educational community. It’s a rewarding job, but it does pose some challenges. When considering this kind of career, it’s important to be aware of both the good and the bad.

The goal of occupational therapists in schools is to assist children impaired by physical, developmental, sensory, attentional, and/or learning channels. Therapy can help these children to more easily function in school, by maximizing their own abilities in order to adapt to expectations placed upon them by the school setting. Direct intervention is often necessary to improve and maintain these skills. Evidence supports the value of occupational therapy in attaining optimal school performance. In fact, research shows that clinically significant gains in school productivity goals are made when therapists, teachers, and parents directly collaborate, and children receiving occupational therapy have a rate of improvement that exceeds expectations.

One benefit of working in a school based setting is that the therapist has the resources to be able to work with parents, teachers, and students. It’s extremely beneficial to be able to work with teachers to modify the classroom or adapt learning materials to facilitate a better learning experience. Occupational therapists are also helpful in reframing the way parents and teachers view the discrepancies between expectation and student performance. School based therapists have the unique opportunity to work on skills necessary to participate in the school or classroom environment in a way not available to hospitals or outpatient clinics.

A drawback for a school therapists is that they are limited in their assessment tools. Currently, the School Function Assessment is the only device available to ascertain a child’s functioning in a school environment in a comprehensive manner. Another issue of concern are students who are temporarily impaired, as with a broken bone or similar disability, since they are not eligible for school based occupational therapy; they have to get help through a hospital or clinic.

Of course, there are benefits and drawbacks to both school-based and clinical occupational therapy. School based therapists are better suited to address issues that prevent students from fully participating in the school environment, whereas therapists outside of the school environment may be better equipped to deal with temporary impairment. A hospital or clinic may have better diagnostic tools, while a school allows for a more intimate view of the student on a day to day basis. The decision on which position to take depends largely on personal preference and skill set.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy in Schools, Stambush Staffing

April 28, 2011

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Physical Therapy Staffing Agencies: How to Pick the Best One

There are many occupational, speech, and physical therapy staffing agencies in the Houston area, but how do you now if you are picking the right one for your medical facility? Scott Stambush, owner of Stambush Staffing, explains what to look for.

Houston Staffing Agency, Medical Staffing Resource, Physical Therapy

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April 25, 2011

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Advancements in Speech-Language Technology

As technology continues to develop at an ever-increasing rate, many new and exciting advancements in speech-language technology are appearing for use by pathologists in assisting their patients. The iPad, iPod, and competing products are an interesting addition to the SLP arsenal. Of course, progress is not always a good thing. Are these new techno-toys good news or bad news for SLPs?

The answer? Probably both. The good news is that these things are relatively affordable for disabled individuals and pretty versatile in their use. Applications include automated flash cards and software that assists the development and reacquisition of language. New apps are being developed all the time, so what’s around the corner may turn out to be even better. These devices are being embraced by everyone from schools to private insurers.

So, when we’re talking about a tool that will be really effective for a large number of individuals, what’s the bad news? It may end up being a classic case of “out with the old, in with the new”. Practitioners may feel pressure to abandon more traditional practices that have proven effective in matching technology to the individual’s needs. It’s important to remember not to toss out what we know to be effective in favor of something that has a higher “cool” factor.

People with complex communication needs (CCN) run a broad spectrum. Some of them will greatly benefit from these devices and won’t have to wait on insurance protocol before obtaining them. For some, the devices will have to be modified in order to make them functional. More research is needed to determine which apps will truly benefit those with disabilities.

Progress has its benefits, but it also has its costs. It’s important that, in embracing technology, we do not move away from participatory action research (PAR), which is person-focused and gathers evidence about communication effectiveness in real environments. In addition, the focus needs to be on communication and not on the latest technology.

Speech Language Pathology

SLP technology, speech language technology

April 18, 2011

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Video Game Rehab: The “Wiihabilitation” Craze

It’s been all over the news, and some are referring to it as “Wiihabilitation,” but do video games really have a place in physical therapy? Increasingly, doctors and patients are saying yes. From VA hospitals to rehabilitation centers, using the Nintendo Wii in therapy is becoming a popular option.

Traditional therapeutic exercises, while effective, can feel repetitive to the patient.  The advantage of the Wii is that, while its games mimic traditional exercises, they’re compelling enough to distract patients from the pain and difficulty that may be involved. Because patients become so engrossed mentally, they are able to refocus their attention from the tediousness of the task at hand.

Nintendo does not market the Wii for the purpose of physical therapy, but they can see where it would be practically applicable. Their most popular games involve sports, like tennis, bowling, baseball and golf. The wireless controller uses motion sensors to direct the athletes on screen, using the patient’s own movements. The competitive nature of the games inspire patients to keep going in order to beat the opponent, and this helps them build endurance, strength and coordination.

These games can be played by people of all ages and are being used for patients suffering from all sorts of ailments, from strokes, to injury, to multiple sclerosis. With the exception of the XBOX 360’s new Kinect system, no other game system has the ability to wirelessly detect movement in three dimensions through the use of a controller. Researchers are beginning to study the results of Wii therapy through consideration of patients’ abilities before and afterwards, and so far indications point to positive results. The Wii can help patients regain balance and enhance hand eye coordination, and it is low impact. Additionally, it seems to have a positive effect psychologically as patients really enjoy it.

It’s too soon to know long term effects of video game therapy. The implications are exciting, though, and the results that therapists have observed so far are promising. As video games evolve and become more action based, using motion sensitive controllers, they may become more traditional tools for helping patients in need of rehabilitation.

As a physical therapist, have you used the Nintendo Wii in your treatment of a patient?

Physical Therapy

Stambush Staffing, video game rehab, wiihabilitation

April 11, 2011

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Occupational Therapy for Traumatic Brain Injury

Every year, thousands of people suffer traumatic brain injury, half of those injuries having been sustained during automobile accidents. Brain injury is complex and frequently associated with cognitive defects, physical impairment, personality change, interpersonal difficulty and some degree of social dependence. Recovery can be inconsistent, and the result is a lifetime of adjustment and accommodation, which can be overwhelming for patients. Occupational therapy for traumatic brain injury can help to guide a patient through this difficult process.

Occupational therapy may be involved in treating traumatic brain injury during periods of coma, and afterwards, can smooth the process of recovery and re-teach skills from basic self-care to more complex issues.  Occupational therapists work with people throughout their lifespans and can be an invaluable asset. Therapy can include re-training of major muscle groups, as well as education in using mobility aids, such as a wheelchair.  Sometimes the physical limitations are severe enough to preclude employment, and some people need training for even basic tasks like eating with utensils or bathing.

Occupational therapists provide activity based treatment to achieve the maximum level of ability for each patient and promote independence. Cognitive and physical deficits are evaluated in order to develop a strategy to reach this goal, through therapy and assistive devices. While physical therapists are primarily concerned with helping patients regain mobility and strength, an occupational therapist’s role is different. The assessment of an individual’s perception of and interaction with his or her environment is an important part of helping a patient regain the skills needed for daily life and work.

Dealing with physical limitations resulting from a head injury is life altering and can be extremely difficult for patients to manage. Occupational therapist practitioners can ease this process through compassionate assistance during every phase of recovery.  Their evaluation and assessment can help build a realistic strategy to help maximize the physical abilities of those recovering from traumatic brain injury.

Have you worked with a traumatic brain injury patient? What was your experience like?

Occupational Therapy

Houston occupational therapy, occupational therapy, occupational therapy for traumatic brain injury, Stambush Staffing

April 11, 2011

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Universal Design for Learning in Occupational Therapy

We live in a fast-paced culture, full of information and technology to help us process the world around us. When teaching, the challenge is to find a way to make use of that technology in such a way that will be beneficial to all students, even those with disabilities. Occupational therapists strive to assist disabled children in reaching their potential and offer support to the general population of children, regardless of ability.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL), addresses the needs of children by applying the principles of equal access, flexibility, simplicity, perceptibility, and efficiency. In that way, it presents a unique opportunity to occupational therapy practitioners, who are particularly qualified to guide others in the implementation of UDL.

The principles of UDL, developed in 2002 by David Rose and Anne Myer, are based on the theory that learning is the interaction of three neuronal networks: recognition, strategic, and affective. Recognition is the what of learning, identifying patterns of sensory information; strategic helps plan and execute the way we think, which is the “how” of learning; and affective supplies the “why” by determining the importance and meaning of what we’re learning.

UDL supports classroom learning in all three areas, by promoting the use of multiple and flexible ways of helping children participate in the process of learning. All children have their own combination of strengths, weaknesses, and preferences, and these can be employed to help them succeed.

UDL recognizes the benefit of utilizing technology to create a more flexible learning environment, with more options for accessing information. For example, if a student has trouble reading printed text, he might benefit from a digital version of the reading material that can be read aloud by a computer or text reader.

Students who have difficulty writing can use a variety of computer tools to help them with assignments. Both mainstream and specialized technology can help enhance the learning environment for both students and teachers, and occupational therapy practitioners can be extremely helpful in providing training to parents, teachers, service personnel, and students in how to make the most of that technology.

Occupational therapy practitioners are increasingly supporting UDL, both in practical application and in implementation in legislation. Some of the strongest advocacy groups for UDL are composed of occupational therapists. It’s no wonder, because occupational therapists have a distinct advantage in understanding the value of empowering students by maximizing their abilities through a flexible approach to learning.

As an occupational therapist, do you support UDL?

Occupational Therapy

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April 8, 2011

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