Therapy is used to improve the human condition, including physical ailments or injury, mental illness, stress, or depression. There is a therapy for almost every type of condition. For instance, massage therapy is used for stress relief, muscular aches or headaches. Sports therapy is used to address physical problems or aggression issues. The following are a few different forms of therapy.
Animal-Assisted Therapy
Animal-assisted therapy uses animals to provide treatment for people. Different types of animals like birds, cats, dogs, rabbits, or dolphins are trained to improve social, physical or emotional functioning. Animal therapy works under the assumption that animals and humans can connect on a deeper level.
Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy is a form of therapy that is performed in water. Patients suffering from chronic illnesses or joint and muscle pain are treated using this methodology. The fluidity and resistance of the water helps patients build and strengthen muscles as they move.
Art Therapy
Art therapy uses materials such as chalk, paints or markers to express emotion. The therapy is based on the theory of using creative processes to design various artworks to achieve relaxation and explore different emotions in a safe environment. This method of therapy helps the patients by allowing them to express complicated emotions in a controlled and safe environment and gives them control over those emotions. In this way, they can learn to handle stress or traumatic situations in a constructive and healthy manner.
- American Art Therapy Association
- Art Therapy
- Information on Art Therapy
- Why Art Therapy is Important
Dance Therapy
Dance therapy is a methodology that is used to address and heal emotional and physical pain. This method of therapy started in the 1940s. Today, there are many different forms of techniques of dance therapy. It is believed that dance movements strengthen the connection of body and mind, helping to improve the physical and mental wellbeing.
Equine Therapy
In equine therapy, trained horses and therapists are used to provide treatment. Therapeutic horseback riding can be used to help people with disabilities learn patience and develop life skills and confidence. It is also found to be effective in treating emotional, cognitive, and physical conditions, as well as autism in children.
- National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy
- Equine Therapy Center
- Equine Therapy & Autism in Kids
Holistic Therapy
An alternative method of providing treatment, holistic therapy includes using herbs or natural products. The medicines used for holistic treatment varies from one country to other. A form of holistic treatment is aromatherapy, in which essential oils, flower, and herbs are used to promote the wellbeing. This form of therapy is effective in reducing stress. Some other forms of holistic therapies are naturopathy, herbalism, ayurveda, hypnosis, yoga, homeopathy, nutrition based therapies, and acupuncture.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy uses the method of applying pressure and natural oils on the superficial layers of connective tissues and muscles. The method helps to relax muscles and promote general well-being. Massage improves blood circulation to the tissues and hastens the growth of new tissues. The body parts directly affected by the application of balanced pressure are the skin, joints, tendons, muscles, gastrointestinal system, and lymphatic vessels. The hand, fingers, forearms, knees, and feet are used in massage therapy.
Music Therapy
Music is used to reduce stress and provide a feeling of general or emotional wellbeing. Music therapy helps to improve one’s functioning and quality of life in many different domains. It improves developmental, social, emotional, and cognitive functioning. Many other therapies are combined with music therapy to achieve a higher result. Therapists, such as occupational therapists and psychologists, often suggest music therapy to help their patients.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a method of therapy by which patients are encouraged to enjoy life socially so that they can deliver better work. In this form of therapy, patients are provided with programs of self-care, leisure, domestic activities, and community activities so that they can enjoy their lives more fully. Occupational therapists try to provide the social, environmental, and political stimulus which is usually absent in a specific occupation.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy helps people to keep their body health. Some people find it difficult to move certain body parts after an accident, a medical condition or surgery. The movement can be caused by environmental factors, aging or injury. Physical therapists identify the problem within the muscular layers and help their clients to move their body parts so that they can enjoy a better life.
Sports Therapy
Sports therapy is similar to physical therapy whereby therapists use certain methodologies to treat injured sportsmen and sportswomen. The therapist is trained to provide first aid in case of injuries as well as treatment to aid in the recovery process. Sports therapists also provide sports massage which is designed as per the needs of a particular game. The therapist uses sports principles to prevent injuries and prepare a sportsperson for a contest. Some of the common sports therapies are: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE) and Active, Release, Techniques (ART).
Wilderness Therapy
Wilderness therapy is a form of adventure-based therapy in which a number of programs are included to inculcate self-reliance and a sense of self-respect. A number of teenagers in the US were treated with this therapy, and they reported that the program helped them to develop a positive outlook to enjoy life more fully. Some of the elements emphasized in wilderness therapy are self-reliance, independence, maturity, and assertiveness.
Yoga Therapy
Originating from India, yoga is a meditative practice that is used in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. Yoga provides certain methodologies, in which, various body postures, and breathing techniques are used to treat a number serious illness. Yoga tries to balance mental, physical, and verbal energies together to achieve total wellbeing of body, soul, and spirit. The Hindu text Bhagvad Gita introduces three forms of yoga called Karma Yoga (work), Bhakti Yoga (devotion), and Jnana Yoga (knowledge).
