Official Therapist Blog

Physical Therapists Working with Recovering Arthroscopic Surgery Patients …

Author Therapy Career Blogger | 03.03.2010 | Category Ellen Bloome-PT, Locations, Medical/Surgical, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapist Jobs, Therapist Jobs, physical therapy

Knowing more about new tools in medical robotics is a help.

Arthroscopic surgery means allowing a surgeon to repair or remove tissue from a joint with virtually no disruption to other critical parts. The surgery is achieved via insertion of microscopic instruments and camera through the portal of an incredibly small incision site. Sufficed to say, surgeon careers are changing in the new millennium—and most medical professionals, including those in therapist jobs agree those changes are positive and exciting.

Arthroscopic procedures are monitored on a television screen, and to laypeople and healthcare professionals alike, it sounds like the stuff of science fiction. Physical and occupational therapists that work with recovering surgical patients, understand that sci fi or no, arthroscopic operations are stories that generally end well.

Here’s why. Patients benefit from this procedure because they are at a substantially lowered risk for blood loss and infection; as ideal as an arthroscopic procedure can be, there is, however, room for improvement, especially in the area of arthroscopic surgeries on the hip joint.  Mechanical engineers, like Emily Geist are working now, in a collaborative effort with engineers at Carnegie Mellon, to ensure patients like Ellen Bloome, PT continue to receive, should they need one, successful arthroscopic surgeries in the future.

To better understand what warrants further research on arthroscopic surgeries to the hip joint, therapists may be the first to point out what a tricky place in the human body the hip joint resides. Says Geist, “The hip is a lot deeper in the body than the knee or the shoulder, and it’s a lot tighter. The hip has a ball and a socket. It’s a little more difficult to get an instrument in there. There is a navigation challenge often times when you are that deep in the body.”

Luckily, there are mechanical engineers working with surgeons, that can navigate that challenge, as evidenced in a recent article about computer aided arthroscopy becoming the wave of the future—for therapists who love a good career enhancing read, please click here to learn more about some of the inspiration and research behind medical robotics. It’s all fascinating stuff, and, who knows, it could lead to future therapist jobs at a top rehab hospital—check out Colorado Therapist Jobs to further that possibility and earn up to 20% more!

Travel Force Jobs put you close to Mardi Gras this month

Author Therapy Career Blogger | 02.08.2010 | Category Fun Events, Locations, Therapist Jobs, Therapy Jobs, Travel Therapist, physical therapy

Want a Mardi Gras party? You don’t have to go all the way to New Orleans. For the next few weeks Mardi Gras festivities are rocking the entire United States, and some of the highlights are coming to a physical therapy job near you.

This well-known event makes you think of beads, King Cake, parades snaking their way through the Big Easy, and, most recently, a winning Super Bowl team—but a couple hundred miles west of the New Orleans Saints, lies Galveston and Port Arthur, Texas, hosting big carnival fun of their own.  Check out what Mardi Gras! Glaveston! has to offer; it’s a beachfront carnival in its 99th year and parties on for 12 consecutive concert n’ cuisine filled days, from February 5th through February 16th. Why not treat yourself to a belated Valentine’s Day present?

At Mardi Gras Southeast Texas, Inc. in Port Authur, TX, you’ll find the same kind of fun from February 6 through the 11th.

If you’re really keen on the Lone Star State, we have Texas therapy jobs right now.

But what if you’re a PT in a different part of the country, and looking to catch a few beads? California Travel Therapy jobs are nearby Mardi Gras action, most notably in San Diego’s Gas Lamp Quarter; there, “Fat Tuesday” is the featured event, with masks, costumes, food and Cajun cookin’ galore. Click here to check out dates for Gas Lamp Mardi Gras fun that lasts until mid April.

But don’t give up on Mardi Gras celebrations elsewhere in the U.S. because North Carolina Therapists jobs are close to the action too, with the Asheville Mardi Gras, which has a “Wild at Heart” theme this year—scheduled for Valentine’s Day. The fun begins at 1pm and lasts into the wee hours.

No matter where you go, we’re sure, as the Mardi Gras aficionados say, it’ll be a party that’s second to none.

Top 10 Happiest States Are a Good Destination for Traveling Therapists – Part II

Author Healthcare Jobs Blogger | 01.27.2010 | Category Locations, Therapist Jobs, Therapy Jobs, Travel Therapist, Traveling Therapist

Mulling where to accept your next travel therapist job? Consider one of the Top 10 Happiest States – Louisiana, Hawaii, Florida, Tennessee, Arizona, Mississippi, Montana, South Carolina, Alabama and Maine.

These Top 10 were named in a recent report on the happiest states, which ranked all the states by combining the results from two sources: a nationwide life-satisfaction survey; plus a study gauging a variety of lifestyle factors for each state — such as how much rain and sunshine the state received, commuting time, crime rate, air quality, housing affordability, spending on education and highways, and cost of living, and lastly number of hazardous waste sites.

In Part I of our report, we’ve already described the appeal of the first five states for traveling therapists. Here are details on the second group of the Top 10 Happiest States:

Mississippi

Louisiana’s neighbor to the east. Mississippi offers many southern charms all its own. Rehabilitation therapy jobs can be found throughout the Magnolia State, our nation’s 20th — from Biloxi, the coastal gambling town; to Jackson, the history-soaked state capital; to Tupelo, the birthplace of Elvis Presley (who would have turned 75 in 2010). So, slow down and soak it all in, y’all; and when someone asks you where the best physical therapy jobs are, spell it loudly and proudly: “M—I—S—S—I—S—S—I—P—P—I!”

Montana

Are you a traveling therapist who’s longing for wide-open spaces and majestic scenery as far as the eye can see? Then head for Montana, the 41st state. Even in the capital city of Helena, the physical therapist won’t find crowds or overpopulation — unless you’re talking about bison or horses! And the Treasure State sure lives up to its nickname in the geological-wonders department, with two of the country’s premier national parks: Glacier and Yellowstone (America’s first national park!).

South Carolina

Yet another Southern state in the Top 10 (are we sensing a pattern here?!), South Carolina also offers tons of history, culture and nature to the physical therapist. From the romantic port city of Charleston and world-class resort of Hilton Head along the Atlantic coast, the Palmetto State stretches inland to the capital of Columbia, and westward to the upcountry region, with plenty of scenic mountains, lakes and waterfalls along the way. Adventurous traveling health-care professionals, take note: Our 8th state is especially renowned for its water trails – including the longest blackwater river in the nation, Edisto.

Alabama

Alabama, the 22nd state, offers lots of opportunity for the therapist who’s also a history buff – from Civil War to civil rights. Whether your physical therapy job takes you to the Gulf coast town of Mobile, or the capital of Montgomery, or the high-tech city of Huntsville, there’s sure to be plenty to keep you occupied when not on the job. For the athletically inclined, the choice of activities includes hiking, biking, rock climbing, golf, water sports, hunting, fishing and more.

Maine

Traveling therapists will find that Maine, the only Top 10 state in the northeast, is worthy of its high happiness ranking. Our 23rd state is vast in size, but modest in population. Cities such as Portland and Augusta (the capital) are pleasantly compact and livable. Plus, with more than 30 state parks and one of the finest national parks — Acadia — Maine deserves its ranking as the fourth healthiest state. Physical therapist, heal thyself: Take a hike or go rafting, or take a whale-watching cruise, then feast on freshly caught lobster. “Ayuh,” indeed!

Therapy Job Location - Los Angeles Tidbit

Author Healthcare Jobs Blogger | 01.26.2010 | Category Good restaurants nationwide, Locations, Tidbits

While on a travel therapy job in the Los Angeles area enjoy a unique “Cal-Asian” dining experience at “Yamashiro Restaurant”. Voted the most booked restaurant, so make your reservations and enjoy! Visit Yamashiro at www.yamashirorestaurant.com

Top 10 Happiest States Are Delightful Destinations for Physical Therapy Jobs – Part I

Author Healthcare Jobs Blogger | 01.25.2010 | Category Allied Healthcare, Locations, Therapist Jobs, physical therapy, rehabilitation therapy

Now that it’s a new year, with brand-new opportunities opening up in travel therapist jobs, it’s time to make some decisions about where you might want to head for you next assignment.

Like many other traveling health-care professionals, you’re probably ready for some adventure in an exciting new location, someplace where the locals are friendly – and happy. So, consider taking a pt job in one of the Top 10 happiest states: Louisiana, Hawaii, Florida, Tennessee, Arizona, Mississippi, Montana, South Carolina, Alabama and Maine.

These top 10 were named in a recent report on the happiest states, which ranked all the states by combining the results from two sources: a nationwide life-satisfaction survey; plus a study gauging a variety of lifestyle factors for each state — such as how much rain and sunshine the state received, commuting time, crime rate, air quality, housing affordability, spending on education and highways, and cost of living, and lastly number of hazardous waste sites.

Here’s the lowdown on the first five of the Top 10 Happiest States – and what’s so great about them for the traveling therapist.

Louisiana

Despite hurricane Katrina, which occurred after the happiest-states report was compiled, Louisiana still manages to retain its easy-going reputation and Southern charm. For the physical therapists who are outdoors fans, the state earns its nickname as “Sportsman’s Paradise,” with miles of hiking and biking trails, and 20 state parks. From the Cajun- and Creole-infused coastal city of New Orleans, to the state capital of Baton Rouge, to tiny towns deep in the bayou, rehabilitation therapy jobs can let you explore all of the attractions of this 18th’ state.

Hawaii

What physical therapist wouldn’t want to say “aloha” to this tropical paradise? Hawaii’s charms are all well-documented by now: the world-class beaches (Waikiki or Honolulu); the awesome water sports (surfing, snorkeling, sailing); the exotic flora and fauna that inhabit the string of islands (Oahu, Maui, Molokai, etc.); the spectacular mountain peaks and lava beds that flow directly into the sea (Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hilo). Hawaii may have entered the union last, but it’s certainly not least on anyone’s wish list!

Florida

The Sunshine State, which happens to have the highest percentage population of seniors, is rife with travel therapist jobs! The panhandle-shaped 27th state, which stretches from Pensacola to Jacksonville to Tampa to Miami, boasts some of America’s oldest history. (Come to think of it, couldn’t Juan Ponce de Leon be considered the first traveling “therapist” to head for Florida?) With its casual, relaxed reputation, balmy climate, miles of beaches, scores of golf courses, and — did we mention? — plethora of theme parks, Florida is a top destination for many traveling professionals.

Tennessee

Therapists who choose a pt job in Tennessee are in for a hoot of a good time. For physical therapists who are music lovers, the country-music (and state) capital of Nashville, or the blues-music (and Elvis!) capital of Memphis are sure to be a huge draw. For outdoors lovers, the area’s many mountains, lakes and rivers (including the mighty Mississippi) offer the chance to experience some thrilling adventures. This 16th state’s motto, “America at its best,” seems quite fitting for a place that offers such a rich mixture of history, culture, and nature.

Arizona

Arizona is fast closing in on Florida’s claim as the leader in retirement living, making it another great location for rehabilitation therapy jobs. It’s the only Top 10 happiest state located in the Southwest — a desirable destination in and of itself. From saguaro cacti-surrounded Tucson in the south, to sprawling Phoenix mid-state, to new-agey Sedona further north, the physical therapist is bound to find a place worth spending some time in. Oh, and the 48th state also contains a modest little attraction you might have heard of: It’s called the Grand Canyon.

Still not convinced you’ve found your ideal destination for a physical therapy job? Then check out the second grouping of five in our Top 10 Happiest States, Part II.