Home health care patients in the Cedar Rapids area know that Above and Beyond Home Health Care has access to some exceptional therapists that can provide professional services for all sorts of health conditions.
This includes speech therapists, who help patients who may have lost the ability to speak clearly after a health event, to occupational therapists, who assist patients in regaining lost skills and gaining new ones so they can re-enter the workforce.
Of special note are the physical therapists, who are able to help patients rebuild and retrain muscles, and massage therapists, who help soothe and relax patient’s muscles. Both positions are able to help reduce pain, gain mobility and most importantly, improve overall quality of life.
While all of these skilled and talented individuals are able to aid patients in all sorts of ways, we want to give a proud nod to the massage therapists and physical therapists this month for their commitment to quality care.
Joining us in our recognition are two groups that promote both occupations: the American Massage Therapy Association, and the American Physical Therapy Association.
Both organizations are dedicated to spreading the word about the value and usefulness about both positions, and also have developed sets of standards and best practices for their respective industries.
Plus, they both have declared that October is a perfect time to become aware of these occupations. If you are already in the business, thank you! If you’re looking for an interesting career choice that’s all about helping people, consider either specialty.
Continue reading for information about the benefit of both services, and how you can help celebrate this month.
Massage therapy
The AMTA has declared Oct. 22-28 to be National Massage Therapy Awareness Week, and encourages people in the industry to let their local communities know more about what they do, how much studying and hands-on learning it takes to receive state or national licensing, and most importantly, what kind of mental and physical benefits can people experience by receiving massages.
Certainly a massage can feel nice, which may be all that some patients need. Someone who isn’t feeling good mentally, physically or emotionally will appreciate the physical contact and connection intended to relax them. Even the atmosphere of massage can be calming – everything quiets down and it’s nice to have a break from current stresses and be able to let one’s troubles go.
But the clinical benefits actually can go much further, whether it’s a massage given for health reasons or for pleasure (or both!).
The Mayo Clinic says massage can provide general benefits including reducing stress, anxiety, digestive issues, and tension. It can ease cramps and pain, soothe inflamed muscles and help headaches. Plus it can aid specific health conditions, including fibromyalgia and joint pain.
Cancer patients also benefit from massage since the disease, and many treatments for it, can cause pain throughout the body, which massage can soothe.
Massage is considered alternative medicine, and some insurance providers are now covering it as part of a health plan. But it also isn’t for everyone, such as people with fractured limbs or severe burns, so people should check with their primary provider if it’s appropriate or if he or she has any recommendations.
Licensed massage practitioners usually study for at least a year, learning detailed information about anatomy, physiology and the workings of muscles and ligaments and bones. Some learn advanced techniques about providing certain massages to certain sensitive areas such as the skull.
Physical therapy
Sharon Dunn, the current president of the American Physical Therapy Association, encouraged people in the industry to celebrate National Physical Therapist Month by reaffirming the profession’s noble efforts to “transform society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience.”
These are noble words that help provide value to the role of this profession in helping people through the painstaking process of regaining strength or function that may have been lost due to medical conditions.
Clients may have experienced a stroke, physical trauma from a fall or car accident, or other trauma. They may be in significant pain and have difficulty moving or balancing. These physical changes can often be accompanied by mental or emotional challenges as well, such as depression or anger at the current situation.
So a therapist has the important role of putting together a program to help the patient recover what has been lost, and if that’s not physically possible, at least improve their current condition.
Physical therapy also can have a role in helping combat opiate abuse – rather than simply prescribe dangerous and addictive medications that mask pain, some primary providers are encouraging them to try physical therapy to safely reduce pain and improve functionality.
Celebrate both professions
Above and Beyond Home Health Care is proud of the massage therapists and physical therapists in the Cedar Rapids area. We rely on both types of people to help home health care patients. Clients enjoy the visits and also enjoy being treated by both types of professionals, whether it’s a relaxing massage or working on improving mobility. Our team of PTs and massage therapists also benefit from being able to help.
To learn more about these options, visit Above and Beyond Home Health Care.
