Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental health disorder characterized by intense highs and lows. People who suffer from this disorder experience periods of depression and mania. The symptoms can make it difficult for someone...
A broken leg involves fracturing any of the bones found in your leg. Home physical therapy ideas for a broken leg need to concentrate on restoring your leg's movement and reducing stiffness after any immobilizing device, such as cast or splint,...
The mountain of deficits to overcome through occupational therapy after a CVA, also known as a cerebrovascular accident or stroke, can be daunting. However, by adding therapeutic activities to your exercise and rehabilitation routine, you can...
While there's nothing shameful about talking to a therapist, many elderly people refuse to do so because they are afraid of being labeled as crazy or senile. If that's the case, reinforce the idea of therapy as a way of expressing out loud their...
Your hamstring muscles are located on the back of your thighs. The job of the hamstring is to bend your leg at the knee and to move your thigh backward at your hip. Hamstring strains are common for people who play sports that include a lot of...
Metal ions in your bloodstream can contribute to conditions such as atherosclerosis and cancer. Ions of lead, arsenic and mercury can poison you directly and cause death in high enough concentrations. Doctors use chelation therapy to rid your...
Inversion therapy is used to treat back pain and sciatica, and involves staying for some time in an upside-down position. The idea behind the therapy is that it stretches the spine and relieves pressure from the vertebrae in the neck and back,...
Children with behavioral problems can be significantly helped with different treatment options. These include behavioral modification techniques, modeling and imitation methods, and the use of cognitive therapy. All of these are likely to be the...
Art therapy is a growing way to analyze children for mental and emotional problems. As the Western Journal of Medicine notes, "Imagery taps into a person's earliest way of knowing and reacting to the world." This makes it a valuable practice to...
Melatonin, a natural hormone known for its sleep-inducing properties, is released from the pineal gland in the brain at night. Recent research, however, has uncovered additional sites where melatonin may be synthesized and secreted. Its role as a...
Your spine is not perfectly straight by design -- the natural curves of the spine help to support your back and reduce strain when sleeping, twisting and lifting. However, in some people, the spine can become abnormally curved -- a condition known...
Numerous advertisements on television, in print and online claim colon cleansing will promote a healthy colon, boost energy levels and promote weight loss. The true benefits of so-called "natural" colonic irrigation products are unproven, notes...
Vitamin D encompasses the molecules cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol. This fat-soluble vitamin can be partially synthesized in humans, by exposure to sunlight. It can also be obtained from a variety of plant and animal products. Vitamin D plays...
Although testosterone is typically thought of as a male hormone, women maintain certain levels as well that can wane as they grow older and under other circumstances. Studies have shown that at normal levels, testosterone has a beneficial and...
Chelation therapy involves injecting a solution known as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, or EDTA, into your bloodstream to remove toxic heavy metals from your body. Chelation therapy is also sometimes used to remove calcium deposits in the...
Anxiety disorders actually represent a group of illnesses that include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder and specific phobias. Many who suffer from...
The Cleveland Clinic characterizes testosterone as a hormone that's predominately responsible for male sexual characteristics and fertility. But these aren't the sole bodily needs for this androgen. Mood, muscle mass, red blood cells and bone...
Reflexology is an alternative health practice involving massage and pressure to the feet. Reflexology treatments are thought to provide health benefits as well as stress relief and relaxation. According to the Association of Reflexologists,...
Think of the most subtle and gentle form of massage you can imagine and you will have an idea of what craniosacral massage therapy feels like. Individuals with chronic pain problems may benefit from this light touch technique. Craniosacral...
If you've tried to quit smoking multiple times and haven't found the willpower to succeed, smoking cessation aids can help. Nicotine patches and nicotine gum can be addictive and cause dependence in some individuals. Instead, try a holistic...
The prostate is a small gland that sits at the bottom of the bladder in males. It is responsible for producing semen and controlling the flow of urine out of the body. When cancer develops, it is usually detected through routine tests like a...
Personal fitness trainers design exercise programs and help their clients execute them to maintain or improve health, while physical therapists diagnose, treat and manage pain, injuries and diseases. Fitness trainers often encounter clients with...
Knee water therapy exercises are increasing in popularity. Knee therapy exercises in the water are suitable for people of all ages and sizes, and for various levels of injury severity. The buoyancy of the water takes some of the weighted pressure...
Many people experience feelings of sadness and lack of energy at some time in their life. In most cases, these feelings may last for a couple of days and then disappear. People who are depressed experience a lack of energy that persists for an...
The theory behind reflexology is that certain conditions can be relieved when pressure is applied to specific points on your feet, hands, lower legs, face and ears. Some of these conditions include digestive disorders like acid reflux. However,...
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) occurs during winter when people are exposed to fewer hours of natural sunlight. Symptoms of this condition include anxiety, fatigue, depression, overeating, weight gain and oversleeping. About half a million...
Blunt head trauma is common in automobile and other types of accidents. A hard blow to the head can cause the brain to hit the skull. Such injuries can be mild, moderate or severe and can involve bleeding and damage to nerve fibers. Each year in...
Compulsive eating disorder, better known as compulsive overeating or binge eating disorder, involves binging episodes in which a person feels powerless to control excessive food intake. According to the University of Pennsylvania Office of Health...
An array of weight loss products and services are available to today's consumer. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the dieting industry profits over $30 billion annually. This number includes alternative weight loss therapies. Though less...
