Physical Therapy for Headaches

If you have frequent headaches, there are a number of possible reasons for that. Many of those reasons can be addressed by physical therapy, thus reducing both the frequency and intensity of your headaches.

There are actually several different categories of headaches, and within each of those categories, several potential causes. The headache category physical therapists have had the most success in treating is that of tension headaches. Thus, during your first appointment, your headaches will be assessed in an effort to determine which category they fit into. Tension headaches are most commonly caused by stress, fatigue, or poor posture, though they are also sometimes caused by problems in the jaw or neck.

One of the ways your physical therapist will help you determine exactly what kind of headache you have is by asking you a series of questions. One of those questions is simply, "Where does it hurt?" Typically, a tension headache begins at the back of your head and spreads to its top. It can also be felt in your eyes. Specific positions, such as sitting at a desk, may make these types of headaches worse, and rest usually reduces their intensity. Of course, your therapist will also ask you whether or not you have experienced any injuries to your jaw, neck, or head.

One of the goals your therapist will have in treating your headaches is to improve the mobility of your neck. A technique known as manual therapy, in which the muscles at the back of your neck are stretched, is used in order to accomplish this. Another goal your therapist will have will be to improve your overall strength. This will help to further stabilize your upper back and neck, which in turn will improve your posture. As a result of your improved posture, it will be easier for you to stand or sit for longer periods of time without experiencing any additional pain.

Another goal will be to help you modify your work space. You can actually already do some of this. Using a headset instead of a regular phone is a great start if you aren't doing that already. In addition, your computer screen should not be lower than the level of your eyes. You can check that right now. All of these tips will help you improve your posture which, as we mentioned, is a vitally important part of learning to manage your headaches.

If you or a loved one is suffering from Headaches, contact a physical therapist today.

Physical Therapy Schools - How to Make the Right Choice

There are many physical therapy schools from which one can choose from when pursuing the required education to become a physical therapist.

People working in this field assist individuals who are experiencing movement restriction due to an illness or injury. Job openings are expected to increase by as much as 30 percent by the year 2018, and according to the United States Bureau of Labor statistics, this may be a modest estimate. For this reason, those who anticipate pursuing this career path should give serious thought to their education.

Physical Therapy Schools

Education Requirements
It is necessary that one becomes specially trained, if they want to work in this profession. A Master's degree is the minimum education level required of those who plan to become physical therapists. However, many students choose to pursue a doctor of physical therapy degree, although this decision is usually dependent on several factors such as tuition costs and how quickly the individual wishes to become employed.

Research
One of the best actions prospective students can take is to start his or her research early. For instance, when one is taking courses during his or her first year of college, it is wise to devote some time to researching the various physical therapy schools available and their required prerequisites. This is because such requirements vary from school to school, making it essential to obtain detailed information in advance.

Grade Point Average
It is also imperative that one maintain a high grade point average during college. Many physical therapy schools require a 3.0 minimum grade point average before they will consider a student for admission. It is also wise to maintain a high grade point average if one will be seeking grants to help pay for his or her college education, as most grants of this type have specific grade point average requirements.

Selecting a School
There is a vast array of learning institutions from which one can choose from when pursuing a career as a physical therapist. However, one should only consider schools that are accredited by the American Physical Therapy (APTA) Association or a similar institution. Those who do not acquire their education from an accredited school will not qualify to take the national licensing exam. Without a license, finding work will be difficult, if not impossible