The International Institute of Therapeutic Intervention and Learning is a great resource for those utilizing brain entrainment and neurofeedback. Their soundscapes specifically target areas where a client may be having trouble. For those unfamiliar with Brain Entrainment, it refers to the capacity of the brain to naturally synchronize its brainwave frequencies with the rhythm of periodic external stimuli, most commonly auditory, visual, or tactile. The external stimuli elicit the brain’s ‘frequency following response’, encouraging the brainwaves to align to the frequency of a given medium. FFR can be useful because brainwaves are very much related to mental state. For example, a 10 Hz brainwave is associated with relaxation, so a 10 Hz sound pattern would help reproduce the relaxed state in your brain. I have successfully used it with varying conditions including; ADHD, ASD, PTSD, Anxiety, and Sensory Integration. However, one does not have to have a diagnosis to utilize brain entrainment. Positive research on brain entrainment continues to grow and expand.

On a daily basis I have the opportunity to speak with occupational therapists from around the world.  There are many cultural differences and approaches, but there remains a constant between us all.  We are all trying to better the lives of our clients.  Today's advice to my fellow OT's/OTA's is...

I often think that the true sign of occupational therapy intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.  We are not only problem solvers but also resolution deliverers. 

Constraint-induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is a specialized approach used to increase the use of a limb affected or weakened as the result of a stroke or brain injury. CIMT aims at decreasing the effects of learned non-use.  CIMT is based on a task-oriented approach to improve functional use and control of an affected extremity. In this study guide you will find:

1. CONSTRAINT-INDUCED MOVEMENT THERAPY (CIMT): PEDIATRIC APPLICATION - DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES RESEARCH REVIEW
2. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) for young children with cerebral palsy: Effects of therapeutic dosage - Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine: An Interdisciplinary Approach
3. Constraint-induced movement therapy improves upper limb activity and participation in hemiplegic cerebral palsy: a systematic review - J o u r n a l of PHYSIOTHERAPY
4. Pediatric Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy in a Young Child With Minimal Active Arm Movement - The American Journal of Occupational Therapy
5. Constraint-induced movement therapy of upper limb of children with cerebral palsy in clinical practice: systematic review of the literature - Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes
6. Efficacy of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy on Involved Upper-Extremity Use in Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy Is Not Age-Dependent – American Academy of Pediatrics
7. A Practical Guide to Implementing Constraint Therapy and Bimanual Training – Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

Successful and unsuccessful people do not vary greatly in their abilities. They vary in their desires to reach their potential.  Be the best OT/OTA you can be!! 

There are two new cognitive intervention codes that started this year.

1) 97127 Therapeutic interventions that focus on cognitive function (e.g., attention, memory, reasoning, executive function, problem solving, and/or pragmatic functioning) and compensatory strategies to manage the performance of an activity (e.g., managing time or schedules, initiating, organizing and sequencing tasks), direct (one-on-one) patient contact.

2) G0515 Development of cognitive skills to improve attention, memory, problem-solving (includes compensatory training), direct (one-on-one) patient contact, each 15 minutes.

AS OF JANUARY 1, 2018, 97532 HAS BEEN DELETED AND SHOULD NOT BE BILLED.

Do you know what's going on in the world of occupational therapy?  Well here is the OT Breaking News update. The 'Occupational Therapy Review' FB group keeps up with the latest of OT relevant news.  

This booklet is designed to help people with frontotemporal disorders and their families learn more about these conditions and resources for coping. The publication provides detailed information about the three major types of frontotemporal disorders: progressive behavior/personality decline (such as Pick's disease), progressive language decline (including primary progressive aphasia), and progressive motor decline. Common symptoms, causes, and diagnosis are discussed. Information about the treatment and management of these disorders, with practical advice for both people with frontotemporal disorders and their caregivers, is provided. Sources of additional information are included.

The International Institute of Therapeutic Intervention and Learning is a great resource for those utilizing brain entrainment and neurofeedback. Their soundscapes specifically target areas where a client may be having trouble.

For those unfamiliar with Brain Entrainment, it refers to the capacity of the brain to naturally synchronize its brainwave frequencies with the rhythm of periodic external stimuli, most commonly auditory, visual, or tactile. The external stimuli elicit the brain’s ‘frequency following response’, encouraging the brainwaves to align to the frequency of a given medium. FFR can be useful because brainwaves are very much related to mental state. For example, a 10 Hz brainwave is associated with relaxation, so a 10 Hz sound pattern would help reproduce the relaxed state in your brain. I have successfully used it with varying conditions including; ADHD, ASD, PTSD, Anxiety, and Sensory Integration. However, one does not have to have a diagnosis to utilize brain entrainment. Positive research on brain entrainment continues to grow and expand.