Centra Healthcare Solutions » Blog http://www.centrahealthcare.com Our Commitment is Permanent Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:40:23 +0000 en hourly 1 Top Online Tools for Occupational Therapists http://www.centrahealthcare.com/top-online-tools-for-occupational-therapists http://www.centrahealthcare.com/top-online-tools-for-occupational-therapists#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:09:14 +0000 dev http://www.centrahealthcare.com/?p=978 Online Tools for Occupational TherapyWhether you are studying for a Master’s in Occupational Therapy or looking for an Occupational Therapy job, it is important to demonstrate a wide skill set. Being knowledgeable on new treatments as well as old is vital to progressing through your career path. To help you on your way, we have gathered some of the best online tools and resources for Occupational Therapists. These helpful links can help you learn about the latest developments in the field, as well as additional tips and tricks.

  1. The American Occupational Therapy Association: The AOTA is committed to helping both therapists and patients live life to its fullest. They have loads of online tools for doing just that, including two publications on occupational therapy. You can also find resources for practitioners, educators, and students.
  2. National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy: Learn more about certification in occupational therapy with a visit here. The NBCOT has loads of tools for those seeking or who are interested in becoming certified. They also have an online community and resources for international visitors.
  3. Advance: Stop by this site that has loads of information for those in occupational therapy. There are loads of headlines, features, and even an app of the month with more. There is also a special section for students and new graduates.
  4. Meta-OT: Get tools and discussion on occupational therapy here. The active community consists of many practicing occupational therapists and their thoughts on the profession. You can also get a glossary and assessment database.
  5. Today in OT: Jobs, continuing education, and news greet all visitors at this site. In addition to viewing jobs, occupational therapists can also post their resumes here. They even have a market place and blog spot with more.
  6. Occupation Outlook: Get all the stats on occupational therapists from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. They include job outlook, education required, and salary. You can also get projections for the career with a visit.
  7. Barbara Smith: She has loads of resources for Occupational Therapists on this site. In addition to her books, you can find guides to OT in pediatrics, geriatrics, and more. She also includes fun and games on the site.

If you are an Occupational Therapist looking for a new opportunity, contact Centra Healthcare Solutions today at either questions@centrahealthcare.com or 800-535-0076 and we will help you select the right job.

]]> http://www.centrahealthcare.com/top-online-tools-for-occupational-therapists/feed 0 Speech Therapy: Helping Parents understand what to do and not do. http://www.centrahealthcare.com/speech-therapy-helping-parents-understand-what-to-do-and-not-do http://www.centrahealthcare.com/speech-therapy-helping-parents-understand-what-to-do-and-not-do#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:55:05 +0000 dev http://www.centrahealthcare.com/?p=973 In an effort to make pediatric speech therapy successful, a collaborative venture must be initiated between the therapist and parents. Often times parents are unsure of what to do pre and post treatment. Here is a list of Do’s and Dont’s that every parent should pay attention to.

Do go on vacation–don’t feel guilty, you and your child needs a break too.

Don’t ask your child, “What did you do in school today?” That question is very abstract and hard to answer. Instead, find a take-home  paper or object in his/her backpack, pull it out and start talking about it such as, “I like how you colored this yellow bird and he’s_____.” See if your child will fill in the blank as you start a sentence for him. It is much easier for a child with speech and language delays to have the thought started for them to complete than to call up all the events of the day and formulate them into sentences. Your child feels successful and so do you because you’ve heard a little nugget about their day.

Do practice the suggestions from your therapist. Give them feedback on how it went. Often parents will tell a therapist it is too hard to fit in the practice or their child was resistive. Let them help you work through that and find a motivator for your child or easy and fun way to practice.

Do model language for your child as you go through your everyday experiences, whether it’s on a trip to New York or making dinner.  Children take in more language when it relates to what they are doing, experiencing, and seeing. For a child with speech and language delays you might say, “I’m getting out the big pot to fill it with water. Let’s open the end of the pasta box and empty it,” demonstrating words like open and end as you say them. Multi-sensory experiences reinforce learning–seeing, describing, feeling, smelling the pasta–in kids who may be weak in an area such as auditory skills. Work with your speech language pathologist to know what level of language you should be using with your child, according to their current abilities.

Don’t ask too many questions. Never “test” a child by saying, “What’s this?” or “What’s that?” Kids have to stop their train of thought , process the question and then formulate an answer. Questions are fine when used naturally in a situation such as “Do you want pancakes or cereal for breakfast?”

Do pause when you talk or read to your child with speech and language delays. Many children need extra time to process the language as well as formulate a reaction or response to what you are saying. I like to “hang out” on a page of a picture book, commenting on the illustrations or what I might like about that part of the story and then pause for the child to offer her thoughts as I did.

Do enjoy your precious child and take time out from all the “To Do” lists!

If you are  a Speech Language Pathologist and are looking for a new career path, Contact Centra Healthcare today at questions@centrahealthcare.com or 800-535-0076.

]]> http://www.centrahealthcare.com/speech-therapy-helping-parents-understand-what-to-do-and-not-do/feed 0 Diagnosis and Treatment of Golf and Tennis Elbow http://www.centrahealthcare.com/diagnosis-and-treatment-of-golf-and-tennis-elbow http://www.centrahealthcare.com/diagnosis-and-treatment-of-golf-and-tennis-elbow#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:42:12 +0000 dev http://www.centrahealthcare.com/?p=968 Elbow Pain From Golf or TennisWith this Winter not packing much of a punch in Sunny South Florida (sorry everyone else that is experiencing bad weather), tennis and golf elbow will undoubtedly re-emerge as the big injuries of the summer recreational sports season.  Both are common and both are preventable.

What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is an overuse injury and, like other such injuries, is a result of placing too much demand on muscles and tendons that are not equipped to handle the stress.

Lateral epicondylitis is the technical name for tennis elbow.  The literal definition is that there is an inflammation (itis) at the tendons attaching to the bony prominence at the outer (lateral) region of the elbow (the epicondyle).  The lateral epicondyle is on the thumb side of the elbow when your palm is facing forward. The tendons that attach to it are those that connect the muscles that extend the wrist and fingers to the bone.  Though transient symptoms are generally due to a simple extensor tendonitis (Iinflamed tendon), persistent cases of tennis elbow are generally a result of a degenerated or torn tendon (tendinosis).  One tendon in particular is usually the culprit, and that is the extensor carpi radialiis brevis tendon (known as the ECRB).

What Contributes to Tennis Elbow?
First off, you don’t have to play tennis to join the club.  Any repetitive stress that entails use of the wrist and finger extensors can lead to their overuse and subsequent inflammation. If those tissues are not sufficiently strong or flexible it takes less demand to overdo it.  If you begin a new activity or resume playing a sport after a layoff due to injury or seasonal abstinence, it is important to establish a foundation of strength and flexibility that will prepare you to compete safely.  In addition, it is best to ease into the season by ramping up your playing time gradually.
There are other factors besides strength and flexibility that can come into play for tennis buffs looking to prevent lateral epicondylitis. First, consult a pro to help you choose your racket.  Many pros recommend that you spend the extra money to string your racket with gut, which is softer and more forgiving than some of the synthetics.  Just as with the wrong strings, a racket that is too long, too rigid or too light, or one that has the wrong grip size (generally too small) or is strung too tightly will increase the vibrations that travel up through the hand and arm putting a player at greater risk of injury.

Poor stroke mechanics are another big reason that recreational tennis players suffer from tennis elbow.  This is particularly true for those who have a wristy backhand or who maintain a rigid forearm and don’t follow-through properly on their backhands.  Hitting the ball in the sweet spot of the racket is also a key to minimizing the vibrations that otherwise place excessive stress on the muscles and tendons.  Taking some lessons to perfect your form can go a long way toward helping to prevent unnecessary demands on your body.

Do Tennis Pros Get Tennis Elbow?
The answer to this question isn’t as simple as you might think.  Though there have certainly been instances of high-level competitors suffering from lateral epicondylits, but it isn’t common amongst tennis pros.  In spite of the concentration of time they spend on the court, with their excellent conditioning, ongoing coaching and optimal equipment, tennis elbow is not nearly as prevalent in the pro ranks as in the recreational population.

The big however is that pro tennis players are more likely to suffer from Golf Elbow than Tennis Elbow.  This is largely due to the extraordinary spin that many put on the ball when serving or even in their groundstrokes.  This places undue stress on the opposite side of the forearm.

What is Golf Elbow?
Basically, golf elbow is the opposite of tennis elbow  it is tendinitis or tendinosis of the wrist or finger flexor tendons and an inflammation at their attachment to the inner (medial) epicondyle at the elbow (on the pinky side of the elbow with the palm facing forward).  Thus it is also referred to as medial epicondylitis.

Like tennis elbow for recreational tennis players, weekend hackers may wind up with golf elbow because of a lack of conditioning, excessive play, unforgiving or poorly fitted equipment as well as poor form.   An incorrect grip or swing is often at fault.

As for tennis elbow, you don’t have to play the game to suffer the injury.  Any repetitive activity that causes excess demand on the involved tissues can result in their overuse and subsequent inflammation or breakdown.  Home improvement projects that involve hammering or painting, keyboarding for the office worker or even the throwing motion in overhead sports can cause golf elbow.  The latter is again why elite tennis players may suffer this ailment  the serve and overhead strokes being the culprits.

Treatment
Anti-inflammatory medication, ice and cross friction massage can treat the inflammation, and stretching the involved muscles and tendons is also very important.  It is crucial to strengthen the muscles as well but only in a progressive manner that does not provoke any discomfort or pain.  It is also generally helpful to wear a brace designed to lessen the stress to the involved tissues with routine activity.  Of course, it is important to minimize the ongoing stress to the area by limiting or refraining from the offending activities while rehabilitating.   Rest alone is never the answer though, as it will result in further deconditioning of the muscles, leading to recurrent injury once activity is resumed.

Cortisone injections are often used to treat tennis and golf elbow, though they should not be a first resort.  Injections do address the inflammation though they do not impact the cause of the condition.  Without restoring normal joint range of motion and muscle flexibility and strength to the forearm, wrist and hand, the condition is likely to return.  Cortisone combined with other restorative treatments is more beneficial, though it is best to first approach care more conservatively to see if injection can be avoided.

A variety of newer treatments are in use now and their effectiveness is yet to be fully evaluated.  These include PRP (platelet rich plasma therapy), Prolotherapy and Shock Wave Therapy (all of which were detailed in a prior blog entry on Joakim Noah and plantar fasciitis).
Surgery is a last resort and is generally only used in instances of tears common to more chronic conditions or in the instance of a traumatic tear from a violent and sudden cause of injury.

If you are a rehab professional looking for a new career opportunity, Centra has the solution for you. Contact us today at questions@centrahealthcare.com or 800-535-0076.

]]> http://www.centrahealthcare.com/diagnosis-and-treatment-of-golf-and-tennis-elbow/feed 0 Patient-Centeredness: Health Reform’s New Buzz Word http://www.centrahealthcare.com/patient-centeredness-health-reforms-new-buzz-word http://www.centrahealthcare.com/patient-centeredness-health-reforms-new-buzz-word#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:33:38 +0000 dev http://www.centrahealthcare.com/?p=964 Patient CenterednessWith “patient-centeredness” as the latest buzz word in healthcare reform, many organizations know they are working toward the patient-centered goal but still question what it is exactly. Legal experts at the ECRI Institute’s 18th Annual Conference at the FDA in Silver Spring, MD, on Tuesday said the definition can vary, depending on who you talk to.

For example, what is a patient? Some organizations look at the individual patient and his or her needs, while other organizations consider populations of patients and the needs of the community. Still, others define the “patient” part of the equation to include family members.

Similarly, the “centered” part of the definition can vary. To some, it means shared decision- making, while others see it as being the best interests of the patients.

The Institute of Medicine, as well as Medicare, focus on the “care” part of the definition; patient-centered care is delivered to the patient with consideration to his or her values, notes Jane Hyatt Thorpe, associate research professor at the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services in Washington, D.C.

Meanwhile, the Affordable Care Act stresses the patient part in providing care that incorporates respect and dignity, according to Thorpe.

With about 20 references to patient-centered care in the Affordable Care Act, patient- centeredness isn’t only a trend, it is regulation. And as newly resigned Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Donald Berwick highlights, patient-centered care is about providing the right care for the right person every time.

Like the law, patient-centered care is multi-faceted, Thorpe notes. It will play an increasing role in regulation with informed consent, advanced directives, fraud and abuse, liability and standards of care, and of course, in delivery models.

Michael Park, counsel for Alston and Bird, explained that patient-centered care is changing the way we look at care delivery, particularly in the hospital setting.

Value-based purchasing (VBP) programs weight the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey performance as 30 percent of the total VBP performance score, with the other 70 percent based on process of care measures. “Patients will play more of a role in how hospitals will be reimbursed,” Park said.

If you are looking for a new healthcare role, contact Centra Healthcare today: 800 535 0076. We have opportunities available across the nation.

]]> http://www.centrahealthcare.com/patient-centeredness-health-reforms-new-buzz-word/feed 0 Occupational Therapy: Aquatic Therapy for Children http://www.centrahealthcare.com/occupational-therapy-aquatic-therapy-for-children http://www.centrahealthcare.com/occupational-therapy-aquatic-therapy-for-children#comments Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:48:14 +0000 dev http://www.centrahealthcare.com/?p=959 Aquatic Therapy JobsAquatic Therapy is used as a water based therapeutic tool for many conditions. Occupational Therapists are increasingly tuning into the benefits of treatment within the water. It is different to Hydrotherapy as Hydrotherapy uses water to maintain and restore health. Hydrotherapy is more physically based and is defined as  “ . . . the use of water to revitalize, maintain, and restore health.”  Hydrotherapy treatments include saunas, steam baths, foot baths, sitz baths and the application of hot and cold water on the part of the body to be treated.

Occupational therapy is based on purposeful and meaningful activity in which the person concerned actively engages in their treatment.  Purposeful and meaningful activity for children is play. Children learn through play and play is used in pediatric treatment sessions. Water play, therefore, is becoming increasingly popular for sensory integration, developmental coordination disorder, attention deficits, hyper active children and many other conditions.

The swimming pool can be transformed into a sensory room with different treatment stations that have different treatment aims such as memory development, coordination development , proprioceptive and vestibular feedback. This is done using different props within the water. Each exercise and activity can include one or all of the senses such as visual, auditory, tactile etc as well as using memory, sequencing and other cognitive processes. Speech and language can be developed along side mathematics and the level can be graded according to the child’s ability. The water adds a new dimension to the senses, giving resistance where it is needed and helping with movement flow as required. It is a great way to incorporate strengthening exercises and promote general fitness for the children.

Water is stimulating and exciting and most children love the difference of doing their therapy activities in the water. Activities can be adapted to suit many children in a fun and stimulating way. The water can also be used as a calming tool with relaxing music, a warmer temperature and attention to lighting.

If you are a therapy professional interested in aquatic therapy please reach out to Centra at 800-535-0076

]]> http://www.centrahealthcare.com/occupational-therapy-aquatic-therapy-for-children/feed 0 SNF Job Openings for Physical Therapy: 12-25-2011 http://www.centrahealthcare.com/snf-job-openings-for-physical-therapy-12-25-2011 http://www.centrahealthcare.com/snf-job-openings-for-physical-therapy-12-25-2011#comments Mon, 26 Dec 2011 19:17:03 +0000 dev http://www.centrahealthcare.com/snf-job-openings-for-physical-therapy-12-25-2011 Looking for a Physical Therapy Job? We have hundreds of vacant positions waiting to be filled by vibrant and energetic people. Here is a list of our latest Hospital based rehabilitation job postings for Physical Therapy:

SNF Based Positions:

For a Full Comprehensive Search of All Physical Therapy Jobs Click here.

SNF Contract Positions:

In the event that you don’t see a position available in your preferred city, our therapy job search can help you find any availability in the city of your choice or call one of our rehab placement professionals at 800 535 0076.

]]> http://www.centrahealthcare.com/snf-job-openings-for-physical-therapy-12-25-2011/feed 0 Hospital Job Openings for Physical Therapy: 12-25-2011 http://www.centrahealthcare.com/hospital-job-openings-for-physical-therapy-12-25-2011 http://www.centrahealthcare.com/hospital-job-openings-for-physical-therapy-12-25-2011#comments Mon, 26 Dec 2011 19:10:09 +0000 dev http://www.centrahealthcare.com/hospital-job-openings-for-physical-therapy-12-25-2011 Looking for a Physical Therapy Job? We have hundreds of vacant positions waiting to be filled by vibrant and energetic people. Here is a list of our latest Hospital based rehabilitation job postings for Physical Therapy:

Hospital Based Positions:

For a Full Comprehensive Search of All Physical Therapy Jobs Click here.

Hospital Travel Positions:

In the event that you don’t see a position available in your preferred city, our therapy job search can help you find any availability in the city of your choice or call one of our rehab placement professionals at 800 535 0076.

]]> http://www.centrahealthcare.com/hospital-job-openings-for-physical-therapy-12-25-2011/feed 0 Homecare Job Openings for Physical Therapy: 12-25-2011 http://www.centrahealthcare.com/homecare-job-openings-for-physical-therapy-12-25-2011 http://www.centrahealthcare.com/homecare-job-openings-for-physical-therapy-12-25-2011#comments Mon, 26 Dec 2011 19:04:33 +0000 dev http://www.centrahealthcare.com/homecare-job-openings-for-physical-therapy-12-25-2011 Looking for a Physical Therapy Job? We have hundreds of vacant positions waiting to be filled by vibrant and energetic people. Here is a list of our latest Homecare based job postings for Physical Therapy:

Homecare Based Positions:

For a Full Comprehensive Search of All Physical Therapy Jobs Click here.

Homecare Travel Positions:

Homecare Contract Positions:

In the event that you don’t see a position available in your preferred city, our therapy job search can help you find any availability in the city of your choice or call one of our rehab placement professionals at 800 535 0076.

]]> http://www.centrahealthcare.com/homecare-job-openings-for-physical-therapy-12-25-2011/feed 0 PT Job Openings for ALF, LTAC, Outpatient & PEDS: 12-25-2011 http://www.centrahealthcare.com/pt-job-openings-for-alf-ltac-outpatient-peds-12-25-2011 http://www.centrahealthcare.com/pt-job-openings-for-alf-ltac-outpatient-peds-12-25-2011#comments Mon, 26 Dec 2011 18:50:01 +0000 dev http://www.centrahealthcare.com/pt-job-openings-for-alf-ltac-outpatient-peds-12-25-2011 Looking for a Physical Therapy Job? We have hundreds of vacant positions waiting to be filled by vibrant and energetic people. Here is a list of our latest ALF, Aquatics, LTAC, Outpatient, & PEDS job postings for Physical Therapy:

Assisted Living Facility (ALF) Positions:

Long-Term Acute Care Hospital (LTAC) Positions:

For a Full Comprehensive Search of All Physical Therapy Jobs Click here.

Outpatient Positions:

Outpatient Contract Positions:

Pediatrics Positions:

In the event that you don’t see a position available in your preferred city, our therapy job search can help you find any availability in the city of your choice or call one of our rehab placement professionals at 800 535 0076.

]]> http://www.centrahealthcare.com/pt-job-openings-for-alf-ltac-outpatient-peds-12-25-2011/feed 0 SNF JOB OPENINGS FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY: 12-18-11 http://www.centrahealthcare.com/snf-job-openings-for-occupational-therapy-12-18-11 http://www.centrahealthcare.com/snf-job-openings-for-occupational-therapy-12-18-11#comments Mon, 26 Dec 2011 15:46:05 +0000 dev http://www.centrahealthcare.com/snf-job-openings-for-occupational-therapy-12-18-11 Looking for an Occupational Therapy Job? We have hundreds of vacant positions waiting to be filled by vibrant and energetic people. Here is a list of our latest Skilled Nursing Facility based job postings for Occupational Therapy:

Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF):

For a Full Comprehensive Search of All Occupational Therapy Jobs Click here.

SNF Contract Positions:

SNF Travel Positions:

In the event that you don’t see a position available in your preferred city, our therapy job search can help you find any availability in the city of your choice or call one of our rehab placement professionals at 800 535 0076.

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