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Neurodynamic Solution, Australia in cooperation with Somatic Philippines and Integrated Manual Physical Therapy invites you to the very first Certification Course in Neurodynamic Solution in the Philippines.

When & Where
April 24-27, 2009
Venue - to be announced

Course Instructor
Kiran Challagundla, BPT, MPT, MIAP, FAGE
Master of Orthopedics, Sport and Manual Physiotherapy

Currently:
Consultant Physiotherapist - Spintas HealthCare, Hyderabad .
Member - Global Teaching Group, Neurodynamic Solutions (NDS).
Director & Course instructor - Maitland’s Foundation for Sports & Manual Therapy

Former Physiotherapist for:
Deccan Chargers (DC), Indian Premier League (IPL).
Hyderabad Heroes, Indian Cricket League (ICL).
CBCOC - The Dolphins Football Club, Adelaide , Australia .

Certification Details
The participants will receive 2 certificates (1 each for the Upper and Lower quarters) certified by Neurodynamic Solutions (NDS), Adelaide, Australia signed by Michael Shacklock that are valid worldwide. These certificates are the same certificates that are given by Michael to all the participants who attend his workshop worldwide.

Course manual: Candidates who attend NDS course will receive a 200-page Course Manual prepared by Mr. Michael Shacklock himself, and will be the same one which Michael gives to all the participants who attend NDS courses worldwide.

Teaching topics and teaching material: The teaching topics, Powerpoint presentation and Course syllabus and material will be the same one that was prepared by Michael Shacklock himself, and is the same material that is taught by Michael worldwide.

Free NDS Newsletters: All articipants who attend the NDS course will be automatically registered in the NDS group, and will receive regular NDS news letters through E-mail. These NDS news letters are written by Michael Shacklock, and contains most updated Scientific Research in Neurodynamics, Clinical solutions, conference announcements, books and other resources, web links – other physiotherapy / physical therapy and educational groups, search engines and physical therapy databases.

Course Fee
Up to March 31, 2009: P12,000
April 1 up to April 23, 2009: P16,000
On-site registration: P20,000

To reserve a slot, you may pay 50% of the fee set for the time you would register. The payment is NON-REFUNDABLE but TRANSFERRABLE.

For inquiries, you may text or call (63) 9194077701 (Valentin C. Dones III) or (63) 9274814155 (Leomil Adriano).

You may visit the website www.neurodynamicsolutions.com to check more about Neurodynamic Solution.

Our colleagues in India have sent us an invitation to a course they are conducting for therapists who want to be certified practitioners in Sensory Integration. Details are as follows:

Be an internationally known Sensory Integration Certified Therapist!

Course approved by the Department of Occupational Therapy & Occupational Science, University of Southern California, USA & Western Psychological Services, USA

Complete All Required Four Courses:
Course I: The Sensory Integration Perspective
Course II: Specialized Technique for measuring Sensory Integration
Course III: From Interpretation to intervention
Course IV: Sensory Integration Intervention

Hands On Therapy Concepts™ is proud to announce ALL FOUR courses to be held on the following dates with the following speakers:
Course I - Gretchen Reeves: January 16th through January 20th, 2009
Course II - Shay McAtee: January 22nd through January 26th, 2009
Course III - Erna Blanche: January 30th through February 3rd, 2009
Course IV - Sue Trautman: May 15th through May 19th, 2009

COURSE FEE: US$695/PER COURSE OR (INR 33708)
Last date of payment: 31st December, 2008.
For more details visit http://sensoryindia.tripod.com/.

U.S. News has released their “Best Careers 2009” list which is a profile of 30 careers that offer strong outlooks and high job satisfaction. It’s great to see OT and PT on the list.

Best Careers 2009: Occupational Therapist
By Marty Nemko
Posted December 11, 2008
Overview. We take for granted our ability to button a shirt, use a computer, or drive a car. But many people—injured adults, children born with disabilities, elders beset by aging—cannot assume those skills. The occupational therapist helps such people live as fully and independently as possible. Thirty percent of OTs work in schools, helping, for example, autistic kids learn how to interact with other children. The majority of OTs work in hospitals or visit patients in their homes.

Read more »

Best Careers 2009: Physical Therapist
By Marty Nemko
Posted December 11, 2008
Overview. Next to the clergy, physical therapy ranked highest in job satisfaction, according to a survey conducted by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago. More than three quarters of physical therapists reported being “very satisfied” with their occupation. In a similar survey by the Wall Street Journal’s Career Journal, physical therapy rated one of the eight best careers.
Read more »

Here’s an excerpt from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) press release.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY RECOGNIZED AS A “BEST CAREER” BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
Makes List Second Year in a Row

Bethesda, MD — After recently being ranked No. 18 in Laurence Shatkin’s, Ph.D., “150 Best Recession-Proof Jobs” (JIST, 2008), U.S. News & World Report named occupational therapist to its “Best Careers 2009” list. This is the second consecutive year occupational therapy has received this honor.

This year, U.S. News & World Report scored hundreds of careers on five criteria:
1. Job outlook
2. Average job satisfaction
3. Difficulty of the required training
4. Prestige
5. Pay

Read more »

Merry Christmas everyone! For this special occasion we are paying a tribute to our schools as we celebrate this season of unity and happiness.

Angeles University Foundation
Arellano University
Asian College of Technology
Baguio Central University
BIT International College
Calayan Education Foundation, Inc.
Cebu Doctors’ University College of Rehabilitative Sciences
Central Luzon Doctors’ Hospital – Educational Institution
City College of Manila
De La Salle Health Sciences Institute
Davao Doctor’s College
Emilio Aguinaldo College
Far Eastern University – Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation
Iloilo Doctors’ College
Liceo de Cagayan University
Manila Central University
Mariano Marcos State University
Medina College
Misamis University
Northwestern University
Our Lady of Fatima University
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
Philippine Rehabilitation Institute Foundation Inc.
Riverside College
San Juan de Dios Educational Foundation, Inc.
Silliman University
Southwestern University College of Physical Therapy
St. Paul University System
University of Baguio
University of Batangas
University of Bohol
University of Pangasinan
University of Perpetual Help Rizal
University of Santo Tomas
University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center
University of the Philippines
Velez College

Credits to GG for drawing up this comprehensive list. If we missed out on your college or university, please leave a comment here so we can add it to our list.

Have a wonderful holiday once again, and we thank you all for your continued support.

When & Where
9-12 February 2009
Las Vegas, Nevada

About Combined Sections Meeting (CSM)

The Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) is a unique conference that focuses on programming designed by all 18 of APTA’s specialty sections. This spectacular event brings together more than 7,000 physical therapy professionals from around the nation for 5 stimulating days of cutting-edge programming, networking opportunities, and an exhibit hall filled with products and services to keep you current.

For more information on this event, click here.

Here is an announcement from the OTAP.

The Occupational Therapy Association of the Philippines, Inc. is proud to announce the creation of the OTAP Pediatric Special Interest Group (SIG). The SIG was formally launched on Nov. 23, 2008 and its board elected.

Chairperson: Mr. R. Lyle Duque
Vice Chairperson: Ms. Julie del Rosario
Secretary: Ms. Anna Sebastian

Membership in the SIG is open to all OTAP members (students, graduates, regular members, affiliates). For those interested in joining the group, please send the following information to otap_inc@yahoo. com:

• Name;
• Membership Status (student, regular member, graduate member, affiliate);
• School/ Place of Work (and include type of work setting [e.g. special school, private therapy center; hospital]);
• If you are a student, indicate your year level;
• Contact Number/s (Please include work and mobile numbers); and
• Email Address

Please make sure that you send your complete details so your membership application can be processed.

Here’s a chance for photo enthusiasts to join the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) first worldwide Photography Competition.

The competition forms part of WCPT’s efforts to raise awareness of physical therapy internationally and the role it plays in global health. Photographs may be submitted by amateurs and professionals alike. The competition offers everyone the chance to become involved in how physical therapy is globally portrayed.

Outstanding images are being sought from across the full range of physical therapy; practice, education and research. The photographs may be used on WCPT’s website, in print publications and in presentations.

The images selected will:
• reflect practice of high quality
• show physical therapy across the lifespan
• illustrate the full scope of practice and a variety of practice settings

Images are to be taken at the best quality available. When photographs are submitted, please also provide evidence that any necessary permissions have been obtained, particularly if patients/clients are featured in the photographs. Students/models/actors may be used.

The closing date for entries is 20th January 2009. Please email entries (or direct any enquiries) to Mia Lockner at mlockner@wcpt.org. All winning entries and selected photographs will be featured on the WCPT website.

Source: WCPT

Ran off to Hidalgo after work yesterday and got this baby. I am a happy bunny. I can’t wait to test it!

• Locals like the waiters serving your breakfasts and taxi drivers would definitely prefer big spending tourists rather than seeing a flock of travelers. Explanation: Locals always prefer a bus full of Japanese tourists than a Boeing 747 full of backpackers.

• One traveler said that if you go to another country, sit in your hotel the whole time, maybe only leave it to go and eat at a restaurant that is themed for foreign visitors to seem like you have never left your own country and if you never even interact with any locals in a destination, then it could not be called as TRAVEL

• Tourists ditch the backpack and instead prefer those bags with wheels that you can easily drag from the airport up to your hotel/resort/motel/hostel. When you open a tourist’s bag you can smell perfumes which were all bought from the Duty Free shop unlike a traveler’s bag which emits a spicy scent of clothes that haven’t been washed for days or even weeks.

• Few tourists go traveling alone while backpacking travelers often vagabond solo. For a start, luxury hotels would be charging extra for a single supplement.

• There is an irony in the sense that the “self-labeled” traveler begins to define himself against the habits of a tourist. Some judge it by how meager the lodgings or how low the budget rather than a personal navigation of the transformative experience.

• It is sad to know that tourists are looked down on by travelers, but to an expat there is no difference between the two. But to a local, an expat may as well be an extended tourist.

According to travel writer Rolf Potts “The tourist/traveler distinction has largely degenerated into a cliquish sort of fashion dichotomy: Instead of seeking the challenges that mindful travel requires, we can simply point to a few stereotypical ‘tourists’, make some jokes at their expense, and consider ourselves ‘travelers’ by default.”

So now, are you a traveler or a tourist?

Here is a (not so) new announcement from the Council of Occupational Therapists Registration Boards (Australia and New Zealand), Inc. about the implementation of expiry dates for Stage I Desktop Audits.

Stage I Expiry Dates (posted 10 November 2008)

As of 1 July 2009 overseas trained occupational therapists, who do not have an expiry date on their Stage I Desktop Assessment (suitable letter) are required to undertake a review of ability to meet the requirements of the Assessment before undertaking the Stage II Practice Audit.

Until 1 July 2009 all persons in the above category are deemed suitable to apply for a Stage II Practice Audit.

The required documentation to accompany an application for review are as follows-

Current English language proficiency requirements (within the last 2 years),
Current reference (within preceding 12 months)
Certificate of Good Standing (if applicable).
The review will also apply to persons who wish to apply for the Stage II Practice Audit after the expiry date shown on their Stage I Desktop Assessment is expired.

The fee for this review is $100.

Source: COTRB, Inc.

When and Where
9 January 2009
Moro Lorenzo Sports Center
Quezon City, Philippines
6:00 - 8:00 PM

Topics Covered
“LATERAL HIP PAIN: IS IT REALLY BURSITIS?”
Signs and Symptoms
Physical Assessment
Special Tests
Range of Motion
Differential Diagnosis
Diagnosis: used to be called Trochanteric Bursitis: NOW GLUTEUS MEDIUS TENDINOPATHY
Treatment

Fee
PhP 300 + 12% VAT

To register, kindly email Mr. Albert Ang at albertusrattus@yahoo.com. Early registration is encouraged as session is limited only to 35 participants.

Resource Speaker
Trina Lat, PTRP, MPhtySt(Sports Phty), Dip Rem Mas

Trina is a graduate of the University of Santo Tomas and is a registered physiotherapist in the Philippines and Australia. She completed a post-graduate degree in sports physiotherapy in 2005 from the University of Queensland and she is currently undergoing the process of being titled sports physiotherapist in Australia. She has also obtained a Diploma in Remedial Massage from the Australian College of Natural Medicine in 2006. Trina is working for PhysioTec physiotherapy, a private practice owned by known hip specialist Alison Grimaldi, and specializes in the hip and lower limb injuries.She has also worked with Mayne Tigers, an Australian Rules Football team for
the past 4 years as a sports trainer and physiotherapist.

This is the 2nd to the last of my series of absolutely FREE tickets because of the generosity of Cebu Pacific Air. To end my traveling spree in a high note, me and my family are now booked in a 2-bedroom suite at Waterfront Hotel & Casino in Lahug, Cebu City also for FREE including FREE buffet daily breakfasts and FREE airport transfers. Sorry, I am not at liberty to disclose here in my blog why are we not going to pay for our stay in the said hotel All I can say is that I am very thankful for the generous offer given to us.

the above photo was taken from http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=646758&page=20

The College of Occupational Therapists has recently launched a new publication available for download in PDF form for both BAOT members and non-members.

The publication presents the strategic goals that will steer the College and its members for the next three years, to:

• Ensure service users, employees and employers have access to occupational therapy within all vocational rehabilitation services.
• Promote good practice, guidance and information so that service users and employees who wish to return to, remain in or take up work receive high quality, evidenced based occupational therapy.
• Support the continued development of an occupational therapy workforce that is fit for the future and able to meet the challenges of the Government’;s health and wellbeing policies.

Click here to download a copy for free.

There is an unexplained jovial ecstatic animated feeling that build the foundation of most successful travel stories shared with friends, family and strangers. My friends are always asking me why I enjoy traveling. First thing first, traveling is quite addictive so by just saying that I don’t need to explain my point further. Nevertheless, for the next paragraphs I will share to you some of my most frequent response to my friends who are curious to know the hidden joys and pains of traveling.

1. Believe it or not, traveling is cheaper than what most people think

If you know very well when, where and how to go to a certain place through persistent research then you will save not only money during your travel but also you will save time asking strangers for directions and it may also save your life as you will find out what to do and not to do in a particular place. Like a boy scout, you should always be prepared in case there is a seat sale being offered by an airline or room discounts being offered by a hotel or resort. I already experienced traveling outside the country in a 5-star flag carrier (as accredited by Skytrax) for just the same price of a low-cost carrier ticket going to Davao (no it’s not Philippine Airlines as it is only a 3-star airline according to Skytrax). I am not just being lucky as I availed it again for my April 2009 travel for Cambodia. If you don’t look for a bargain then you will never find one. In other words, if you patiently look for it you will find it.

2. I love learning new and exciting cultures.

This is the most common answer on why people want to travel. Well, it is 100% true. New place, new culture, new experience, new life lessons.

3. Eat anything exotic for your taste without thinking about your diet and counting calories

It’s so passe saying that what is exotic to you may be just ordinary to others. For me, ordinary or exotic is just one and the same. If it looks good, just eat it.

The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD), Philippines would like to invite you to their conference in January 2009 in Makati City, Philippines.

When & Where
29-31 January 2009
Every Nation - Leader Institute
32nd Street cor. University Parkway, Bonifacio Global City, Makati City, Philippines

Guest Speaker
Rita R. Jordan, B.Sc. M.Sc. M.A. PhD. C.Psychol. OBE

For more information, click here.

Good Autism Practice Conference

We received an invitation to the Philippine Physical Therapy Association, Inc.’s 44th Foundation Anniversary General Assembly for this year. Details are as follows.

When & Where
December 13, 2008 (Saturday)
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
AVR 805, Building 7, Emilio Aguinaldo College,
San Marcelino St. corner Gonzales St., Ermita, Manila, Philippines

Program Content

I. Retracing the Changes in the Definition of PT: From Occupation to Profession
Speaker: Maria Eliza Ruiz-Aguila, MPhysio, PTRP

II. The Integrated Neuromuscular Taping Therapy: Manual PT Approach
Speaker: Valentin C. Dones III, MSPT, PTRP, COMT, DMS, MP, AT

III. 2009 PPTA Convention Announcements

IV. Special Interest Groups Announcements

Seminar Fees

PPTA Members: 100.00
Non-members: 300.00
Undergraduate Students: 200.00

Fees are inclusive of snacks, seminar materials and certificate.

Registration Sites

Emilio Aguinaldo College
School of Occupational and Physical Therapy
look for Mr. Napoleon Caballero

University of the Philippines Manila
College of Public Health
Department of Occupational Health and Safety
look for Ms. Gayline Manalang

University of the Philippines Manila
College of Allied Medical Professions
look Mr. Fer Mendoza

University of Santo Tomas
College of Rehabilitation Sciences
look for Mr. Donald Lipardo or Mr. Valentin Dones

University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical College
College of Physical Therapy
look for Ms. Josephine Mata

Mariano Marcos State University
College of Health Sciences
look for Mr. Baldhomero Ranjo II

PPTA Office (every Tuesday and Thursday only)
Room 107 PMA Building, PMA Complex
North Avenue (Beside SM City The Block), Diliman, Quezon City
look for Rhenier

For more information, you may contact the PPTA at (63) 916-5615061.

Last 1 December 2008 marked the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. While we have come a long way since 1988, there is still much more to be done. Get involved.

Visit www.worldaidscampaign.org to learn more.

Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise.

Click here to view Occupational therapy strategies for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Our very own, People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao did it again! Congratulations, Manny! You just made every Filipinos around the world proud!

Yahoo! Sports featured the following a few hours after the bout:

Pacquiao Makes De La Hoya Quit After Eight
By Kevin Iole, Yahoo! Sports

LAS VEGAS – Round-by-round coverage of pound-for-pound kingpin Manny Pacquiao’s welterweight victory over Oscar De La

2008 Theme: “Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Dignity and justice for all of us”

Dignity and justice for all of us is the theme of this year’s International Day for Persons with Disabilities, as well as for the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Dignity and justice for all persons are established universal principles.  Since its inception, the United Nations has recognized that the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family are the foundations of freedom, justice and peace in the world.  These principles, along with equality and non-discrimination, have guided the work of the United Nations for the past 60 years and are enshrined in various instruments such as the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as in treaties such as the International Covenants on Human Rights, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.  These instruments are among those which  make up the international human rights framework, are complementary and reaffirm that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interrelated, interdependent and mutually reinforcing.

Read more »

Source: UN Enable

The American Occupational Therapy Association has announced a new podcast series that features occupational therapists and their perspectives on consumer health topics.

Helping people of all ages live life to its fullest—the goal of occupational therapy—is the fundamental purpose of this monthly series.

Each 15-minute podcast will address a different way in which occupational therapy helps people prevent—or live better after—illness, injury, or some form of disability.

Occupational therapy practitioners: We encourage you to download the audio files and share them with your current and potential clients. Additionally, visit OTConnections after each episode to continue the discussion.

Click here for current podcasts.

Quoted below is an excerpt of the AOTA news article featuring the OT’s brand: “Living Life To Its Fullest.”

No one can control the hands of time.

No one can slow down the hands of time.

Occupational therapy practitioners however, can do something even more special—maximize the time they are fortunate enough to spend with clients to ensure those clients are doing their best no matter what challenges they face.

Indeed, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants enable people to thrive, adjust to disability or limitations, and design their lives as they want.  Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants create ways for individuals to live life to its fullest…no matter what.

“Living Life To Its Fullest”™ is what occupational therapy is truly all about.

Read more

When & Where
20 – 22 August 2009
Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Sydney, Australia

With its theme of Connecting Today: Inspiring Tomorrow, APAC 09 will bring together educators, researchers, service providers and practitioners, people with an autism spectrum disorder, families and carers from across Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

APAC 09 will feature international and local speakers. Through the three day conference, delegates will pursue four conference streams in research papers, personal narratives, symposiums, and skill building workshops:

• Epidemiology, Causes and Diagnosis
• Life Span
• Family Life, Family Functioning and Family Resilience
• Autism across Australia and the Asia Pacific Region symposiums.

APAC 09 is co-hosted by Autism Spectrum Australia and the Australian Advisory Board on Autism Spectrum Disorders. It incorporates the 2009 Biennial Australian Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders.

For more information and/or registration, click here.