By. John Morris
Light therapy or phototherapy is an alternative treatment based on light exposure for various disorders. This procedure, which is also called light box therapy, involves the use of light brighter than regular indoor lighting, but significantly less bright than sunlight.
1. What Can Light Therapy Cure?
- Psoriasis - Hyperbilirubinemia - Atopic dermatitis - Other skin disorders - Sleep disturbance - Premenstrual syndrome - Mental disorders - Schizoaffective - Bipolar disorders
2. Treatment
Under the treatment, patients are exposed directly to full-spectrum bright light. The patient either sits down, if a light box is used as the source, or has some degree of mobility if a light visor is used. The duration of the exposure depends on the seriousness of the condition, reduction or elimination of the symptoms and light strength. Depression is one condition that is eliminated through the therapy. The affected individual's biological clock, or the natural course of one's waking and sleeping hours, is gradually normalized following light therapy. The process involves gradually increasing the time exposed to a high-intensity fluorescent lamp from about 30 minutes up to about 2 hours every morning - the time when the therapy is said to be most effective. Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression caused by the absence of or limited exposure to sunlight during fall and winter. The use of light therapy has been cited by up to 90% of individuals with SAD as helpful in making them feel better, possibly because the treatment takes the place of sunlight exposure. SAD symptoms could take as long as three weeks before they are relieved through the therapy.
3. Not A Replacement For Traditional Care
Although the treatment is safe, most experts do not see light therapy as a replacement to traditional medical care. However, the approach is considered a good complement to other therapies. Patients should visit their health practitioner if treatment fails to eliminate symptoms of depression, or specially if they worsen, following an extended period of time. As with regular therapy, some side effects have also been observed with light therapy. These include headache, sweating, eyestrain, nausea, and agitation. More extreme and adverse effects include skin damage, eye cancer and skin and genital cancer. Some patients have also reported difficulty in falling asleep, although these are mostly individuals having the treatment towards the end of the day. Relief from insomnia is achieved mainly by reducing light exposure time and having the therapy earlier in the day, or by applying dawn simulation. The therapy is not advisable for individuals with sensitive skin and eyes.
4. Light Booth Studies - Does This Actually Work?
Light boxes, ultra violet booths, commercial tanning beds and related equipment also pose the question of cost. If the doctor being consulted has these equipment in the clinic, the problem would be more of a time issue, or ensuring daily or regular visits. Some companies have light therapy equipment for rent, although insurance coverage may not include these as part of the treatment. Psychiatric research from the Chapel Hill School of Medicine at the University of North Carolina has found comparable results between phototherapy, or light therapy, and antidepressant drug therapy in the treatment of SAD and other mood disorders. The 2005 study applied systematic statistical analysis to earlier clinical literature covering 20 randomized studies. These studies focused on 18- to 65-year-old adults who exhibited mood disorder and were grouped into four treatment classes: bright light for non-seasonal depression, bright light for SAD, integrated bright light-regular antidepressant use for non=seasonal sufferers and dawn simulation.
Scientists found that the elimination of methodologically flawed studies from the controlled set and meta-analysis of the remaining organized material established the efficacy of light therapy for SAD and depression. UNC psychiatry chairman Dr. Robert Golden, who is also vice dean of the UNC medical school, noted that light therapy intervention delivered results comparable to traditional depression treatments as detailed in medical literature. Although the scientists concluded that light therapy is an effective treatment for SAD and non-seasonal disorders, they emphasized that the research did not establish the treatment's safety and/or negative side effects because of limited related data. Researchers also did not look at the effects of light therapy on the aged, children and adolescents.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Physical Therapy Universities: Earning your Degree
Authors CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd
Find Physical Therapy Universities in the United States and Canada. Become an expert in the field of physically therapy by attending one of several physical therapy universities where you can participate in various degree programs. Commonly, physical therapy universities provide 4-year programs in physiotherapy, which may lead to a Doctor of Physical Therapy, or a Masters in Physical therapy.
Prospective students must complete a minimum of an undergraduate program in physiotherapy or related sciences prior to entry into physical therapy universities. In some cases, physical therapy universities do extend undergraduate studies so students can complete necessary academics for acceptance into one of these graduate/post-graduate courses.
Currently there are over 200 accredited physical therapy programs at physical therapy universities, colleges and schools throughout the United States. Accreditation is important as graduates must attain this formal education in order to earn eligibility to take the national licensing examination. (Licensure is required by all States in the U.S.)
Depending on which course of study you choose to pursue, there are at least 31 accredited Master of Physical Therapy programs, as well as over 170 Doctor of Physical Therapy degree programs available through physical therapy universities and colleges today, which makes earning a degree both convenient and readily accessible.
The curricula at physical therapy universities includes studies in biology, biomechanics, chemistry, diagnostics, human growth and development, kinesiology, neuroanatomy, pathology and physical therapeutics. Studies are course-intensive and require a fair amount of dedication and willingness to strive for academic excellence. In addition, if you're currently in high school and are aiming for a degree in physical therapy, it is wise to take associated science courses related to the field like sports medicine; or volunteering as an athletics trainer for the local football or baseball team. Furthermore, some physical therapy universities do provide Associate Degree programs to students pursuing a career as a physical therapist assistant or physiotherapy aide.
Once you've enrolled in one of a number of physical therapy universities, and you've earned your professional degree, you can continue to grow professionally by not only taking required continuing education courses, but opting to attain board certification in several specialized areas of focus, like cardio-pulmonary physiotherapy, geriatric physical therapy, occupational therapy, and orthopedic physical therapy, among others.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, career outlook in both professional fields (physical therapist and physical therapist assistant) are expected to grow over the coming years.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding physical therapy universities, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.
Physical Therapy Universities: Earning Your Degree
© Copyright 2007
The CollegeBound Network
All Rights Reserved
Magnetic Therapy: Does it Really Work?
By. Seth Daugherty
When you first hear about magnetic therapy, your first instinct might be to ask: Does this really work? Many Americans use magnetic therapy and would swear up and down that it does help alleviate different types of chronic pain. This article will help answer some of your magnetic therapy questions and answer the most obvious one: Does magnetic therapy really work?
- How Magnet Therapy Works:
Magnetic therapy works by relaxing capillary walls in the body and in this way, increasing blood flow throughout the body. This increased blood flow will help any painful areas in the body. The magnets are simply placed by the skin in order to relax the capillary walls.
Magnet therapy also claims to prevent muscle spasms that may be the root to many forms of pain. Some of these forms of pain are relieved because the magnetic therapy can actually lesson muscle contractions.
Magnetic therapy is also said to interfere with electrochemical reactions which take place within nerve cells. This can actually limit the cells ability to send pain messages to the brain.
On top of of this, magnetic therapy has no known side effects so the risks are much less then taking aspirin or ibuprophen for pain.
- Other Studies:
There seems to be a very large body of evidence in support of magnetic therapy to treat pain. Some of these studies include fibromyalgia patients who felt more pain relief by sleeping on magnetic mattresses compared to those who didn't, and magnetic foot pads that were used to relieve numbness and other pain related to patients with diabetes.
Some studies have shown that 80% of chronic pain sufferers could benefit from magnetic therapy. If these studies continue to produce positive results, it looks like magnetic therapy might be the answer for many chronic pain sufferers.
- How To Use the Magnets:
The magnets should be placed against the skin and directly over the area that is causing pain. If the magnet does not seem to be relieving pain after a few days, you can reposition the magnet over the nearest acupuncture point.
Some Common Uses for Magnetic Therapy Include:
- Back Pain
- Arthritis
- Foot Pain
- Tennis Elbow
- Headaches and migraines
- The Bottom Line:
Magnetic therapy may or may not work for you, but there seems to be an impressive body of evidence that suggests magnetic therapy might be worth a try. Especially if you have tried other forms of pain therapy with limited success.
Some magnetic therapy users will use magnetic therapy in conjunction with other types of pain relief including acupuncture or massage therapy.
Magnetic therapy is used for many different types of pain, and as you might have guess, that means there are many different magnetic therapy products on the market. These range from magnetic mattresses to magnetic chairs to magnetic foot pads. Finding a magnetic therapy solution that is right for you should not prove too difficult, especially as magnetic therapy continues to grow in popularity.
When you first hear about magnetic therapy, your first instinct might be to ask: Does this really work? Many Americans use magnetic therapy and would swear up and down that it does help alleviate different types of chronic pain. This article will help answer some of your magnetic therapy questions and answer the most obvious one: Does magnetic therapy really work?
- How Magnet Therapy Works:
Magnetic therapy works by relaxing capillary walls in the body and in this way, increasing blood flow throughout the body. This increased blood flow will help any painful areas in the body. The magnets are simply placed by the skin in order to relax the capillary walls.
Magnet therapy also claims to prevent muscle spasms that may be the root to many forms of pain. Some of these forms of pain are relieved because the magnetic therapy can actually lesson muscle contractions.
Magnetic therapy is also said to interfere with electrochemical reactions which take place within nerve cells. This can actually limit the cells ability to send pain messages to the brain.
On top of of this, magnetic therapy has no known side effects so the risks are much less then taking aspirin or ibuprophen for pain.
- Other Studies:
There seems to be a very large body of evidence in support of magnetic therapy to treat pain. Some of these studies include fibromyalgia patients who felt more pain relief by sleeping on magnetic mattresses compared to those who didn't, and magnetic foot pads that were used to relieve numbness and other pain related to patients with diabetes.
Some studies have shown that 80% of chronic pain sufferers could benefit from magnetic therapy. If these studies continue to produce positive results, it looks like magnetic therapy might be the answer for many chronic pain sufferers.
- How To Use the Magnets:
The magnets should be placed against the skin and directly over the area that is causing pain. If the magnet does not seem to be relieving pain after a few days, you can reposition the magnet over the nearest acupuncture point.
Some Common Uses for Magnetic Therapy Include:
- Back Pain
- Arthritis
- Foot Pain
- Tennis Elbow
- Headaches and migraines
- The Bottom Line:
Magnetic therapy may or may not work for you, but there seems to be an impressive body of evidence that suggests magnetic therapy might be worth a try. Especially if you have tried other forms of pain therapy with limited success.
Some magnetic therapy users will use magnetic therapy in conjunction with other types of pain relief including acupuncture or massage therapy.
Magnetic therapy is used for many different types of pain, and as you might have guess, that means there are many different magnetic therapy products on the market. These range from magnetic mattresses to magnetic chairs to magnetic foot pads. Finding a magnetic therapy solution that is right for you should not prove too difficult, especially as magnetic therapy continues to grow in popularity.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Music as Therapy: Reaching People in Ways Traditional Therapy Can’t
by Catherine Mabe
“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.”
--Victor Hugo
Even with all the varieties of music out there, most people, at some point in their lives have used music as therapy according to Disaboom, the largest online community for people with disabilities. Whether it’s unwinding to a classical composition or blowing off steam to the beat of a heavy metal song, music can alleviate stress and relive memories. This comes as no surprise as research shows that music has a profound effect on the body and mind.
People respond to music differently than to traditional therapy feeding the growing field of music therapy. According to the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy is formally defined as a clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.
Music therapy can include movement, musical improvisation, song writing, singing, discussing lyrics, dancing, or simply listening to music. For instance, Music Therapists can help clients who have a hard time talking about or writing out their feelings by composing songs; clients with physical disabilities may use music therapy to learn to play an instrument for the purpose of improving fine motor skills.
These elements are used to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of people of all ages living with issues including:
• Brain injury
• HIV/AIDS
• Autism and other developmental disabilities
• Emotional trauma
• Hearing impairments
• Mental health issues
• Terminal illness or pain
• Physical disabilities
• Speech and language impairments
• Substance abuse problems
• Abuse
• Visual impairments
What are the effects of music on the mind and body that make this form of therapy so effective? Brainwaves can resonate with music that has a strong beat. Faster beats translate into sharper concentration and more alert thinking while slower tempos promote a calm, meditative state.
When brainwaves change, other areas of the body are affected. Music can alter breathing and heart rates, making them slower or faster and, consequently, helping to relieve issues like chronic stress, promote relaxation and improve overall health. Music has also proven to deliver other health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure (which reduces the likelihood of stroke and other health issues), boosting immunity, and easing muscle tension.
Music therapy has truly become a viable tool for helping people get (and stay) healthy. Since its launch in 2007, Disaboom is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. Providing comprehensive resources on health, living, and community; http://www.disaboom.com is a tool for living forward.
“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.”
--Victor Hugo
Even with all the varieties of music out there, most people, at some point in their lives have used music as therapy according to Disaboom, the largest online community for people with disabilities. Whether it’s unwinding to a classical composition or blowing off steam to the beat of a heavy metal song, music can alleviate stress and relive memories. This comes as no surprise as research shows that music has a profound effect on the body and mind.
People respond to music differently than to traditional therapy feeding the growing field of music therapy. According to the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy is formally defined as a clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.
Music therapy can include movement, musical improvisation, song writing, singing, discussing lyrics, dancing, or simply listening to music. For instance, Music Therapists can help clients who have a hard time talking about or writing out their feelings by composing songs; clients with physical disabilities may use music therapy to learn to play an instrument for the purpose of improving fine motor skills.
These elements are used to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of people of all ages living with issues including:
• Brain injury
• HIV/AIDS
• Autism and other developmental disabilities
• Emotional trauma
• Hearing impairments
• Mental health issues
• Terminal illness or pain
• Physical disabilities
• Speech and language impairments
• Substance abuse problems
• Abuse
• Visual impairments
What are the effects of music on the mind and body that make this form of therapy so effective? Brainwaves can resonate with music that has a strong beat. Faster beats translate into sharper concentration and more alert thinking while slower tempos promote a calm, meditative state.
When brainwaves change, other areas of the body are affected. Music can alter breathing and heart rates, making them slower or faster and, consequently, helping to relieve issues like chronic stress, promote relaxation and improve overall health. Music has also proven to deliver other health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure (which reduces the likelihood of stroke and other health issues), boosting immunity, and easing muscle tension.
Music therapy has truly become a viable tool for helping people get (and stay) healthy. Since its launch in 2007, Disaboom is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. Providing comprehensive resources on health, living, and community; http://www.disaboom.com is a tool for living forward.
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