Music therapy is the use of music to gain physical and emotional healing and wellness. A trained and certified music therapist can provide music therapy. Therapy sessions can involve listening to music, music-making, or both. Music-making is a healthy way of expressing yourself.

Discusses aromatherapy (essential oils therapy) to treat disease. Includes oils that are put on the skin or in bath water, sprayed, inhaled, or massaged. Looks at uses to relax, relieve stress, and treat illness. Covers safety.

Physical therapists are health professionals who evaluate physical problems and injuries, then provide education and treatment to promote health and physical function. Physical therapists also develop programs that include exercise and stretching to increase fitness and prevent injury. A physical therapist provides...

Respiratory therapists (RTs) are health professionals who evaluate, treat, and care for people who have breathing problems. Respiratory therapists use oxygen, medicines, and mechanical measures such as chest percussion to help people breathe more effectively. Most respiratory therapists work under the direct supervision...

Manual therapy is a general term for treatment done mostly with the hands. The goals of manual therapy include relaxation, less pain, and more flexibility. Manual therapy can include: Massage. Pressure is applied to the soft tissues of the body, such as the muscles. Massage can help relax muscles, increase circulation...

Recreational therapists are health and rehabilitation professionals who provide treatment services and recreation activities to people who have disabilities or illnesses. They are also called therapeutic recreation specialists. Recreational therapists use arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement...

Physical therapy is treatment to improve mobility (such as walking, going up stairs, or getting in and out of bed), to relieve pain, and to restore physical function and overall fitness. The physical therapist uses exercise, manual therapy, education, and modalities such as heat, cold, and electrical stimulation to work...

Light therapy is the main treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It's used for other conditions too. It is exposure to light that is brighter than indoor light but not as bright as direct sunlight. The most common light therapy uses a special type of fluorescent light, called a light box. Light therapy is...

Covers using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify and change behaviors that can make pain worse. Includes why it's used, how well it works, and any risks.

The terms counselor and therapist cover a variety of trained professionals. The differences between therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors may not be as important to you as finding someone with whom you are comfortable. Professionals who might provide counseling services include: Social workers (MSW...

Occupational therapists are health and rehabilitation professionals who help people regain, develop, and build skills that are important for independent functioning, health, well-being, security, and happiness. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages who, because of illness, injury, developmental delays, or...

Occupational therapy is treatment to help people live as independently as possible. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages who, because of illness, injury, developmental delays, or psychological problems, need assistance in learning skills to help them lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives...

A family member or friend could give you a massage. Or you could get a professional massage. In either case, there are things you can do to help make sure that the massage is safe. If you get a professional massage, tell your massage therapist that you are pregnant. Be sure that your massage therapist has special...

Provides tips for managing swelling from lymphedema. Covers symptoms to watch for, ways to keep lymph fluid moving, and tips for protecting and caring for the affected arm or leg.

Comprehensive rehabilitation (rehab) programs offer treatment for low back pain. They may use physical therapy, pain management with medicine and coping skills, and other medical treatments. These programs teach you how to care for your back and how to prevent reinjury. If you have long-term pain, they teach you how to...

Discusses exercise, manual therapy, and education for chronic conditions like COPD or arthritis. Covers goals that include increasing flexibility, strength, and endurance. Covers what to expect.

Chronic pain often requires both counseling and medical treatment, because it can have a wearing effect on both the body and the mind. At a pain management clinic, you can get multidisciplinary treatment from a team of specialists, including:

Learn tips for choosing a counselor or therapist for your child.

Therapy is used to help improve specific skills that are lost or damaged due to MS. MS can cause problems with muscle control and strength, vision, and balance. It can also affect your thinking. Your therapy needs may change over time as your symptoms change. There are many types of therapy that can help you function...